Candy and bacon might seem like an unlikely pairing, but the combination creates a surprisingly delightful treat. For those following a ketogenic diet, traditional candied bacon recipes that rely on brown sugar are off-limits. However, with the right sugar substitutes, you can enjoy a keto-friendly version of this sweet and savory snack. This article will guide you through creating keto candied bacon, exploring sweetener options, and answering common questions about its place in a ketogenic lifestyle.
The Keto-Friendly Sweetener: Erythritol
Erythritol is a naturally occurring substance found in plants and fruits. While it contains 4g of "carbs" per teaspoon, it's a sugar alcohol that the body mostly doesn't absorb. Our digestive system disposes of about 90% of it through urine excretion. Many keto dieters find that erythritol doesn't significantly impact their blood sugar or ketone levels. NOW brand Erythritol is a popular choice because it has a lower glycemic impact than many other brands, is all-natural, and comes from a smaller company.
Keto Candied Bacon Recipe
This recipe provides instructions for making delicious keto candied bacon.
Ingredients:
- 6 Slices of thick-cut bacon (ensure it doesn't contain sugar by reading the labels)
- 5 tsp Erythritol (or other keto-friendly sweetener)
- Optional: Cinnamon and chipotle powder for added flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Get your favorite baking sheet out that has some kind of lips around it.
- Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Place a baking rack on top and brush with oil.
- On the baking sheet, pour about 5 tsp. of Erythritol.
- Get your bacon ready.
- If desired, combine Swerve Sweetener or erythritol, cinnamon, and chipotle powder in a large shallow bowl.
- Dip each slice of bacon into the sweetener mixture and thoroughly coat both sides.
- Place bacon on a wired grill so that the grease can drip down below.
- If you’d like to, you can crimp the bacon by running it through the holes in the grill.
- Stick your bacon in the oven. It will take around 40 minutes to cook if you are not using thick sliced bacon.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and lightly browned.
Keto Candied Bacon Twists
For a fun twist on candied bacon, consider making bacon twists.
Ingredients:
- Sugar-Free Bacon
- Sugar-Free Maple Syrup
- Brown Sugar Sweetener (Lakanto, Sukrin, Besti, and So Nourished are recommended brands)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180C or 350F.
- Prepare your bacon - whatever size and thickness you want.
- If you do not have a thick Sugar-Free Maple Syrup, mix brown sugar monk fruit sweetener together with maple syrup.
- Spread bacon slices onto a wooden board or any other board, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Start from one side and twist the bacon using your hand, one by one.
- Prepare Candied Glaze.
- Bake until crispy and caramelized.
Is Candied Bacon Keto-Friendly?
Yes, candied bacon can be keto-friendly if you use sugar-free sweeteners and bacon without added sugar. When made correctly, keto candied bacon can have a very low carb count.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Carb Count:
One slice of keto candied bacon twist made with sugar-free ingredients contains approximately 0 grams of net carbs. This is because the 1 gram of carbohydrate comes from sugar alcohol and 1g of Fiber and are deducted to get net carbs.
Choosing the Right Bacon:
Be mindful when selecting bacon, as some brands contain added sugar. Always read the labels to ensure you're using bacon that fits your ketogenic diet.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Keto candied bacon is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways
- Snack: Enjoy it as a sweet and savory snack.
- Breakfast/Brunch: Serve it as part of a keto-friendly breakfast or brunch.
- Topping: Crumble it over salads or use it as a topping for keto-friendly desserts.
- Other Recipes: Incorporate it into dishes like Keto Brussels Sprouts Cups with Bacon and Cheese or Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Blueberries.
Other Keto Recipes with Bacon
If you enjoy bacon, here are some other keto-friendly recipes to explore:
- 3 Cheese Keto Zucchini Boats with Bacon
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Easy Hearty Classic Keto Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Blueberries
- Keto Brussels Sprouts Cups with Bacon and Cheese
- Homemade Keto Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips
- Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
The Allure of Sweet and Savory
The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a culinary delight that appeals to many. Candied bacon perfectly exemplifies this balance, offering a satisfying mix of salty, smoky bacon with the sweetness of a sugar substitute. This makes it a great option for those on a keto diet who are looking for a treat that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto