Table of Contents

Table of Contents

There’s something universally appealing about bacon. Its smoky, salty, and savory flavor is an instant mood-booster, and a platter of perfectly cooked bacon disappears faster than you can say, “Touchdown!” But let’s face it, long strips of bacon can be a bit messy to handle in a crowd. Enter the Bacon Curl: a fun, whimsical, and utterly addictive twist on a classic favorite.

This clever hack transforms ordinary bacon strips into crispy, spiralized morsels that are as fun to eat as they are delicious. They’re easy to pick up, perfect for dipping, and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just one ingredient and a few simple tools, you can create a centerpiece appetizer that will have everyone talking.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 20-30 minutes
• Total time: 25-35 minutes
• Dietary: Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Equipment and Tools

• Baking sheet: A standard 13×18-inch baking sheet is ideal.
• Parchment paper: A must-have to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Small aluminum foil rolls or wooden skewers: A few small rolls of aluminum foil (about the size of your finger) or thick wooden skewers are needed to shape the curls.
• Tongs: For easy handling of the hot bacon.
• Paper towels: To drain excess fat from the cooked bacon.

Serving Suggestions

• Plating recommendations: Arrange the bacon curls on a platter or in a bowl, standing them upright to show off their spiral shape.
• Garnish ideas: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor and presentation.
• Complementary side dishes: The rich, savory flavor of bacon curls pairs wonderfully with creamy or tangy dips. Consider serving them with a side of our creamy elote pasta salad for a delicious contrast, or a simple loaded baked potato salad to create a hearty spread. They are also fantastic with a variety of sauces, from a classic BBQ sauce to a zesty ranch dip.
• Wine or beverage pairings: A smoky whiskey or a bold, hoppy IPA can stand up to the richness of the bacon. For a non-alcoholic option, a cold soda or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime works well to cut through the fat.

Nutritional Information

• Serving size: Approximately 4-5 curls
• Calories per serving: 150-200 kcal (approximate, varies with bacon cut and thickness)
• Macronutrient distribution:
  • Protein: 8-12g
  • Fat: 12-18g (mostly saturated fat)
• Dietary information: Bacon is high in fat and sodium. While delicious, it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Storage and Reheating

• Proper storage: Cooked bacon curls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration guidelines: Ensure the bacon is completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Freezing recommendations: It is not recommended to freeze cooked bacon curls, as they will lose their signature crispy texture upon thawing.
• Reheating methods: Reheat the bacon curls on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes, until they are hot and crispy again.

Expert Tips and Variations

• The right bacon: For the best curls, use regular-cut, not thick-cut, bacon. The thinner strips are more pliable and cook up crispier.
• Bacon spiral hack: To get the perfect spiral, wrap a strip of bacon tightly around a small, heat-safe cylinder like a wooden skewer or a small aluminum foil roll.
• Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each bacon curl a little space to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Creative recipe variations:
  • Sweet & Spicy: Brush the bacon with a mix of maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper before baking.
  • Smoky BBQ: Sprinkle a little brown sugar and smoked paprika over the bacon before it goes into the oven.
  • Herb-Infused: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the baking sheet for an aromatic, earthy flavor.

Share this recipe with your friends on Facebook or save it to your Pinterest boards for a sunny day treat!

Ingredients Section

• 1 pound (454g) of regular-cut bacon strips: Uncured, hickory-smoked bacon works great for this recipe.
• Small aluminum foil rolls or thick wooden skewers: As needed for shaping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the curls: Take a strip of bacon and tightly wrap it in a spiral around a small aluminum foil roll or a thick wooden skewer. You want to wrap it tightly but not so much that it rips. Repeat with the remaining bacon strips, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your bacon.
4. Check for doneness: The bacon is ready when it is a deep golden-brown color and feels firm and crispy to the touch. The curls should hold their shape.
5. Cool and serve: Carefully remove the bacon from the oven. Using tongs, transfer the bacon curls to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Once cooled slightly, carefully remove the skewers or aluminum foil rolls. Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)