Best Bacon Snack Mix Recipes

MAPLE BACON SNACK MIX

Steps:

• Line 2 sheet pans with waxed paper, then set aside.
• Add the popcorn, bacon, pretzels and nuts to a large bowl. Mix and set aside.
• Add the sugar, butter, maple syrup, corn syrup and salt to a large, heavy-bottomed pot fitted with a candy thermometer and place over a medium-low heat. When the butter has melted, stir together, then turn up the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the candy thermometer reads "hard-crack stage" (300 degrees F), 4 to 5 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the maple extract. Carefully pour over the snack mix and toss using two wooden spoons. Transfer to the prepared sheet pans and spread out to allow it to cool, about 10 minutes. Break into clusters and transfer to a large serving bowl.

BACON SNACK MIX

Steps:

• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until very crisp and evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line 1/2-sheet cake pans or large baking pans with parchment paper, allowing paper to overlap the sides and ends.
• Microwave butter in a large heat-proof glass measuring cup until melted. Mix in brown sugar, corn syrup, bourbon, and Worcestershire sauce. Return butter mixture to the microwave and heat on high for 2 minutes.
• Whisk chipotle powder into the butter mixture until mixture thickens to a sticky, very light caramel.
• Combine mixed nuts, rice squares, corn cereal, pretzels, and oatmeal squares in a very large mixing bowl. Crumble in the cooled bacon and stir to combine. Pour the caramel-bourbon mixture evenly on top. Gently fold in using a large silicone spatula, hugging the sides of the bowl and working spatula inward, until pieces are evenly coated.
• Pour snack mix into a thin, even layer on the prepared baking pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until dry and crispy, 20 to 25 minutes. Flip pieces over halfway through using the silicone spatula. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the pan, at least 30 minutes.
• Pull the edges of the parchment paper up to create a pouch and pour finished mix into a large, clean mixing bowl. Gently separate any clumps. Transfer snack mix to clean, airtight storage containers or resealable zip-top bags.