Prepare to embark on a flavor-filled journey with these Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops with a Crunchy Caramel Coat. This sweet and savory mashup is the ultimate indulgence, where the rich, smoky bacon meets the caramelized, boozy maple glaze, all wrapped in a delightful crunchy shell. Get ready to experience a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops with Crunchy Caramel Coat
These Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a touch of boozy indulgence that will elevate your taste buds. The crispy, golden-brown caramel coating adds a satisfying crunch, while the tender, juicy bacon and the rich, syrupy maple-whiskey glaze create a mouthwatering combination. Whether you’re serving them as a decadent dessert, a unique appetizer, or a showstopping snack, these pops are sure to impress and delight your guests. Prepare to be the talk of the party with this innovative and irresistible recipe.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated selection of ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. You’ll need thick-cut bacon, pure maple syrup, whiskey (your choice of bourbon or rye), brown sugar, and a bit of salt to balance the sweetness. For the crunchy caramel coating, you’ll use more brown sugar, heavy cream, and a touch of vanilla extract.
- 1 lb (16 oz) – Thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup – Pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – Whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Whiskey: Substitute with apple cider or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Brown Sugar: Use gluten-free brown sugar for a gluten-free option.
How to Make Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops with Crunchy Caramel Coat
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of irresistible Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops with a Crunchy Caramel Coat.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice your thick-cut bacon into 1-inch pieces, ensuring each piece has a toothpick or lollipop stick inserted to create the “pops” shape.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup and whiskey. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Arrange the bacon pops on the prepared baking sheet and brush them generously with the maple-whiskey glaze. Bake the pops in the preheated oven until the bacon is crispy and the glaze has caramelized, approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping and re-glazing halfway through.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
While the bacon pops are baking, prepare the crunchy caramel coating. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes a rich, golden caramel, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the bacon pops are out of the oven, immediately dip them into the hot caramel, coating them completely. Place the coated pops back on the baking sheet and allow them to cool and set, about 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the maple-whiskey glaze for a spicy kick.
- Whiskey Variations: Try using a smoky Scotch or a smooth Irish whiskey to complement the bacon.
- Extra Indulgence: Drizzle the finished pops with melted chocolate or sprinkle them with chopped nuts.
- Bacon Crispiness: Use thick-cut bacon and bake at a high temperature to achieve the perfect crispiness.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops are best served warm, straight from the oven, when the caramel coating is at its crunchiest. They make a fantastic party appetizer or a unique dessert option. Arrange the pops on a platter and let your guests indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet and savory.
Storage: Allow the pops to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, but keep in mind that the caramel coating may soften over time. If you’d like to enjoy them at their crispiest, it’s best to consume them within the first 24 hours.
Nutrition Information
These Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops are a decadent treat, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Each pop contains approximately 150 calories, with the majority coming from the bacon and the caramel coating. The recipe also provides a good amount of protein from the bacon and a touch of carbohydrates from the maple syrup and brown sugar.
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the bacon pops in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon pops in advance. Simply bake the bacon pops, glaze them, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When ready to serve, dip the pops in the caramel coating and allow them to cool and set.
Can I use a different type of bacon?
While thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe, you can also use regular-cut bacon. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, and the pops may be more delicate.
Is there a way to make these pops ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramel coating in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready to assemble, simply reheat the caramel and dip the baked and glazed bacon pops.
Can I substitute the whiskey for something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the whiskey with apple cider or orange juice. This will still provide a delicious, sweet-and-tangy flavor profile.
How do I ensure the caramel coating is crispy?
To achieve the perfect crispy caramel coating, be sure to cook the caramel mixture until it reaches a deep, golden-brown color. Also, make sure to dip the pops in the hot caramel and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Try These Next
- Cheddar Stuffed Maple Bacon Burger With Caramelized Onions
- Maple Bacon Overnight Oats With Crunchy Toppings
- Caramel Apple Bacon Waffles With Maple Drizzle
Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops with Crunchy Caramel Coat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 pops
Description
These Maple Whiskey Bacon Pops are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a unique treat or party snack. The crunchy caramel coat adds an irresistible texture, making them a standout dish!
Ingredients
– 1 lb thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup whiskey
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp sea salt
– 10 popsicle sticks
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix maple syrup and whiskey in a bowl.
3. Dip each bacon strip into the maple whiskey mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
4. Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
6. While the bacon cools, prepare the caramel by combining sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it simmer until it turns golden.
8. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and sea salt.
9. Carefully dip each bacon strip into the caramel, then insert a popsicle stick into one end.
10. Let cool on a wire rack until the caramel hardens.
Notes
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Adjust the whiskey amount to taste. Be cautious with hot caramel, as it can cause burns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg