Crispy, salty bacon meets rich, velvety chocolate in this unforgettable treat that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Coming from my grandmother’s handwritten recipe box, this surprising combination has been a family favorite for generations, perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in something extraordinary. There’s something magical about how these two seemingly opposite flavors come together to create pure bliss.
Why This Recipe Works
- The perfect balance of crispy, salty bacon against smooth, sweet chocolate creates a flavor experience that’s both surprising and deeply satisfying
- Baking the bacon at a controlled temperature ensures even cooking without burning, giving you that ideal crispy texture that holds up beautifully under the chocolate coating
- Using high-quality chocolate with just the right tempering technique creates a beautiful snap and glossy finish that elevates this from simple snack to gourmet treat
- The combination of textures – from the crisp bacon to the smooth chocolate coating – provides a sensory experience that keeps you coming back for just one more piece
- This recipe’s simplicity belies its impressive presentation, making it perfect for both casual family gatherings and elegant entertaining occasions
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon slices
- 12 ounces high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt for finishing
Equipment Needed
- Large baking sheet
- Wire cooling rack
- Parchment paper
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl
- Saucepan
- Tongs or dipping fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Preparing the Perfect Bacon Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your thick-cut bacon slices in a single layer on a wire cooling rack placed over the baking sheet – this setup allows the heat to circulate evenly around the bacon, ensuring it cooks uniformly and becomes wonderfully crispy without the greasy sogginess that can happen when bacon fries in its own fat. The wire rack elevates the bacon so the hot air can work its magic on all sides, giving you that ideal texture that will stand up to the chocolate coating. Place the baking sheet in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, keeping a close eye during the final minutes as bacon can go from perfectly cooked to overdone surprisingly quickly. You’ll know it’s ready when the bacon has turned a deep golden brown and the edges begin to curl slightly, with most of the fat rendered out.
Creating the Crispy Foundation
Melting the Chocolate to Perfection
Create a double boiler by filling a saucepan with about two inches of water and bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water – this indirect heat method prevents the chocolate from scorching and ensures smooth, even melting. Add your semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil to the bowl, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula as the chocolate melts. The coconut oil helps create a beautifully fluid consistency that’s perfect for dipping while adding a subtle tropical note that complements the chocolate beautifully. Continue stirring until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Tip: If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water – just be extra careful with steam and condensation.
The Art of Dipping and Decorating
Once your chocolate is perfectly melted and smooth, remove the bowl from the heat but keep it over the warm water to maintain the ideal dipping consistency. Working with one piece at a time, hold a cooled bacon slice by one end and carefully dip about two-thirds of it into the melted chocolate, using a gentle swirling motion to ensure even coverage. Allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl for a few seconds before transferring the dipped bacon to a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle some chopped pecans over the coated portion and add just a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt – the salt will enhance both the sweet chocolate and salty bacon flavors. Repeat this process with each bacon slice, working relatively quickly but carefully to maintain the chocolate’s perfect dipping consistency.
Setting and Storing Your Creation
After you’ve dipped and decorated all your bacon slices, carefully transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set completely. This chilling process should take about 45-60 minutes at refrigerator temperature – you’ll know it’s ready when the chocolate coating feels firm to the touch and has lost its glossy wet appearance. For the perfect serving texture, remove the chocolate covered bacon from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to come to a cool room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long! The combination of cool, crisp chocolate and room-temperature bacon creates the ideal eating experience that showcases both textures beautifully.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their chocolate covered bacon even further, here are some additional insights gathered from years of family kitchen experiments. When selecting your bacon, consider the thickness carefully – while thick-cut provides that substantial crunch we love, regular-cut bacon can work beautifully if you prefer a higher chocolate-to-bacon ratio. If you’re serving these at a party, consider cutting the bacon slices in half before baking to create more manageable, bite-sized pieces that are perfect for passing around. For an extra flavor dimension, try brushing your bacon with a light coating of maple syrup during the last five minutes of baking – the subtle caramelization adds incredible depth that plays wonderfully with the chocolate.
When it comes to chocolate selection, don’t be afraid to experiment beyond semi-sweet. High-quality milk chocolate creates a sweeter, creamier coating that many children prefer, while dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) offers a more sophisticated, slightly bitter contrast to the salty bacon. If you’re dealing with humidity in your kitchen, add an extra tablespoon of coconut oil to your melting chocolate to prevent blooming – that whitish coating that can appear when chocolate sets in humid conditions. For professional-looking results, consider using a piping bag to drizzle additional melted chocolate over your finished pieces in decorative patterns – this not only looks beautiful but adds another textural element.
