Table of Contents
Watch Me Make It:
If you’re looking for the kind of appetizer that turns heads, disappears fast, and leaves people begging you for the recipe, let me introduce you to bacon lollipops. These sweet, spicy, crispy pork candy skewers are ridiculously easy to make, and they’ve got the kind of flavor that makes your eyes roll back on the first bite. Whether it’s your first time trying a bacon-on-a-stick recipe or you’re a seasoned bacon lover, this one’s a showstopper.
I’ve made these bacon lollipops for everything from backyard BBQs to game day spreads and even a random Tuesday night when I wanted something smoky and fun. The combination of dark brown sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper gives these thick slabs of smoked bacon a caramelized crust that is pure magic. And let’s be honest, anytime you can serve pork belly on a stick, you’re winning.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one’s perfect for any special event or casual weekend hangout—because bacon pops are the universal language of love.You only need a few basic ingredients, and the prep is super simple—no fancy gear, just a baking pan, some parchment paper, and your oven. The flavor hits that perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and smoky, thanks to natural flavors from the glaze and seasoning.
Ingredients / Tools You’ll Need
- 1 lb thick cut bacon
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- Wooden skewers (or metal skewers if you prefer)
- Wire rack
- Sheet pan or cookie sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Small bowl
Instructions
Preparation
Preheat your smoker or oven to 375 degrees F. You want medium heat to start caramelizing that sugar without burning the bacon. Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes so they don’t burn up in the oven or smoker. I do this right after I preheat the oven—easy multitasking. Using a sharp knife, slice each slab of bacon in half. This gives you the perfect size for bacon lollipops that’ll fit well on a stick and crisp up evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together your dark brown sugar, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. This combo is your magic dust—it coats the bacon and creates that sweet heat finish. Toss each piece of bacon into the mixture, a few at a time, and make sure they get a good coating. You want that sugar to cling like it means business.
Cooking
Thread each piece of bacon onto a wooden skewer. Lay them flat in a single layer on a wire rack set over a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Make sure none of the bacon is touching. This helps it crisp up evenly and gives you that caramelized edge we all love in gourmet bacon lollipops.
Slide the whole tray into your oven or smoker and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes or so—temps can vary, and you want them golden and sizzling, not burnt. Once the bacon lollipops reach that perfect amber color, pull them out and let them rest for 10 minutes. That rest time is key—it helps the sugar set and keeps everything from falling apart when you bite in.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these bacon lollipops warm, straight off the stick.
- They go great with a drizzle of honey mustard glaze or even a swipe of rich maple syrup.
- If you’re putting together a full spread, pair them with other smoky treats like maple bacon lollipops or bbq bacon bites for the ultimate bacon lover experience.
Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
If you’re going for extra heat, sprinkle in a little cayenne pepper or chili powder into the sugar mix. You could even go bold with Jamaican jerk seasoning or a light Caribbean jerk glaze if you’re feeling adventurous. To keep leftovers (if you have any), store the bacon lollipops in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their texture for a couple of days and reheat well in a 300-degree oven.
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You can use small skewers or even metal skewers if you’re grilling these on indirect heat instead of baking. Adjust cook times depending on how crispy you want them, and watch closely if you’re using a grill. If you want to turn up the presentation for a party, insert each lollipop stick into a piece of styrofoam or a wooden block to make a bacon bouquet. It’s a fun and ridiculous way to serve something that already feels over-the-top in the best way.
Variations
Swap out the red pepper for chili powder or cayenne pepper if you like your bacon pops with more of a smoky flavor. Try brushing with your favorite hot honey or honey mustard glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra shine and stickiness.
Want something with more crunch? After baking, dust with a tiny bit of sea salt or use a maple bacon lollipop glaze with cracked pepper for a salty-sweet finish. Or for a breakfast version, throw a couple of these bacon lollipops on a plate with eggs and pancakes and call it a morning win. Doesn’t matter what time of day it is—bacon always works.
If you’re hosting a special event, holiday brunch, or just want to feel fancy on a Tuesday, bacon lollipops are the answer. They’re portable, bold, and pack all the best parts of thick slabs of smoked bacon into one little bite on a stick.
I’ve made these dozens of times, and I’m telling you—they vanish fast. So go ahead and make a double batch. Your future self will thank you.
Other Recipes You’ll Love:
- Easy Root Beer Candied Bacon Recipe
- BEST Fireball Whiskey Glazed Candied Bacon Recipe
- Dr. Pepper Candied Bacon Recipe
- Coca-Cola Candied Bacon – The Best Pork Candy Ever
- Candied Bacon Butter – Perfect Easy Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 LB Bacon Thick Cut
- ½ C Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
- 1 TBSP Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Preheat smoker or oven to 375F
- Soak wooden skewers in water
- Slice slab of bacon in half as shown, and set aside
- In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, black pepper, onion powder & red pepper mix well to combine. A few at a time, place halved bacon slices into the sugar mixture and toss well to coat.
- Thread each piece of bacon on a wooden skewer, and place on wire baking rack in a single layer – make sure they're not touching.
- Place in oven or smoker for 35-45 minutes until a golden amber color
- Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
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