Directions to follow
- Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the grease.
- In the same skillet, add brown sugar and cayenne pepper to the remaining bacon grease. Stir this mixture until the sugar melts and starts to bubble.
- Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet, making sure to coat each piece in the sweet heat mixture. Once coated, remove from heat and let it cool.
- While the bacon cools, peel the hard-boiled eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Mash the yolks together with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Crumble half of the sweet heat bacon and fold it into the yolk mixture. Save the other half for garnish.
- Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites, filling them generously.
- Top each egg with the reserved sweet heat bacon and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy your Sweet Heat Bacon Candy Deviled Eggs Deluxe as a delicious appetizer or snack!
How to plate and pair
Make these deviled eggs shine by arranging them on a beautiful platter, garnished with additional green onions and perhaps a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a pop of color. Pair them with a refreshing salad, some crispy baked potatoes, or serve alone as a mouthwatering appetizer alongside festive drinks!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the filling and egg whites separate if you want to preserve their texture. If you’ve got a batch that you’re hoping to save for later, these sweet heat bacon treats can also be frozen—just ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container. For best quality, consume them within one month.
Helpful cooking tips
- Always cook the bacon on medium heat to get that perfect crispness without burning it.
- Mash the yolks while they’re still warm for a creamier filling.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought candied bacon as a quicker option; just add a sprinkle of cayenne for that extra kick!
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with your Sweet Heat Bacon Candy Deviled Eggs! Swap out regular mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or try adding different spices like smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile. You could even incorporate avocado for a creamy twist or add sriracha to the yolk mixture for an extra dose of heat.
Common questions
How long does it take to prep and cook?
Prep and cook time should take around 30-40 minutes, including cooking the bacon and allowing the eggs to cool.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the egg filling a day in advance and fill the eggs just before serving for the freshest taste.
What can I substitute for bacon?
For a vegetarian option, consider using smoked tempeh or a coconut bacon alternative. Both add a unique flavor without meat!
Are these eggs gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on your condiments to be sure.
Enjoy making your Sweet Heat Bacon Candy Deviled Eggs Deluxe, and watch them disappear at your next gathering!
