A delicious appetizer at the Pinnacle Grille on the Holland America Line
Maple, black pepper, half-sour pickles
Clothesline candied bacon is a delicious and visually appealing treat that combines the smoky, salty goodness of bacon with a sweet and crunchy caramelized coating. The name “clothesline” comes from the unique presentation of the bacon, where it is hung on a string or clothesline-like apparatus while it is being cooked.
To make clothesline candied bacon, you will need the following ingredients:
- Thick-cut bacon slices
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Optional seasonings (e.g., black pepper, cayenne pepper)
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing clothesline candied bacon:
- Preheat your oven to around 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch any drippings.
- Lay the bacon slices flat on a cutting board or work surface. If desired, sprinkle them lightly with any optional seasonings you prefer, such as freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon. These spices can add an extra layer of flavor to the candied bacon.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and maple syrup until well combined. Adjust the amount of sugar and syrup based on the quantity of bacon you’re using. You want enough mixture to coat the bacon slices evenly.
- Dip each bacon slice into the brown sugar and maple syrup mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Allow any excess mixture to drip off.
- Arrange the coated bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a small space between each slice to allow for even cooking and caramelization.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Keep a close eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
- While the bacon is still warm and pliable, carefully transfer each slice onto a clean clothesline or string, allowing them to hang freely. You can use wooden clothespins or skewers to secure the bacon in place.
- Let the bacon hang for a while until it is completely cool and the caramelized coating has hardened.
Once the clothesline candied bacon is ready, you can serve it as a unique and tasty appetizer or snack. The combination of the crispy, smoky bacon with the sweet and crunchy caramelized coating creates a delightful flavor and texture contrast.
Serve it with a pickle, a squeeze of lemon and Enjoy!