Sweet and Salty Candied Bacon Twists

These Candied Bacon Twists are my go-to when I need an easy appetizer for a party, brunch, or even a late-night snack. You can totally make them low carb and keto-friendly with sugar-free brown sweetener and syrup.

If you’re serving them at a party, make a double batch — they disappear fast! These are perfect for brunch appetizer, game day snacks, or as a savory addition to your next charcuterie board.

How to Make Candied Bacon Twists

Step by Step Guide

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment or foil.

2. Lay out the bacon in a single layer. Give them a little space — no overlapping.

3. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and maple syrup until you’ve got a sticky, gooey blend.

4. Brush that sweet stuff all over each bacon slice. Front and back.

5. Now, twist the bacon tightly from end to end.

6. Bake for 30–40 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

7. Let them rest for about 10 minutes after baking.

Serve and Enjoy!

And that’s it — sweet, salty, crispy heaven with barely any effort. Just a quick note: keep an eye on your bacon toward the end of the bake time. Depending on thickness, some slices may crisp up faster than others. Also, don’t skip the flipping — it helps everything cook evenly and get that golden caramelized goodness on all sides.

If you’re making the low-carb version, I recommend using a brown sweetener that melts well (like Swerve or Lakanto) and a thick sugar-free maple syrup so you still get that sticky, candied texture.

Important Recipe Notes:

• Use thick-cut bacon for the best results. Thin bacon may burn too easily or not hold up to the sugar coating.
• When twisting the bacon strips, make sure they’re not too tight. You want enough space between the twists so the sugar can properly caramelize and create that perfect candy coating. If the twists are too tight, it might prevent the sugar from sticking evenly.
• For the crispiest bacon twists, bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the bacon to crisp up evenly and lets the fat drain off, so it doesn’t become greasy.
• Keep an eye on the bacon as it bakes. The sugar can burn quickly once it reaches the right temperature, so check the twists around 15 minutes in. They should be golden brown and crispy, not burnt.
• Oven Temperature: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has fully caramelized. The twists should have a nice glossy finish when done.
• Let the bacon twists cool on the wire rack for a few minutes after baking. The sugar will harden as it cools, giving the bacon a candied finish.
• Serving Suggestions: These bacon twists are perfect as a fun appetizer or party snack. They also work great as a sweet-savory side dish to complement breakfast or brunch spreads. Try pairing them with a creamy dip, like ranch or blue cheese, for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to re-crisp them, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the bacon twists and coat them in the sugar mixture ahead of time. Store them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the fridge until you’re ready to bake—this is especially helpful for parties or gatherings!

Check Out More Bacon Recipe Ideas!

Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites

Air Fryer Bacon and Cheese Potato Slices

Pull-Apart Bread Loaded with Bacon and Cheese

Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini