Microwave Bacon Brittle

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Do you love the crispy, sweet goodness of classic brittle, but don't have the time or patience to make it on the stove?

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Microwave Bacon Brittle
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
50 min
Servings
6

Method

  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until it is crisp and browned. This should take about 10 minutes.

  2. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels and set aside 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease.

  3. Crumble the bacon once it has been drained and slightly cooled.

  4. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  5. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, syrup, and salt. Heat this mixture in the microwave oven until it begins to bubble, which should take about 4 minutes.

  6. Stir in the crumbled bacon, pecans, reserved bacon grease, and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture. Heat this in the microwave oven for an additional 3 minutes.

  7. Immediately add the baking soda and stir just until the mixture becomes foamy.

  8. Working quickly, spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool until it sets, which should take about 15 minutes.

  9. Break the brittle into bite-size pieces.

  10. Cook's Notes:

  11. - This recipe can be customized by omitting the pecans, doubling the amount of bacon, adding peanuts, etc. Keep in mind that if you add these ingredients, they will also cook in the microwave, so add peanuts near the beginning and extra bacon and/or pecans near the end.

  12. - If you prefer a denser brittle, only add 1

About this recipe

Microwave Bacon Brittle: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat

Do you love the crispy, sweet goodness of classic brittle, but don't have the time or patience to make it on the stove? Look no further! In this article, we'll show you how to create a mouthwatering Microwave Bacon Brittle that will satisfy your cravings in a fraction of the time. With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty microwave, you'll have a delectable treat that combines the irresistible flavors of caramel, peanuts, and, of course, crispy bacon.

Why Microwave Bacon Brittle?

Traditional brittle recipes often require meticulous stovetop monitoring and can be quite time-consuming. But with our microwave method, you can have the same delectable results in a fraction of the time. Plus, the addition of bacon adds a unique savory twist that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

How Does It Work?

The magic of microwave cooking lies in its ability to generate heat from within the food itself. When you place the bacon in the microwave, the radiation waves interact with the water molecules in the meat, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. As the bacon cooks, the fat renders, resulting in that irresistible crispy texture we all know and love.

What You'll Need

To make Microwave Bacon Brittle, you'll need a few simple ingredients:

  • Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture.
  • Sugar: This will form the base of the caramel that holds the brittle together.
  • Peanuts: Opt for roasted, unsalted peanuts for the perfect balance of flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall taste.
  • Baking soda: This secret ingredient will give your brittle that signature airy texture.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

The Step-by-Step Process

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making Microwave Bacon Brittle:

Step 1Cook the Bacon

Place the bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for about 4-6 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and browned. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 2Prepare the Caramel

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well. Repeat this process two more times, until the mixture is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 3Add the Peanuts and Bacon

Stir in the peanuts and cooked bacon into the caramel mixture, ensuring that they are evenly coated.

Step 4Microwave for Final Cooking

Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the caramel is set and the edges are golden brown.

Step 5Let It Cool

Allow the Microwave Bacon Brittle to cool completely before breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness.

In Conclusion

Microwave Bacon Brittle offers a quick and delicious twist on a classic treat. With the convenience of the microwave, you can enjoy the mouthwatering combination of caramel, peanuts, and crispy bacon in no time. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, fire up the microwave, and treat yourself to this irresistible sweet and savory delight!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?

While regular bacon will work, the thick-cut variety adds a meatier texture that complements the brittle.

Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews to create your own unique twist on Microwave Bacon Brittle.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

While margarine can be used as a substitute, we recommend using butter for its rich flavor and superior results.

How long does the Microwave Bacon Brittle stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, Microwave Bacon Brittle can stay fresh and crispy for up to two weeks. However, it's so delicious that it rarely lasts that long!

Can I reheat the Microwave Bacon Brittle?

We do not recommend reheating the brittle as it may cause the caramel to melt and lose its texture. It's best enjoyed fresh!

Can I make this recipe without a microwave?

While the microwave method is the quickest and easiest, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop cooking. Simply follow the same steps but use a saucepan instead, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.

Can I make Microwave Bacon Brittle without sugar?

Unfortunately, sugar is a crucial component in creating the caramel that holds the brittle together. However, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Can I add other flavors to the Microwave Bacon Brittle?

Absolutely! You can get creative and add spices like cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor even further. The possibilities are endless!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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