Table of Contents
Watch Me Make It
If you’ve never had vanilla bourbon bacon before, buckle up. This savory appetizer is also sweet, smoky, sticky, and dangerously snackable. It’s basically what happens when bacon lollipops and a fancy cocktail decide to show up at brunch together. The vanilla bourbon bacon lollipop is born!
I made these vanilla bourbon bacon twists for a weekend hangout and didn’t even get a chance to plate them - people were grabbing them off the cooling rack like they were fries - let them cool though. Trust me. It’s the kind of bacon recipe that feels elevated but still rustic enough to bring to a backyard cookout. Whether you're a casual bacon lover or someone who plans cook times with military precision, this vanilla bourbon bacon recipe hits every single time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
First, this vanilla bourbon bacon recipe uses just a few ingredients and simple tools - no deep frying, no stovetop mess. You get crispy, sticky vanilla bourbon bacon that’s twisted for extra texture and baked to perfection. The glaze is made with brown sugar, real vanilla extract, and good bourbon, so the flavor is legit next-level.
Ingredients / Tools You’ll Need
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- ½ C brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Tools:
- Baking sheet or cookie sheet
- Wire rack
- Aluminum foil
- Piece of parchment paper (optional, for less mess)
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush or spoon
Instructions
Preparation
Start by preheating your smoker or oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet or baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top. This setup lets the fat drip away while the vanilla bourbon bacon gets perfectly crisp.
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In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla extract, black pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, and onion powder. Mix until it turns into a thick glaze that smells like something you want to pour over everything. If it's not thin enough to brush on, add a small amount of bourbon and mix until it's the right consistency. You’ll want it to sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes so it spreads easily.
Take each slice of bacon and twist it into a tight spiral. The tighter the twist, the better the crunch and caramelization. Lay each one down on the wire rack in a single layer, leaving space so they cook evenly.
Cooking
Use your brush or spoon to coat each twist with the vanilla bourbon bacon glaze. If you have any glaze left, save it for dipping later or brush it on halfway through baking for extra flavor.
Bake the bacon for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping once about halfway through if they are getting dark on top. Keep an eye on the cooking temps as you get close to the end - brown sugar and bourbon love to caramelize but they can burn if left too long.
Once they’re done, transfer the twists to a cooling rack and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. They’ll firm up as they cool and turn into actual bacon lollipops. Grab a few paper towels to blot off any excess glaze if needed.
Serving Suggestions
These vanilla bourbon bacon twists are perfect for brunch boards, tailgates, or even just as a pre-dinner snack with a dipping sauce like maple mustard or spicy bourbon BBQ. You can also crumble them over pancakes or mix into baked mac and cheese. One of my favorite ways to serve them? Stick them upright in a glass of bourbon - the perfect compliment. These also pair amazingly as an accompaniment to an Old Fashioned. Bacon and Bourbon is an impossible combo to beat.
Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
Always twist before brushing on the glaze to keep things tight and clean. If you’re using a piece of parchment paper instead of a wire rack, expect slightly chewier results - not bad, just different.
Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet - every slice of bacon needs room to breathe. If you're using multiple pans, rotate halfway through and check the cook times closely. These little things can go from perfectly sticky to charcoal in minutes if you’re not watching your oven temps.
Variations
To change it up, try a flavored bourbon like honey or cherry. You could also add crushed pecans to the glaze for a nutty crunch or drizzle with chocolate for dessert-style bacon lollipops. If you're feeling adventurous, roll these up with jalapeño slices inside before twisting for a spicy, sweet smoky treat.
You can also serve them alongside a small dish of warm maple syrup or a tangy mustard dipping sauce. It’s the kind of snack that adapts to whatever you’re serving - coffee, cocktails, or just cold beer on a hot day. And if you're gifting these, wrap them in parchment, tie with twine, and toss in a tin - they store great and reheat beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magic about this vanilla bourbon bacon recipe. It’s simple but unexpected, and it brings out the inner bacon lover in pretty much everyone. These bacon lollipops are crispy, shiny, and ridiculously good - like a meat candy that doesn’t feel like a gimmick.
Pro Tip - the vanilla bourbon bacon goes great in a glass of bourbon!
I always make a double batch because they go fast, whether I’m making them for a party or just because it’s Sunday. It’s hands-down one of my favorite bacon recipes and the easiest way to turn a few pantry ingredients into a total showstopper. So next time you want a fun snack or a new smoky treat, make these - and thank me later.
Other Recipes You'll Love:
- Smoked Candied Bacon Twists – Easy Bacon Recipe
- Easy Root Beer Candied Bacon Recipe
- Lucky Charms Candied Bacon
- BEST Fireball Whiskey Glazed Candied Bacon Recipe
- Dr. Pepper Candied Bacon Recipe – The Best Snack!
Vanilla Bourbon Bacon Twists
Ingredients
- 1 LB Bacon thick cut
- ½ C Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon use a good one – you’ll taste it
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper optional, for contrast
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Cinnamon ground
- Pinch Cayenne Pepper optional, for a little kick
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil, then place a wire rack on top. This setup keeps the bacon crispy and allows the fat to drip off.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla extract, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until it forms a thick glaze.
- Take each strip of bacon and twist it tightly into a spiral. The tighter the twist, the better the texture. Place each twisted strip onto the wire rack, leaving a little space between them.
- Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat the bacon evenly with the vanilla bourbon glaze. Turn the bacon over and coat the other side too. Don’t worry if it looks messy – it’ll caramelize beautifully.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, turning halfway through. Keep an eye on it near the end - the sugar and bourbon will cause it to darken quickly. You want a deep golden color, but not burnt.
- Remove from the oven and let the twists cool completely on the rack. They’ll crisp up as they cool.
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