Brown Sugar Sriracha Bacon Bites

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© Brian Bowen Smith

Bacon candy. Those two words are not often used together, and in fact you may not have ever associated them. Now, having considered the possibilities, you’re probably like me and thinking this combination sounds amazing. It is! The brown sugar, sriracha, and bacon remind me of a party where I introduce three of my favorite people to each other and watch them become best friends. Taste-wise, this is an irresistible collaboration of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s one of my favorite appetizers to make for a cocktail party. They always go fast. These bacon bites also package well, so I’ve made them in advance and given to people as gifts.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Stir together the Sriracha and brown sugar in a medium bowl; add the bacon pieces, and toss to coat. Set aside.

2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; place a wire rack over the foil. Spray the rack liberally with cooking spray. Place the bacon pieces in a single layer on the rack.

3. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven until almost crisp, about 45 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of the bake time, sprinkle the bacon evenly with the toasted sesame seeds and black sesame seeds.

4. Remove from the oven, and cool for 5 to 8 minutes, moving the bacon pieces slightly on the rack every 2 minutes to prevent sticking. (The bacon will crisp more as it cools.)

Ingredients

1/4 cup Sriracha chili sauce
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
10 thick-cut bacon slices, each cut into 4 pieces (approximately 2 inches each)
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons black sesame seeds