Candied Bacon Breadsticks

These sweet and salty Candied Bacon Breadsticks are the kind of appetizer that everyone gravitates to. They’re served at room temperature making them ideal for make-ahead preparation.

Ingredients to Make Candied Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks Recipe

These breadsticks are so very simple to put together and make for a beautiful presentation. They can be placed into parchment paper cones or arranged on a platter right along with the other appetizers and finger foods. Sweet and salty snacks always have a place on the party menu, whether it’s a swanky black tie party, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, a casual football gathering or holiday soiree. These bacon wrapped breadsticks are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Ingredients to make simple Candied Bacon Breadsticks in the oven: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Breadsticks – 24 thin breadsticks (i.e. plain or rosemary seasoned, everything bagel, sesame seeds etc).
• Sugar – Light brown sugar caramelizes on the bacon adding sweetness.
• Seasoning – Ground ancho pepper or ground chipotle pepper adds a hint of spice.
• Bacon – 12 slices of classic thin cut bacon, cut in half lengthwise.

How to Make the Best Candied Bacon Breadsticks Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a broiler pan with foil then spray the grill top with cooking spray. Alternatively, line a large sheet pan with foil and fit with an oven safe baking rack sprayed with cooking spray. Set aside.
• Slice Bacon: Use a sharp knife to slice each strip of bacon in half lengthwise making two long strips.
• Make Seasoned Sugar: Whisk together the brown sugar and ground chipotle pepper on a rimmed pan or shallow dish.
• Wrap Breadsticks with Bacon: Wrap breadsticks with bacon strips wrapping along the length of the breadstick.
• Coat with Sugar: Roll breadsticks in the sugar mixture pressing it firmly onto the bacon. Arrange assembled breadsticks on a broiler pan.
• Oven: Bake per the cook time in the recipe until the bacon is crisp.
• Sprinkle with Remaining Sugar: Halfway through baking, sprinkle with any leftover brown sugar mixture.
• Serve: Carefully remove from pan and cool, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Making Candied Bacon Breadsticks

• Kitchen Tools You’ll Need: A broiler pan or a rimmed sheet pan fitted with an oven safe rack, a shallow bowl or large plate, sharp knife, measuring cups and spoons, cutting board.
• Use Crisp Breadsticks: The breadsticks used in this recipe are crisp, not soft. I highly recommend having extra on hand as they can sometimes have broken pieces inside the packaging.
• Use Plain or Flavored Breadsticks: I used a rosemary flavored breadstick for this recipe. It’s not necessary to do so, in fact a plain breadstick or a breadstick that’s seasoned with everything seasoning or sprinkled with sesame seeds are also terrific options. Go with your desired end flavor combination and what you like.
• Use Any Leftover Sugar: Halfway thru baking, sprinkle the bacon with any leftover sugar mixture for extra sweetness. Discard any remaining sugar.
• When to Serve: Serve these breadsticks for holiday appetizers, game day eats, small party bites or any gathering when finger foods are on the menu.
• How to Display: These bacon wrapped breadsticks will add height and visual interest to the table when displaying this bacon-y goodness in tall decorative glasses, french fry baskets or even pencil holders lined with parchment paper. They’re equally beautiful arranged on a platter.

Recipe Variations

• Sugar: It’s best to use light brown sugar and not dark brown sugar for coating the bacon, as dark brown sugar has a tendency to burn while baking.
• Bacon: When making these breadsticks, use a really good quality bacon and go with your favorite brand and flavor. Whether it’s Applewood smoked, maple flavored or otherwise, choose a variety that you already know your family enjoys.
• Breadsticks: You can use plain breadsticks or seasoned breadsticks for this recipe.
• Spices: You can use a dark chili powder or cayenne pepper in place of chipotle or ancho chile powder for sweet and spicy bacon breadsticks.
• Cheese: You could skip the sugar and roll the bacon in finely grated Parmesan cheese mixed with one teaspoon garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip: These bacon breadsticks can be baked one day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge overnight, then bring them to room temperature for serving.
• Leftovers: Store baked Candied Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature for serving.
• Freezer: To make these bacon breadsticks ahead of time, assemble them per the recipe and bake halfway, around 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool, then freeze in a single layer on a sheet pan. Carefully package separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Bake From Frozen: Remove the breadsticks from the freezer and bake from frozen for the remaining baking time or until the bacon is crisp.

More Recipes Using Bacon to Make

• Homemade Bacon Jam for biscuits, burgers, sandwiches and slathered on crostini as an appetizer.
• Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies are a party favorite.
• Bacon Dill Deviled Eggs can be served as a side dish or an appetizer.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip is always a hit!
• Bacon Cheddar Chive Quiche makes a meal any time of day.
• See this tutorial for How to Cook Bacon in the oven.
• Sweet and salty Maple Bacon Fudge from Ashlee Marie.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pans
• Mixing Bowls
• Silicone Spatulas
• Measuring Set