Bourbon Bacon Brittle

5 from 12 votes

Homemade Bourbon Bacon Brittle with toasted pecan and spicy candied bacon is the perfect holiday sweet treat! Satisfy all those sweet bacon cravings!

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time25

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set oven safe rack on top of parchment. Arrange 16 ounces bacon in single layer on the rack on the baking sheet.
Top bacon slices with 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook in preheated 400°F oven per package instructions for 13 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook low and slow in preheated 300°F oven for 50-60 minutes. Cooking times may vary. You will want to remove the bacon when all the fat is completely rendered, it is evenly cooked, and is starting to crisp but take great care to not let it burn.
Remove bacon and set it on a paper towel lined plate. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop candied bacon. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine the 2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, and 1/3 cup light corn syrup and bring to a boil. Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is light brown and reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Note that around 250°F the mixture will start to thicken.
Remove from the heat and carefully stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon bourbon whiskey, plus the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Stir in the 8 ounces pecans, then immediately scrape the brittle onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Spread the brittle into a thin, even layer. Work fast - it will set quickly. Sprinkle with chopped candied bacon.
After the brittle cools for at least 30 minutes, you can break it into large chunks.

Best if eaten on same day. Store in an air tight container.