Bacon Caramel Popcorn

Bacon Popcorn |

Sweet, salty, and smoky! This caramel popcorn is leveled up with crisp bacon and toasted pecans. A perfect fall snack!

SERVINGS
6-8

INGREDIENTS

Equipment
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rimmed baking sheet (lined with parchment or foil)
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Popcorn Base
  • 1 Pack Coleman All Natural Meats Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon
  • 1⁄2 cup popcorn kernels or 2 bags microwave popcorn (~14–16 cups popped)
Nutty Crunch
  • 1⁄2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt
Caramel Glaze
  • 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1⁄2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pop & Prep: Pop your kernels and add to a large bowl. Lightly salt if needed. Cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and chop into small bits.
  2. Toast Pecans: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread pecans on a lined baking sheet, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and toast 8–10 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
  3. Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, maple (or honey), and corn syrup. Stir until dissolved. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 4–5 minutes without stirring, until thickened and glossy (235–240°F on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla, and salt.
  4. Combine: In a large bowl, toss popcorn with bacon bits and toasted pecans. Drizzle the caramel evenly and gently toss to coat — aim for light, even coverage rather than full saturation.
  5. Bake (for crisp caramel corn): Spread onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 250°F for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so the caramel dries evenly. (If you prefer a chewy, softer texture, skip the bake and just let it set at room temperature for 45–60 minutes.)
  6. Cool & Finish: Let cool completely — it crisps as it cools. Break into clusters, finish with extra bacon bits, and add herbs or a chocolate drizzle if you like.

Find this recipe at:

https://colemannatural.com/kitchen/bacon-caramel-popcorn/