Make a batch of this sweet, crunchy, delicious homemade Bacon & Mixed Nuts Caramel Corn! It’s highly addictive and perfect for parties, snacking, movie nights, and gifting.
I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones. Both Frederick and I had a fun time over the long weekend, though we still managed to squeeze in some work. For some reason, people at my workplace love working, and they always send me a bunch of emails, regardless of the day. So, I ended up with piles of emails to answer, even though it’s a long and important holiday weekend. However, we still managed to see some movies and meet up with some friends over dinner.
Ever since we moved to the Bay Area a couple of years ago, we have decided not to subscribe to any TV providers since none of us are home. So, to make up for that, we go out to watch movies at least once a month, though it turns to be once a week towards the end of the year.
And each time we go to a movie theater, I always bring some snacks with me…so I won’t be falling asleep. (oops!). The snacks range from fruits to popcorn, anything healthy. Or this bacon & mixed nuts caramel corn.
Today’s Sunday Supper is about gifts from the kitchen and it seems appropriate to share a recipe for this bacon & mixed nuts caramel corn which is perfect to share at a gathering or as a favor. This week, Renee of Magnolia Days is hosting this event and she has amazing recipes on her blog, like this red dragon fruit sherbet or Cherry Viennese Sandwich Cookies.
Bacon & Mixed Nuts Caramel Corn
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 ounces bacon chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted mixed nuts
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt or coarse sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 vanilla bean tea bag
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Heat popcorn and oil in covered heavy large pot over medium-high heat until kernels begin to pop. Using oven mitts, hold lid on pot and shake pot until popping stops. Pour popcorn into very large bowl. Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until almost crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain; cool. Add bacon and mixed nuts to bowl with popcorn. Sprinkle with coarse salt and ancho chili; toss to coat.
- Bring cream and tea bag just to boil over medium heat. Remove from heat; let steep 15 minutes, occasionally pressing on tea bag with back of spoon to release flavor. Discard tea bag.
- Line rimmed baking sheet with foil; coat with nonstick spray. Coat 2 wooden spoons or heat-resistant spatulas with nonstick spray; set aside. Stir sugar, 1/4 cup water, and corn syrup in large saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high; boil without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with wet pastry brush, about 13 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately add cream (mixture will bubble up). Stir until blended. Immediately drizzle caramel over popcorn mixture; toss with sprayed spoons until evenly coated. Transfer to sheet.
- Place caramel corn in oven and bake until caramel is shiny and coats popcorn, tossing mixture occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool completely on sheet on rack, tossing occasionally to break up large clumps. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight in refrigerator.
Don’t forget to check what others are cooking in their kitchen:
Beverages:
- Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate by Supper for a Steal
- Cranberry Infused Vodka by The Redhead Baker
- Cranberry Pomegrante Vodka by Recipes, Food and Cooking
- Creamy Coconut Liqueur by Manu’s Menu
- German Egg Liqueur (Eierlikör) by Magnolia Days
- Holiday Sangria Surprise by Momma’s Meals
- Homemade Kahlua by Country Girl in the Village
- Homemade Organic Lavender Honey by An Appealing Plan
Bread:
- Homemade Pumpernickel Bread by The Foodie Army Wife
- