What Is Bacon Brittle?

Bacon brittle is an updated version of classic peanut brittle candy. Brittle generally combines peanuts or another nut with syrup and, in the case of bacon brittle, crispy bacon. This blend of nuts, bacon and syrup has sweet and salty flavor, as well as crunch, in one package.

Since it was first created, the most common recipes for peanut brittle have seen little innovation. The most frequent modification has been the type of nuts used in the basic brittle formulation. Creative cooks and candy makers have produced brittle that uses cashews, pecans, almonds and macadamia nuts. Bacon brittle is a major change for the candy's profile.

The bacon used in this recipe likely is not the same as the bacon sold in the breakfast meats section of the corner grocery. The commercial varieties of bacon brittle use specially prepared bacon created by small producers. These artisans cure their bacon by smoking it. This process gives the bacon a richer flavor that incorporates the aromas from the wood used in the smoker.

Enjoying this type of brittle is not without guilt. Peanuts, sugar, syrup and bacon do not produce a low-calorie snack. The addition of bacon to this candy also increases the sodium content and the fat content.

Commercial producers of bacon brittle also sell a chocolate version of the product. This modified brittle candy creation has a milk chocolate coating. The sweetness of chocolate is a fourth taste sensation that attracts chocolate lovers.

The uses of bacon brittle go beyond eating by hand. Creative restaurateurs use it as a topping for dessert dishes. Ice cream shops offer it with ice cream. Buyers can order any ice cream flavor and add crushed pieces of the brittle as a topping for cones, cups and sundaes.

Upscale gift shops and gourmet food outlets are the most common places to find bacon brittle. Some manufacturers only sell their products online. One can purchase personal-size boxes to enjoy alone or gift-size packages for treating others. Manufacturers recommend the gift size for teachers, holiday gift exchanges and the person who has everything.

Making bacon brittle is not difficult for home candy makers. The standard nut brittle recipe is the base for this version of brittle. Once the syrup and sugar reaches the correct temperature, one adds the peanuts and crispy bacon bits. Well-drained bacon is the key to making the candy. Oily bacon will change the consistency of the brittle base and may prevent proper setting.