Spicy-Sweet Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings
Indulge in a mouthwatering blend of flavors with these Spicy-Sweet Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings. The sweet caramelization of brown sugar meets the fiery kick of Sriracha, all enveloping large, juicy Vidalia onions in crispy bacon. These delectable bites are perfect as appetizers for your next gathering or game day celebration. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, they combine kitchen creativity with bold flavors that your guests will rave about. Prepare to delight everyone at the table with this unique twist on a classic favorite!
6
Servings
400
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vidalia onions
2 large (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch rings (do not separate rings))
Sriracha garlic sauce
3 tablespoons (n/a)
Light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (n/a)
Bacon
16 slices (thinnest cut available)
Wooden skewer
optional (n/a)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with the rack positioned in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top. Lightly spray the cooling rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a pie tin, pour the light brown sugar and set aside. In a bowl, add the Sriracha garlic sauce and mix well.
3
Carefully separate the onion rings, ensuring that you keep two rings together (this will create a thicker wrap). Set aside the smaller inner rings for another use.
4
Coat two strips of bacon in the brown sugar, making sure they are evenly covered but not overly caked.
5
Using a pastry brush, baste the Sriracha sauce onto the sides of the onion rings, ensuring all surfaces are covered. This will add depth of flavor.
6
Take the first strip of sugar-coated bacon and start wrapping it around the onion ring, overlapping slightly as you go. Continue until you’ve wrapped halfway around.
7
Attach a second strip of bacon, overlapping the end of the first piece, and continue wrapping until the entire onion ring is wrapped in bacon. If necessary, secure the bacon with a wooden skewer.
8
Place the bacon-wrapped rings on the cooling rack, ensuring that the ends of the bacon are facing down to secure them in place. Use 1.5 strips of bacon for the smaller rings.
9
Bake the onion rings in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Carefully flip them over with tongs and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.
10
For an extra crispy finish, broil the rings for the last 3 minutes while keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
11
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the bacon to crisp up further as they cool.
12
Tip: To make clean-up easier, prepare a sink with hot soapy water to soak the cooling rack and baking sheet after transferring the onion rings. This prevents the glaze from hardening and makes cleaning more manageable.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
40g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy-Sweet Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings?
They are a mouthwatering appetizer where large Vidalia onion rings are basted in Sriracha, wrapped in brown sugar-coated bacon, and baked until crispy.
What kind of onions are best for this recipe?
Large Vidalia onions are recommended because they provide a juicy, sweet flavor that complements the spicy and salty ingredients.
How many onions do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 large Vidalia onions.
What thickness should I cut the onion rings?
You should peel the onions and cut them into 1/2 inch thick rings.
Why shouldn't I separate all the onion rings?
Keeping two rings together creates a thicker wrap, which provides a better structure for the bacon and a more substantial bite.
What type of bacon should I use?
Use the thinnest cut of bacon available to ensure it wraps easily and crisps up perfectly in the oven.
How many slices of bacon are required?
You will need approximately 16 slices of bacon for this recipe.
What gives these onion rings their spicy kick?
The spice comes from 3 tablespoons of Sriracha garlic sauce used to baste the onions.
What is the source of the sweetness in the recipe?
The sweetness comes from 1 1/2 cups of light brown sugar used to coat the bacon strips.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top, then lightly spray the rack with cooking spray.
How do I apply the Sriracha sauce?
Use a pastry brush to baste the Sriracha garlic sauce onto the sides of the onion rings, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
What is the best way to coat the bacon in sugar?
Place the brown sugar in a pie tin and press the bacon strips into it until they are evenly covered but not overly caked.
How do I wrap the bacon around the onion rings?
Start with one strip and wrap halfway around, then overlap a second strip to finish the ring. For smaller rings, use about 1.5 strips.
How do I make sure the bacon stays in place?
Place the rings on the rack with the bacon ends facing down. If they still won't stay, you can secure them with an optional wooden skewer.
How long do the onion rings need to bake?
Bake them for 20 minutes, flip them, and then bake for another 15-20 minutes.
Should I flip the onion rings while cooking?
Yes, carefully flip them over with tongs after the first 20 minutes to ensure even crisping.
How can I get the bacon extra crispy?
Broil the rings for the final 3 minutes of cooking, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
What should I do with the small inner onion rings?
The smaller inner rings can be set aside for another use, as they are too small for this specific wrapping method.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 25g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein.
When is the best time to serve these?
Serve them immediately while warm; they will continue to crisp up slightly as they cool for a few minutes.
Do you have a tip for easier cleanup?
Prepare a sink with hot soapy water to soak the cooling rack and baking sheet immediately after use to prevent the sugar glaze from hardening.
Are these good for parties?
Yes, they are perfect appetizers for gatherings, game day celebrations, or any party where you want to serve a unique snack.
Can I use a different sauce besides Sriracha?
While Sriracha garlic sauce provides the intended flavor profile, you could experiment with other thick chili sauces if desired.
What position should the oven rack be in?
The rack should be positioned in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.
Is a cooling rack necessary for baking?
Yes, using a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet allows air to circulate around the bacon, making it much crispier.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be used; it will just have a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are approximately 25 grams of fat per serving.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a 'fiery kick' from the Sriracha, but it is well-balanced by the sweetness of the brown sugar and onion.