Bacon Brownies
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My Bacon Brownies start with a simple box mix. This recipe transforms everyday brownies into a bold, crave-worthy treat. Crispy bacon adds smoky depth and a satisfying chew, while rich chocolate keeps things indulgent. It’s the kind of dessert that surprises people in the best way.
If you like delicious brownies but like to make them a little different, try my Brownies with Raspberry and my crispy Brownie Cookies.
Why this Bacon Brownie Recipe Works
The salty crunch of bacon against rich, fudgy chocolate creates a bold, unforgettable combo. They’re easy to make (especially with a box mix), but feel gourmet. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something a little unexpected. If you love sweet-and-savory pairings, these brownies are your new obsession.
- Marries Sweet and Savory: It achieves the coveted sweet and salty balance through the rich chocolate, sugar, and salty, smoky bacon, creating a mature and complex flavor profile. Especially if you love bacon.
- Elevates a Simple Base: It takes an inexpensive, store-bought box mix and transforms it into a sophisticated, bakery-quality treat with minimal extra effort.
- Uses Bacon Grease: Substituting the oil with bacon grease infuses a subtle, smoky flavor throughout the entire brownie, ensuring the bacon flavor isn’t limited just to the chunks. It enhances the chocolate and butter flavor.
- Unique and Memorable: These are a talking point! They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or holiday baking when you want a dessert that stands out. Putting bacon in your brownies make them unique.
Will the Bacon Make the Brownies Greasy?
No, not if you drain the bacon thoroughly after cooking. Using a paper-towel-lined plate to remove all excess grease but honestly some of the grease makes a nice addition.
Pro Tip – Bacon Fat
Substitute the Oil in the Recipe:Replace all or part of the vegetable oil called for on the box with the cooled, rendered bacon grease from frying the bacon.
Ingredient Notes for Caramelized Maple Bacon Brownies
Of course this recipe is very easy due to starting with a box mix But no one will ever know as you take it to the next level with the addition of decadent bacon.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Box Brownie Mix: It has all the dry ingredients, cocoa powder, baking powder, and all the ingredients you need for this decadent treat. You will need the additional ingredients listed on the package as well.
- Bacon: Use a nice maple bacon for the ultimate flavor. Place half the bacon in the batter and use the remaining bacon on top.
Variations and Substitutions – Bacon Caramel Brownies
Everyone loves the decadence of a chocolate fudge brownie but you can add more flavors to the recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the dry mix for a subtle heat that enhances the chocolate and bacon flavor.
- Candied Bacon: Toss the cooked, drained bacon pieces with maple syrup or brown sugar in the pan for the last minute of cooking to create sweet, caramelized chunks before adding them to the batter.
- Boozy Bacon: Substitute any water/milk called for with strongly brewed coffee or bourbon to deepen the chocolate notes.
- Nutty Texture: Add toasted walnuts or pecans along with the bacon. Drizzle caramel on top.
Special Equipment Needed for Bacon Brownies
You can mix the batter with a spatula, whisk or electric mixer and you will need a frying pan to cook the bacon and save the drippings. You will also need a prepared pan for baking.
- Parchment Paper: Line the baking dish with parchment so they don’t stick and have easy cleanup.
How to Make Brownies From A Mix
These bacon brownies are the ultimate salty-sweet surprise. Rich, fudgy, and just a little bit rebellious.
Starting with a box mix keeps things simple, but the addition of crispy bacon takes them to a whole new level. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but approachable, perfect for potlucks, parties, or just treating yourself to something unexpected.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep: Preheat the oven, line baking pan with parchment paper and cook the bacon. Allow to cool and crumble.
- Combine Fudge Brownie Mix: In a large bowl, prepare the brownies according to the package directions. Fold in most of the crumbled bacon.
- Transfer to Pan: Transfer to a baking pan and sprinkle bacon and chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Maple Bacon Brownie Recipe
These brownies are the perfect make ahead snack as they stay nice and moist.
- Cook and Chop Bacon: This is the best prep-ahead step. Cook the bacon, remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it completely, chop it into small pieces, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Measure Bacon Grease: Cook your bacon, measure and save the required amount of rendered bacon grease (cooled, of course), and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Assemble Dry Mix: Combine the box mix with any dry additions (like cayenne or cinnamon) and store until ready to mix the wet ingredients.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Doctored Brownie Mix
You can make individual brownies or bites in a muffin pan or bake them in the air fryer. But if you do not want large pans, make minis.
