Pecan Candied Bacon Bites Recipes

CARAMELIZED BACON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil (for easy cleaning) and place a wire baking rack on top.
• Combine the brown sugar and pecans in a food processor and process until the pecans are finely ground. Add the salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper and pulse to combine. Add the maple syrup and pulse again to moisten the crumbs.
• Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise and line up the pieces on the baking rack without touching. With a small spoon, evenly spread the pecan mixture on top of each piece of bacon, using all of the mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is very browned but not burnt. If it's underbaked, the bacon won't crisp as it cools.
• While it's hot, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside to cool. Serve at room temperature. (The caramelized bacon can be made early in the day and stored at room temperature.)

CANDIED BACON BITES

Steps:

• Put the bacon in a container so it lays flat. Pour over the cola to cover. Refrigerate and let soak 2 to 3 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, place a cooling rack over top and spray with cooking spray.
• Drain the bacon from the cola, place on the cooling rack and pat dry. Combine the brown sugar, paprika and black pepper in a bowl and toss to combine and loosen up the brown sugar. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on both sides of the bacon, pressing and patting so it adheres. Place the slices on the cooling rack; they can be close to one another but shouldn't touch.
• Bake until the bacon is deeply caramelized but still pliable (it will crisp as it cools), about 20 minutes. Flip the bacon occasionally as it cools to crisp on both sides. Let cool completely.

BAKED BRIE WITH CANDIED PECANS AND BACON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool and then finely chop.
• Mix the bacon, cherries, pecans, vinegar, rosemary, thyme, pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl.
• Trim off the top rind of the Brie, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges and put in a small baking dish. Top with the pecan mixture, letting it mound and fall into the dish around the Brie. Cover the dish with foil, and bake until the cheese is warm and gooey, 30 to 35 minutes.
• Serve warm with bread and/or crackers.