Candied Bacon Roses

Candied Bacon Roses are a delicious and unique twist on the traditional bouquet of flowers, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. This sweet and savory treat is both visually appealing and delectable to eat.

Making candied bacon at home is easy and requires just a few simple ingredients including bacon, brown sugar, and your choice of optional seasonings. Rolling bacon into roses is a fun and creative way to add a unique visual touch. The process is simple, but it does require a bit of patience and attention to detail. Here’s how to do it:

To make Candied Bacon Roses, you’ll need a package of bacon, toothpicks, brown sugar, and your choice of seasonings (such as black pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper). Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

The ingredients for candied bacon roses: brown sugar in a shallow white baking dish, slab of bacon on a white plate, and a metal baking sheet with parchment paper on it.

Making Candies Bacon Roses

Begin by laying out a strip of bacon on a flat surface and sprinkle it with brown sugar and any desired seasonings. Then, tightly roll one of the long ends onto itself, while leaving the other long end a bit looser– almost like a cone. Use a toothpick on the tightly rolled portion to secure it in place. Repeat the process with the remaining strips of bacon.

Place the brown sugared bacon roses on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Be careful not to overcook, as the sugar can burn quickly.

Once the bacon roses are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Gently remove the toothpicks and add the skewers to the bottom of each rose. Arrange the bacon roses in a vase or container, just as you would with a bouquet of flowers.

To add a finishing touch, sprinkle the bacon roses with a bit of extra brown sugar and seasonings.

Yield: 10

Candied Bacon Roses

Bouquet of candied bacon twisted into rose shapes

Experience the ultimate sweet and savory treat with these stunning candied bacon roses. Quick and easy to make, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a unique gift.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bacon (see note)
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Additional brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a large plate or shallow baking dish, mix together the brown sugar, black pepper, and any additional desired seasonings.
  3. Lay out each strip of bacon in the brown sugar mixture and sprinkle both sides with the brown sugar mixture. Make sure to evenly distribute the mixture and to fully coat each strip of bacon.
  4. Starting from one end, roll each strip of bacon into a rose shape, and secure the bottom of each rose with a toothpick. Place the bacon roses on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Be careful not to overcook, as the sugar can burn quickly.
  6. Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle the bacon with additional brown sugar while still warm. Once cooled, remove the toothpicks, and add a skewer to the bottom of the rose if desired.

Notes

For crispier roses, use a thin-sliced bacon. For chewier roses, use a thick-cut bacon.

If the bacon grease and melted sugar happen to end up on your actual baking dish, try these tips for clean up! I love Dawn Powerwash, for tough messes like this! You can also try simply soaking the baking sheet in hot water to help melt the sugar.

Bouquet of candied bacon twisted into rose shapes

Candied Bacon Roses are a delicious and unique gift that is sure to impress and delight your loved one. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion, these sweet and savory treats are a fun and creative way to show your love. So why not give them a try and add a tasty twist to your celebration?