bourbon bacon brittle

Bourbon Bacon Brittle is a decadent, crunchy candy that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and boozy flavors. Combining crispy bacon with golden caramel and a touch of bourbon, this homemade brittle is perfect for holiday gifting, parties, or a special indulgence. Unlike typical brittle recipes, the bourbon adds a subtle warmth and depth, while the bacon brings an irresistible smoky crunch.

Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a kitchen beginner, this recipe is approachable and produces a show-stopping treat. With step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations, you’ll be able to create brittle that’s perfectly crisp with glossy caramel sheen every time.

Ingredients

Brittle Base

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp bourbon

Optional Garnish

• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange bacon slices in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces.
2. Prepare the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves.
3. Boil the mixture: Bring to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to reach 300°F (150°C), the hard crack stage. This ensures the brittle will set properly.
4. Add flavor: Remove from heat. Stir in bacon pieces, baking soda, bourbon, and salt. The mixture will bubble vigorously—stir carefully until combined.
5. Spread the brittle: Immediately pour mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer.
6. Cool completely: Allow brittle to cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until hard.
7. Break into pieces: Once cooled, break the brittle into irregular shards. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
8. Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for Perfect Bourbon Bacon Brittle

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra texture. Thin bacon may burn in the oven and won’t provide the satisfying crunch.
• Temperature matters: Candy thermometer is essential for reaching the hard crack stage. Without it, the brittle may be too soft.
• Add bourbon off heat: This preserves the alcohol’s flavor without burning it.
• Work quickly: Caramel sets fast. Have parchment or silicone mat ready before adding the hot mixture.

Bourbon Bacon Brittle

A sweet, salty, and boozy brittle candy featuring crispy bacon and caramel infused with bourbon.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Brittle Base

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup light corn syrup
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 tsp kosher salt
• 0.125 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp bourbon

Optional Garnish

• flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Candy thermometer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange bacon in a single layer. Bake 15–20 minutes until crispy, drain, and chop.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil without stirring. Use candy thermometer to reach 300°F (150°C).
4. Remove from heat. Stir in chopped bacon, baking soda, bourbon, and salt carefully.
5. Immediately pour mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet and spread thinly.
6. Allow brittle to cool at room temperature 30–45 minutes until hard.
7. Break brittle into pieces. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Work quickly when spreading caramel as it sets fast. Use candy thermometer for best results.

Variations

• Maple Bourbon Bacon Brittle: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, autumnal flavor.
• Spicy Bourbon Bacon Brittle: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the caramel for a sweet-heat twist.
• Nutty Bacon Brittle: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Bourbon Bacon Brittle as a party snack or candy bowl addition.
• Crumble over ice cream, caramel popcorn, or holiday desserts for a sweet-salty garnish.
• Package in small bags with ribbons for homemade gifts during the holidays.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Brittle is one of the oldest sugar confections, dating back to ancient times when sugar and nuts were combined for treats. Modern variations often incorporate unique flavors like bourbon or bacon. Sweet and salty combinations, such as this recipe, appeal to our natural craving for contrasting flavors and textures. Bourbon Bacon Brittle represents a contemporary twist, perfect for festive gatherings and gifting.

Recipe Notes

• Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately—candy making is precise.
• Avoid stirring caramel after adding baking soda and bacon to prevent crystallization.
• Cooling brittle on a flat, heat-resistant surface ensures even hardening.