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When it comes to irresistible snacks, candied bacon is hands down one of the best things you can bring to the table. But when you add Coca-Cola into the mix? You’re looking at a delicious recipe that takes this porky treat to the next level. The subtle sweetness from the Coca-Cola, paired with the caramelization of brown sugar and a hint of chili powder, creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Whether you’re preparing this for a game day party, serving it as part of a brunch spread, or sneaking a few strips as a midnight snack, this recipe is going to earn a top spot in your rotation. So, let’s break down exactly how to make this mouthwatering candied bacon recipe step-by-step.
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Preparation Steps
Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need:
Ingredients:
- 7.5 oz Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon strips
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven or Smoker: Set your oven or smoker to 375°F.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, and garlic powder. Pour the Coca-Cola in slowly to prevent it from foaming over.
- Arrange the Bacon: Lay your thick-cut bacon strips on a wire rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure they’re close but not overlapping.
- Brush with Glaze: Using a brush, generously coat each strip with your Coca-Cola glaze.
- Cook the Bacon: Place the baking sheet in the oven or smoker and cook for 45-50 minutes. Check on it around the 30-35 minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Rest and Harden: Once done, let your bacon rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the caramelized sugars to set.
This preparation ensures every bite of your candied bacon is perfectly crispy, sweet, and packed with flavor.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Candied Bacon
To achieve that perfect texture and flavor, here are a few cooking tips:
- Temperature Control: Always cook at medium heat (around 375°F) for even caramelization without burning.
- Use a Wire Rack: Cooking on a wire rack prevents the bacon strips from sitting in grease, allowing them to crisp up evenly.
- Monitor the Glaze: Keep an eye on the bacon after the 30-minute mark. The sugars from the brown sugar and Coca-Cola can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Space out the bacon evenly on the rimmed baking sheet to allow proper airflow.
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Smoking Option
If you’re using a smoker, add a wood like hickory or applewood for an extra smoky dimension to your candied bacon. Just make sure to maintain that medium heat to prevent burning.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
Even the best cooks can run into a few hiccups when making candied bacon. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Burnt Edges: If the tips of your bacon start to char, reduce the cooking temperature slightly.
- Glaze Pooling at the Bottom of the Pan: Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any runoff and prevent mess.
- Bacon Sticking to the Rack: Lightly grease your wire rack to make cleanup easier.
- Uneven Cooking: Always arrange bacon in a single layer without overlapping.
Remember, a little bit of char on the edges is fine—it adds character!
Pro Tips for Success
Want to elevate your candied bacon game even further? Here are a few pro tips:
- Add a Drizzle: Once your bacon has cooled slightly, drizzle a little maple syrup or a splash of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pair with Bacon Jam: If you’re a fan of bacon jam recipes, use this candied bacon as a base for an unforgettable spread.
- Experiment with Sodas: While Coca-Cola is a classic, you can also try Dr. Pepper for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Game Day Snack Hack: Chop your candied bacon into bite-sized pieces and serve them as a topping for sliders, mac and cheese, or even deviled eggs.
The possibilities are endless!
Why Coca-Cola Candied Bacon is the Best Thing Ever
There’s something magical about combining sweet and savory flavors, and this delicious recipe delivers on all fronts. The sweetness from the Coca-Cola and brown sugar, paired with the savory richness of the bacon strips, creates a snack that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re using this as a garnish for bloody marys, a topping for burgers, or just enjoying it straight off the rimmed baking sheet, candied bacon is truly one of the best things you can make.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas on how to serve your candied bacon:
- As a Snack Board Addition: Pair it with cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.
- In Desserts: Crumble it over vanilla ice cream.
- With Breakfast: Serve alongside pancakes and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- On Game Day: Add it to sliders, nachos, or even a spicy bacon-wrapped jalapeño.
However you decide to serve it, one thing’s for sure—your guests will be asking for seconds (and thirds).
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Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Coca-Cola candied bacon before, prepare to be amazed. This delicious snack combines everything we love about sweet and salty flavors, all packed into one crispy, caramelized bite.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! Did you stick with Coca-Cola, or did you try Dr. Pepper for a twist?
Whatever your preference, one thing is clear: candied bacon is here to stay as the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack. Enjoy!
Other Recipes You’ll Love:
- How to Make Candied Bacon Butter
- Churro Candied Bacon: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Treat
- Spicy Candied Bacon Crackers – Perfect Easy Snack
- Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon – Perfect Fall Recipe
- Apple Pie Candied Bacon
Ingredients
- 7.5 oz Coca Cola
- 1/2 C Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Chilli Powder
- 1 lb Bacon thick cut
Instructions
- Preheat oven or smoker to 375F
- In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except bacon, and mix well. Pour the cola in slowly as it will foam up with the rest of the dry ingredients. This is normal.
- Lay the thick cut bacon on a wire cooking rack close, but not touching or overlapping, this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
- Brush the coke glaze mixture over the top and make sure all of the bacon is covered.
- Place in oven or smoker to cook between 45-50 mintues. This can vary due to a number of factors, so start checking it at 30-35 minutes, and remove when it's a dark amber color, but not blackened or burnt. If you get a little char on the tips, that's ok.
- Allow to rest for 10-15 mintues to allow the caramelized sugars to harden.
2 Comments
Excellent I used to have a friend that made this for us at Christmas time. I love
That’s awesome! This is such a tasty treat!