"Pig Candy" Bacon Popcorn

Sweet and salty snacks make for the perfect pairing while relaxing around a warm fire. While you could certainly reach for a bag of your favorite pre-made snack, why not try your hand at making your own? This Bacon Popcorn is made by popping the popcorn kernels in leftover bacon grease. Cook the bacon, chop it up, and reserve the grease. You’ll be able to use the bacon grease in place of canola or vegetable oil to infuse the popcorn with even better flavor. Take it a step further by drizzling a brown sugar-cinnamon glaze over top, resulting in the ultimate combination of brown sugar and bacon. Want to dress it up even more? Add in salted nuts, M&M’s, or chocolate chips. Either made as-is or with extra mix-ins, you won’t be able to resist reaching for another handful.

Equipment

Bonfire 2.0, Popcorn Maker

Ingredients

6 strips bacon

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste

Step 1: Cook the bacon

Cook the bacon until crispy. Reserve the bacon grease, at least 3 tablespoons, and transfer it from the pan to a jar. Chop the bacon into small pieces.

Step 2: Build a fire

Build a fire in your Solo Stove fire pit. Start by burning 3-4 logs, allowing them to reduce down just about to a low to medium rolling flame with hot coals.

Step 3: Prep the popcorn kernels

Pour 3 tablespoons of bacon grease into the popcorn maker. Add the kernels and toss to combine.

Step 4: Prep the topping

Melt the butter in the same pan as you cooked the bacon in. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.Step

5: Pop the popcorn

Holding the long handle of the popcorn maker, place the popper over the fire pit, two to three inches above the flame ring. Hold the popcorn maker over the heat until you hear the bacon grease sizzle and the first kernel pop. Gently shake the popcorn maker over the heat until the kernels have popped.

Step 6: Add the topping and the bacon

Transfer the hot popcorn to a large bowl. Drizzle with the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture and top with crispy bacon. Toss to combine and dig in!