Homemade Caramel Corn with Bourbon and Bacon

Hey there foodies! Are you ready to elevate your popcorn game? Our Homemade Caramel Corn with Bourbon and Bacon is about to do just that! This snack is perfect for those comfort-food-craving days, game nights or just when you’re in the mood to experiment with some drool-inducing flavors. Let your kitchen fill up with the irresistible aroma of caramelizing sugar, smoky bacon, and a hint of bourbon, which might just make this your new favorite snack!

What makes this treat truly unique is our secret addition ��� bourbon! It gives the caramel a beautiful depth, pretty much swinging it right out of the park. And then there’s BACON, because everything is just better with bacon, right?

We’re absolutely sure that your tastebuds will thank you and you’ll keep coming back for more. Now, let’s dive right into it!

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Servings: 10 servings
• Yield: 10 cups

Ladies and gents, prepare your aprons… it’s time to make the magic happen.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 cup unpopped popcorn
• 2 cups bacon, finely chopped
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Additionally, you’ll need a large pot for popping the popcorn, a saucepan for making the caramel and a large baking tray.

The bourbon gives that interestingly sweet, smoky flavor which blends perfectly into the caramel, and the baking soda helps our caramel get that beautiful, crisp texture.

How To Make Homemade Caramel Corn with Bourbon and Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and set it aside. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels!
2. Fry the bacon until it’s crispy. Drain the fat and let it cool, then chop it into small pieces.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it’s fully dissolved.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and slowly pour in the bourbon, then return it to the heat. Let it boil for about 5 minutes
5. Add the baking soda to the mixture and stir. The mixture will foam, but that’s totally okay. This is all part of making the perfect caramel!
6. Toss the popcorn and bacon in the caramel until they’re fully coated, then spread the caramel corn onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes, making sure to stir every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let the popcorn cool before enjoying this heavenly snack!

Tips For The Best Results

• Don’t skip the step of removing unpopped kernels. You wouldn’t want a surprise dentist visit!
• Use quality bourbon for a more profound flavor.

Storage Tips

• Make sure your caramel corn is cooled completely before you store it. It stays fresh in an airtight container for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use microwave popcorn?

A: Yes, but be sure to choose a plain variety, as flavored ones can alter the taste.

Q: Can I make this dish without bourbon?

A: Yes, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.

Q: Can I use other types of meat?

A: Yes, but bacon pairs best with the caramel and popcorn.

Q: Can I store this for later consumption?

A: Absolutely! Make sure it’s completely cooled, and stored in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for about a week.

Q: Can I make this vegan/vegetarian?

A: For a vegan/vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon and use vegan butter.

Nutritional Facts of Homemade Caramel Corn with Bourbon and Bacon

Each serving delivers approximately 300 calories, filled with a good balance of carbs, protein, and fats. Remember, though, this is a snack and should be enjoyed in moderation!

In conclusion, our Homemade Caramel Corn with Bourbon and Bacon is an adventurous treat that will surely satisfy your munchies. Serve it in pretty little bowls on your movie night, and you’ll have people begging you for the recipe. Snack time just got a gourmet upgrade!