- Muffin Pan/Brownie Bites: Pour the batter into greased muffin tins or a mini-muffin pan. This reduces the baking time significantly (check at 15-20 minutes for regular size, 10-12 minutes for mini). This is excellent for portion control and ensures crispy edges on every piece.
- Air Fryer: Pour batter into a small, air-fryer-safe pan (like an 8×8 or a loaf pan). Cook at 325°F (160°C), checking frequently after 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
I love to make these treats and store them for later. They are great for lunches, parties and snacks.
- Store: Due to the meat content, these brownies are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave to return them to a gooey state. Alternatively, toast them in a toaster oven for 3-5 minutes to warm them up and crisp the bacon topping slightly.
- Use Leftovers:
- Ice Cream Sundae: Chop cold brownies and use them as a fudgy topping for vanilla ice cream, topped with bourbon caramel sauce.
- Brownie Crumble: Crumble the old brownies and use the pieces as a salty, sweet, and smoky topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or cheesecake.
Common Questions About This Bacon Brownie Recipe
Yes, but freshly cooked bacon that you crisp yourself is highly recommended. If using pre-cooked, ensure it is still very crispy and pat it down to remove any oils for the top of the brownies.
They will be pleasantly salty, but not overly so, as the sugar and chocolate in the mix balance it out. Using unsalted butter/oil and a low-sodium bacon can help if you are worried about the salt level.
Expert Tips for Making Decadent Brownies This Recipe
The primary difference between a good bacon brownie and a great one is the bacon itself. Use good quality bacon bits.
- Cook Until Crispy, Not Chewy: The bacon must be fully cooked to a crispy state. If it’s undercooked, it will remain chewy and release moisture/grease into the batter during baking, which will result in a greasy, soggy, and unappetizing texture.
- The Power of Candied Bacon: For the best flavor balance, candy the bacon. After cooking the bacon until crispy, toss the pieces in a skillet with a tablespoon of maple syrup or a spoonful of brown sugar. Cook for another minute until the glaze coats the bacon and the syrup slightly caramelizes. This enhances the sweet/salty contrast.
- Drain Thoroughly: After cooking (and candying, if desired), spread the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain all excess grease. Reserve bacon grease to use later.
- Choose the Right Mix: A fudge-style or dark chocolate mix tends to pair better with the savory, smoky flavor of the bacon than a cake-like brownie mix.
- The Salt Finish: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) to the top along with the bacon.
The extra salt crystals give a burst of flavor and a satisfying textural crunch. - Serve this recipe with: List what to serve with Brownie Batter Dip and my Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin.
More Recipes You Might Like
Sweet and Salty Bacon Brownies
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 20 ounces Brownie mix, 1 box and Ingredients required to make them.
- 6 strips Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (about 1/2 to 1 cup of crumbles)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the brownie mix box. Grease or line your baking pan (usually 8×8 or 9×13 inches, depending on the mix size) with parchment paper.
- Cook and Crumble Bacon: Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until they are very crispy. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and allow it to cool completely. Once cool, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, adding the water, oil, and eggs as directed.
- Add Bacon: Fold most of the crumbled bacon into the brownie batter. Reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top.
- Pour and Top: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining bacon bits over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Bake for the time recommended on the brownie box, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. The added ingredients might require an extra 3-5 minutes of baking time.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This is important for the brownies to set properly with the bacon mixed in.
Christina’s Notes
- Fold: Fold bacon into the batter, don’t layer: Mixing it in gives you salty-sweet bites throughout, rather than just on top.
- Additions: Add a touch of maple or bourbon: A teaspoon of maple syrup or bourbon in the batter enhances the smoky-sweet combo without overpowering.
- Top: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top: Just before baking, add a pinch of sea salt to balance richness and highlight the bacon.
- Fudge: Use a fudgy brownie mix: Bacon pairs best with dense, rich brownies—not cakey ones. Look for mixes labeled “fudge” or “extra moist.”
- Cool: Cool completely before cutting: Warm brownies can smear and crumble, especially with bacon bits. Let them set for clean slices.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
