Bourbon Bacon Bliss Popcorn
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this Bourbon Bacon Bliss Popcorn. Perfectly popped corn is generously coated in a rich, buttery caramel infused with the warmth of bourbon and a savory touch of crispy bacon. This treat is not only a wonderful snack for movie nights but also an impressive addition to any party or gathering. Your guests will be unable to resist reaching for more of this sweet and savory delight!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain popped corn
5 quarts (freshly air-popped recommended)
thick cut bacon
1/2-1 lb (chopped and fried to just about crispy, well drained)
butter
1 cup (melted)
brown sugar
2 cups (packed)
light corn syrup or maple syrup
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
sea salt
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Bourbon
3 ounces (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup or maple syrup, and sea salt. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil around the edges.
3
Lower the heat slightly and allow the caramel to boil without stirring until it reaches a temperature of 250°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the baking soda and bourbon until fully combined. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble up at this stage. Finally, fold in the crispy bacon.
5
Place the popcorn into two very lightly greased roasting pans, making sure not to overcrowd. Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the popcorn, using a spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn until well mixed.
6
Put the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even coating.
7
Once finished, transfer the caramel popcorn onto parchment paper or wax paper and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
8
For the best flavor and crunch, refrigerate before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bourbon Bacon Bliss Popcorn?
It is a sweet and savory snack made by coating freshly popped corn in a rich, buttery caramel infused with bourbon and crispy bacon bits.
What type of popcorn is best for this recipe?
Freshly air-popped plain popcorn is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How much popcorn does this recipe require?
This recipe calls for 5 quarts of plain popped corn.
What kind of bacon should I use?
Thick cut bacon is ideal as it provides a substantial texture and holds up well in the caramel coating.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be chopped and fried until it is just about crispy, then thoroughly drained of any excess grease.
Can I substitute maple syrup for corn syrup?
Yes, the recipe allows you to use either light corn syrup or maple syrup depending on your preference.
What is the purpose of adding baking soda to the caramel?
Baking soda reacts with the caramel mixture to create tiny air bubbles, which results in a lighter, crispier coating that is easier to bite.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
Yes, a candy thermometer is recommended to ensure the caramel reaches the precise temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
When should the bourbon be added?
The bourbon should be stirred into the mixture immediately after removing the saucepan from the heat, along with the baking soda.
Will the mixture bubble when adding bourbon?
Yes, be careful as the mixture may bubble up significantly when you stir in the baking soda and bourbon.
How do I ensure the popcorn is evenly coated?
Pour the warm caramel mixture over the popcorn in roasting pans and use a spatula to gently toss and coat until well mixed.
How long does the popcorn need to bake?
The popcorn should bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How often should I stir the popcorn while it is in the oven?
You should stir the popcorn every 10 to 15 minutes during the baking process to ensure an even coating and prevent burning.
What should I do after the popcorn is finished baking?
Transfer the caramel popcorn onto parchment or wax paper and allow it to cool completely.
How should I store the finished popcorn?
Once cooled and broken into pieces, store the popcorn in an airtight container.
Should Bourbon Bacon Bliss Popcorn be refrigerated?
For the best flavor and maximum crunch, the recipe recommends refrigerating the popcorn before serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as an impressive addition to any party or gathering because of its unique sweet and savory flavor profile.
Can I use microwave popcorn instead?
You can use plain microwave popcorn, but ensure it is not heavily flavored with artificial butter or salt to maintain the recipe's intended taste.
What does the bourbon add to the recipe?
The bourbon provides a warm, deep flavor that complements the richness of the butter and the saltiness of the bacon.
Is there a lot of alcohol left in the final snack?
Most of the alcohol content evaporates during the boiling of the caramel and the subsequent baking in the oven.
How much bacon is needed?
The recipe suggests using between 1/2 pound and 1 pound of bacon depending on how meat-heavy you want the snack to be.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Sea salt is recommended to provide a clean, sharp saltiness that balances the sweet caramel.
How much butter is used in the caramel?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of melted butter.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
The recipe specifies brown sugar; while light brown is standard, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
Why do I bake the popcorn at such a low temperature?
Baking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit allows the caramel to dry and harden into a crisp shell without burning the sugars.
What should I use to prevent the popcorn from sticking to the pan?
Lightly grease the roasting pans before adding the popcorn and caramel mixture.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Snacks.
Can I make this recipe without the bacon?
While it would no longer be Bourbon Bacon Bliss, you can omit the bacon for a standard bourbon caramel popcorn.