Bacon twists have taken social media by storm and for good reason—they’re easy and delicious! The viral TikTok trend puts a creative but simple spin on bacon preparation by twisting the bacon before cooking it in the oven. The result is perfectly prepared bacon that is both crispy and chewy with small pockets of bacon juice in the crevices.
Fancy or low-key, twisted bacon can be served in any situation that calls for bacon. They’re great as a side with eggs, toast and pancakes, are wonderful with leafy green salads or as a topper to creamy soups, and they’re a spectacular garnish for a spicy Bloody Mary.
Since the only ingredient for bacon twists is the bacon itself, reach for high-quality bacon with a decent thickness and plenty of fatty streaks. The fatty streaks will help keep the bacon moist since bacon twists take a bit longer to fully cook than regular bacon.
Due to the shape of the twists, the bacon fat may render more unevenly than flat-baked bacon. To prevent bacon grease from spilling into your oven, use a baking sheet with a rim to contain any errant fat renderings.
What You Need to Make Bacon Twists
To make bacon twists, all you need is some high-quality bacon! This recipe calls for pork bacon, but turkey bacon and beef bacon will both work as well.
If you use alternative bacon, start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
How To Make Twisted Bacon
Preheat the oven to 400F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Working with one piece of bacon at a time, firmly pinch the bacon on each end between your thumb and forefinger.
Hold the bacon still on the end with your non-dominant hand, and using your dominant hand, twist the bacon until it’s curled from end to end.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all of the bacon strips are twisted.
Position the tray on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crispy. If there is an excess amount of bacon grease on the twists, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
Serve with your favorite breakfast or brunch items and enjoy!
Can I season my bacon twists?
Yes! Bacon twists are an excellent blank canvas for seasonings and can take on the entire spectrum of flavors. Season the bacon generously before twisting, and if you’re using sugar to make a sweet bacon twist, start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark to prevent burning.
What is the benefit of twisting bacon?
Twisted bacon creates little pockets that catch the bacon fat as it renders, resulting in bacon that is juicy, extra flavorful, and perfectly crispy.
Can I make bacon twists ahead of time?
Yes! To prepare bacon twists ahead of time, simply twist the bacon and cover tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3 days before cooking.
Bacon Twists
Ingredients
- 1 lb high-quality pork bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Working with one piece of bacon at a time, firmly pinch the bacon on both ends.
- Hold the bacon still with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to twist the bacon until it’s curled from end to end.
- Transfer the twisted bacon to the prepared baking sheet and repeat until all the bacon strips are twisted.
- Bake in the middle rack of the preheated oven for 20 minutes then flip the bacon pieces and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite breakfast or brunch items and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Rebekkah is a food writer, recipe developer and sommelier who is obsessed with all things food and drink. When she isn’t lingering too long in her kitchen, she can be found making music in her apartment or traveling the globe in search of the perfect noodle.