Wicked. Sinful. Indulgent. Those are just a few of the words being bandied about by folks who’ve succumbed to this ridiculously crack-like concoction made, quite simply, from popcorn, maple syrup, bacon, and butter. And when we want more of this recipe–which is pretty much always–we simply make a second or third batch. That’s how easy it is to toss together. On a tangent, we’re thinking a little dark chocolate would be the perfect addition to this equation—that’s the sort of math we understand. Boy, do we ever.–Renee Schettler Rossi
Popcorn with Bacon Fat, Bacon, and Maple Syrup
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup popping corn, preferably organic
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Coarse salt, preferably smoked salt flakes, as needed
Instructions
- Heat a cast-iron or other heavy skillet over low heat and cook the bacon slowly until cooked through but not ridiculously crisp This should take about 15 minutes per side if the heat is low enough. Transfer the cooked bacon to a folded paper towel to drain, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet. When the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into a bowl.
- Carefully pour the bacon drippings into a 3-quart pot with a tight-fitting lid. You'll need at least 1 tablespoon bacon drippings; if you don’t have enough, melt a bit of butter to make up the difference. Heat the pot over medium-high heat and pour in the corn, clapping on the cover. Shake the pan and listen for the sound of the corn popping. Once it begins to pop furiously, lower the heat to medium and leave the pan alone until it's quiet and the popped corn begins to push at the lid off the pot. Turn off the burner but let the pot remain where it is so the residual heat can pop the remaining kernels.
- In the meantime, melt the butter. Measure the maple syrup. Grab your bowl of crumbled bacon. And find a ginormous bowl.
- Pour the popped corn into the bowl. Immediately drizzle it with the maple syrup and melted butter, sprinkle it with the crumbled bacon, and quickly toss to combine. Taste for salt and correct the seasonings, tossing again. Serve at once with napkins aplenty.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews
This recipe was a lot of fun. I was worried about burning the popcorn in the bacon fat, but it turns out my fear was unfounded. The popcorn popped up well without burning. The taste of the finished product is quite a treat. It has a slightly sweet maple flavor, but there is also enough salty flavor from the bacon fat and crumbled bacon to satisfy. This would be a great addition to any brunch or just on its own. It could easily become a habit.
Made this for my daughter, parents, and half-Spanish family, and everyone loved it. What can I say? Salty, sweet, sticky, yummy. Now somehow I have to figure out how to send REAL popping corn to Portugal and Spain!
What a delicious snack! I love popcorn and make it frequently in my Whirly-Pop, which I also used for this recipe. Since the maple syrup and bacon are added after the popcorn has finished popping, there is no chance of the sugar burning, which has happened to me when making similar recipes. Really tasty and easy!
This recipe made me laugh out loud with glee :). I’m definitely making it today and am wondering how at strange my husband and kids will think I am if I make it for breakfast! It is so very tempting …
Well, let’s see, JenZ, there’s whole grain, bacon, and maple syrup. Sounds like standard Sunday breakfast fare to us! Although we’re laughing now, too. With you, not at you. Let us know how it goes!
I did make it, although for an evening football snack. It would have made a tasty breakfast though! I made a bit more of the maple mixture and used applewood smoked salt, and it was delicious but also way more filling than regular popcorn (which I usually make with expeller pressed coconut oil and salt powder). I will definitely make it again!
Swell, JenZ! Lovely to hear it, really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. And I am so with you on typically popping corn in coconut oil…soooo lovely.
I second the dark chocolate and see maple bacon popcorn balls in my future. 😉 Love popcorn balls, don’t have all those loose bits escaping and getting lost in the furniture. Heh.
Can totally relate to those lost loose bits, ruthie!
Outrageously good. Very moreish.
Outrageously lovely to hear, Vivien!