There’s something utterly captivating about the blend of sweet and savory flavors, especially when bacon is involved. Imagine walking into your kitchen, only to be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of baking bacon, mingling with nutty pecans and sweet brown sugar. That’s the magic of Praline Bacon—a simple yet indulgent treat that elevates any breakfast or gatherings to another level.
After one just-tasting bite, it’s hard to deny that this dish has the power to bring everyone together. Whether you’re serving it up at a brunch or enjoying it as a decadent snack, the crispy and caramelized finish is undeniably addictive. Plus, it comes together in just over an hour, making it an easy win for busy cooks looking to impress. Trust me, once you find out how easy it is to make this heavenly dish, you’ll be dreaming of ways to add it to your weekly menu!
Why is Praline Bacon so irresistible?
Indulgent Delight: Praline Bacon is the perfect blend of sweet and savory that tantalizes your taste buds.
Quick to Make: In just over an hour, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser for breakfast or as a snack.
Aromatic Experience: The heavenly aroma of baking bacon, brown sugar, and pecans fills your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy it on its own, atop pancakes, or as a decadent addition to your favorite brunch spread—your guests will be begging for the recipe!
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need already at home—no need to chase down fancy items. Add a dash of creativity, and you might even want to explore variations like maple syrup drizzles!
Praline Bacon Ingredients
For the Bacon
• Bacon – Provides a savory base for this Praline Bacon, contributing rich flavor and irresistible crispiness.
For the Sweet Coating
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and caramelizes during cooking, creating a delightful crispy glaze; dark brown sugar will give it an even deeper flavor.
• Pecans – Introduces a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, enriching the praline experience; feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if desired.
Optional Additions
• Cayenne Pepper – A hint of spice can elevate the flavor profile, making it even more interesting for savory lovers.
• Maple Syrup – Drizzle on top before baking for an extra touch of sweetness that complements the Praline Bacon beautifully.
• Flaky Sea Salt – Adding a sprinkle after baking enhances the flavor contrast and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Praline Bacon
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Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Praline Bacon will cook evenly and develop a perfect crispy texture. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Mix the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped pecans. This mixture is what makes your bacon a sweet and crunchy treat, so give it a good stir to ensure even coating.
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Coat the Bacon: Wrap each bacon slice around a spoonful of the brown sugar and pecan mixture, making sure it’s generously coated. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out for even cooking.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon, turning the slices halfway through, until they are crispy and caramelized to a beautiful golden brown.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the Praline Bacon to cool slightly on the baking sheet. This will let the sugary coating set, ensuring each bite is perfectly crunchy. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Optional: For an added kick, sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper on the bacon before baking.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Praline Bacon Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity and make this recipe truly yours with delightful twists and options!
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Nut-Free: Skip the nuts entirely for a simple, sweet twist. The brown sugar alone creates a wonderful flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet experience that excites the palate. It’s an addictive contrast that will leave everyone wanting more.
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Maple Infusion: Drizzle the bacon with pure maple syrup before baking. This added layer of sweetness marries beautifully with the savory bacon.
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Choco-Dream: Toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips with the brown sugar for a sweet, chocolatey finish that makes every bite decadent. You’ll be surprised at how well chocolate and bacon go together!
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Herbaceous Touch: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme over the bacon before baking. The herbaceous notes elevate the flavors to a sophisticated level that’s sure to impress.
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Meat Lovers: Mix in some thin slices of spicy sausage or pancetta with the bacon to create a meat lover’s delight that combines all your favorites in one bite.
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Sweet Citrus: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the brown sugar mixture for a refreshing citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness.
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Crunchy Granola: Add some crushed granola or crushed graham crackers to the pecan mix for an unexpected crunchy texture that takes your praline experience to new heights!
How to Store and Freeze Praline Bacon
Room Temperature: Store leftover Praline Bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but beware, it may lose some crispiness.
Fridge: To keep your Praline Bacon fresh longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days; simply reheat in the oven to restore crunch.
Freezer: For extended preservation, freeze the Praline Bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen Praline Bacon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Expert Tips for Praline Bacon
• Watch the Clock: Keep an eye on your bacon during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid burning and ensure a perfect crispy finish.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking, making your cleanup a breeze while perfectly showcasing your Praline Bacon.
• Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are fantastic, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or almonds for a delightful twist that still elevates the flavor profile.
• Add Spice: Don’t hesitate to sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper on the brown sugar mixture before coating the bacon; it adds an unexpected and delicious kick!
• Let it Cool: Allow the Praline Bacon to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving, as this will help the sugar coating set for that perfect crunchy texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet and Crunchy Praline Bacon strips are a dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bacon and coat it with the brown sugar and pecan mixture up to 24 hours in advance; just store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This not only saves you valuable time but preserves their incredible taste and crunch. When you’re ready to indulge, simply bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed. For the best results, bake until crispy and caramelized, ensuring each bite is just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
What to Serve with Praline Bacon?
Elevate your breakfast or gathering with delicious sides that complement the sweet and savory essence of Praline Bacon.
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Fluffy Pancakes: The light and airy texture combined with syrup pairs beautifully with the crispy bacon for a delightful breakfast experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh, juicy fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bacon, brightening the overall meal.
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Creamy Scrambled Eggs: Their soft, velvety texture perfectly balances the crunchy bacon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors on your plate.
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Savory Biscuits: Buttery, flaky biscuits can soak up any extra sweetness, making for a comforting classic that your guests will love.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzling this over your Praline Bacon pairs the irresistible sweetness with its savory flavor, taking each bite to the next level.
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Iced Coffee: A chilled, creamy iced coffee makes an excellent drink choice, contrasting the warm, rich flavors of the bacon and keeping you refreshed.
Let these delightful pairings inspire your next meal, showcasing the versatility of Praline Bacon!
Praline Bacon Recipe FAQs
What type of bacon should I use for Praline Bacon?
Absolutely! Regular pork bacon is the go-to for that irresistibly savory flavor and crispy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon works well too, though it may not caramelize quite as richly as pork.
How do I store leftover Praline Bacon?
Leftover Praline Bacon can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, for optimal freshness, I recommend refrigerating it for up to 5 days. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to bring back that delightful crunch!
Can I freeze Praline Bacon?
Absolutely! First, lay the cooled Praline Bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for about 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the frozen slices to an airtight freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
What should I do if my Praline Bacon isn’t crispy?
No worries! If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like after baking, it could be due to excess sugar coating or not enough time in the oven. To fix it, simply return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking regularly to prevent burning. The sugar should caramelize beautifully, adding that perfect crunch!
Are there any dietary considerations for Praline Bacon?
Good question! This dish contains bacon, sugar, and nuts, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring sugar intake or with nut allergies. If you want to keep it nut-free, feel free to omit the pecans, and swap in other crunchy toppings, such as crushed cereal.
Irresistible Praline Bacon Recipe for Sweet Savory Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped pecans.
- Wrap each bacon slice around a spoonful of the brown sugar mixture and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and caramelized.
- Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.