Sweet-N-Sour Bacon Curls

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Crunchy bacon curls with sweet-sour glaze, perfect for hearty breakfasts or savory snacks; the tangy ketchup sweetness pairs with salty bacon and crisp chestnuts for a crowd‑pleaser.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (5 oz.) cans water chestnuts, whole, peeled and drained
  • 1 lb. bacon, cut in half slices
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup ketchup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange bacon halves on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 25 minutes until crispy.
  4. Remove from oven, let cool, then drizzle with a glaze made from sugar and ketchup.
  5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider marinating the bacon in the sugar and ketchup mixture before baking. You can substitute the water chestnuts with sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist or use turkey bacon for a lighter option. Ensure the bacon is arranged in a single layer for even cooking, and keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

These Sweet-N-Sour Bacon Curls are perfect as an appetizer at parties or game day. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or with a side of Cheesy Corn Chowder For One for a delightful contrast. They also pair wonderfully with cocktails or sweet iced tea, making them a hit at any gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bacon curls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet-N-Sour Bacon Curls contains roughly 180 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 761mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

180 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 27.2g 10% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 12.9g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 761.3mg 33% DV
Potassium 337.5mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 15.3mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 18.8mg 21% DV
Calcium 21.9mg 2% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bacon curls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bacon curls and glaze in advance. Bake them, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven before serving to maintain their crispiness.

What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon is ideal for achieving the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. However, regular bacon will also work; just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may cook faster.

Can I use a different glaze instead of ketchup?

Absolutely! You could try a barbecue sauce or a honey mustard glaze for a different flavor profile. Experimenting with different sauces can lead to delicious variations of this recipe.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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