Storage is another area where a little knowledge goes a long way. While refrigeration is necessary for food safety, be aware that condensation can affect the chocolate’s appearance when moving from cold to room temperature. To prevent this, place your chocolate covered bacon in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary. If you need to make these ahead of time for an event, they freeze beautifully for up to three months – just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing in freezer bags. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to maintain perfect texture.
Recipe Variations
- For a spicy twist that will wake up your taste buds, try sprinkling your chocolate-dipped bacon with a mixture of chili powder and cinnamon before the chocolate sets. The heat from the chili gradually builds while the cinnamon adds warmth that complements both the chocolate and bacon beautifully. You could also mix a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper directly into your melting chocolate for a more integrated heat that surprises with every bite.
- Create a tropical paradise version by using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet and topping with shredded coconut and crushed macadamia nuts. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate provides a wonderful canvas for the salty bacon, while the coconut adds texture and tropical flavor that transports you to island living. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of coconut extract to your melting white chocolate.
- Transform your chocolate covered bacon into an elegant dessert by using dark chocolate and garnishing with orange zest and a sprinkle of smoked sea salt. The bright citrus notes cut through the richness of both the chocolate and bacon, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s perfect for dinner parties. You could even add a tablespoon of orange liqueur to your melting chocolate for an adult-only version that’s absolutely divine.
- For a breakfast-inspired variation that bridges the gap between meal and treat, use maple-infused bacon and dip in milk chocolate, then roll the edges in crushed pretzels. The sweet and salty combination reaches new heights with the addition of the pretzel crunch, creating a texture experience that’s simply unforgettable. This version particularly appeals to those who can’t decide between sweet and savory breakfast options.
- Create a holiday spectacular by using peppermint bark chocolate or adding crushed candy canes to your semi-sweet chocolate coating. The cool mint flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the rich bacon, making this a surprising but delightful addition to your Christmas cookie platter. For Valentine’s Day, consider using heart-shaped cookie cutters to trim your baked bacon before dipping in pink-tinted white chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon for this recipe?
While you certainly can use turkey bacon, the results will be quite different from traditional pork bacon. Turkey bacon tends to be leaner and doesn’t crisp up in the same way, often remaining somewhat chewy rather than achieving that satisfying crunch that makes chocolate covered bacon so special. If you do choose to use turkey bacon, I recommend brushing it lightly with oil before baking and watching it carefully as it can go from undercooked to overdone very quickly. The flavor profile will also be different – turkey bacon has a milder, less salty taste that might not provide the same dramatic contrast against the sweet chocolate. For the authentic experience that made this recipe a family favorite, I’d stick with good quality pork bacon.
How far in advance can I make chocolate covered bacon?
You can prepare chocolate covered bacon up to three days in advance if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bacon maintains its crispness surprisingly well when coated in chocolate, though I find the texture is absolutely perfect when served within 24 hours of preparation. If you need to make it further in advance, freezing is your best option – properly wrapped, it will keep beautifully for up to three months. When ready to serve frozen bacon, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to prevent condensation from affecting the chocolate’s appearance and texture.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate if I don’t have a double boiler?
If you don’t have a traditional double boiler, there are several effective alternatives you can use. The simplest method is to place a heatproof glass or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. You can also melt chocolate in the microwave using 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring thoroughly between each interval until smooth. Another option is to use a slow cooker on the warm setting – this provides gentle, even heat that’s perfect for melting chocolate without scorching. Whichever method you choose, the key is low, indirect heat and constant attention to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free or for other dietary restrictions?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your bacon doesn’t contain any gluten-containing additives – always check labels carefully as some bacon producers use gluten in their curing processes. For dairy-free versions, use dairy-free chocolate chips and confirm your bacon is dairy-free as well. If you’re watching sugar intake, sugar-free chocolate is an option, though the texture might be slightly different. For vegetarian alternatives, coconut bacon or mushroom bacon can provide surprisingly similar texture and smoky flavor when prepared properly, though the experience will understandably be different from traditional bacon.
Why does my chocolate sometimes turn white or streaky after setting?
Summary
This cherished family recipe transforms simple bacon and chocolate into an extraordinary treat that balances sweet and salty perfection. With careful preparation and quality ingredients, you can create a memorable delicacy that surprises and delights everyone who tries it. The combination of crispy bacon and smooth chocolate creates a sensory experience that’s become a beloved tradition in our household.
