Bacon Peanut Brittle

Bacon Peanut Brittle

This Bacon Peanut Brittle takes a classic in a whole new direction.  A few slices of crispy bacon is all that you’ll need to flavor the entire batch of brittle bringing new meaning to the words sweet and salty.  And this brittle forgoes the usual corn syrup used in most recipes in favor of the old fashioned simple sugar method.  Without much fuss and using only five ingredients you can throw this updated classic together in no time.  The next time I make this I’m thinking about doubling the bacon and trying it out with spicy Spanish peanuts.  I think adding a little kick of heat to the salty sweet combo might make this even better.  This batch make a nice addition to my sister’s pool party.  It’s always a good idea to bring your own gluten free dessert to a party so you won’t feel left out when it’s time for a sweet treat.   

Bacon Peanut Brittle

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time:  30 min

Ingredients list

• 1 ½ c peanuts
• 2 c sugar
• 1 c water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil, to coat the pan
• 4 slices of bacon

Video Tutorial: 

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with either a Silicone Mat or buttered parchment paper and have a buttered spatula handy to press the brittle into a flat layer once it’s poured onto the baking sheet. 
2. Fry the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
3. The peanuts can either be chopped or kept whole.  I kept half whole and chopped the other half.  Mix the peanuts and bacon together and set aside. 
4. To make the brittle, brush a 2 quart heavy bottomed sauce pan with oil being sure to coat the entire bottom and sides of the pan.
5. Add the water and sugar and heat over a high heat stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until it comes to a boil then stop stirring, cover the pan and cook for three minutes. 
6. Remove the lid, lower the heat to medium and let it simmer until the sugar turns a light amber color.  Mine took 20 minutes but you don’t need to do much beyond keeping an eye on it as simmers until you see the color change. 
7. Once you see the amber color, stir in the bacon peanut mixture.  Work very quickly and once everything is evenly mixed pour the mixture onto the prepared pan. Press the brittle into a thin even layer, using the buttered spatula.
8. Cool it completely and break into whatever sized pieces you’d like. 

Notes:  Be very careful not to splash the boiling sugar mixture onto yourself during the preparation as it will cause serious burns.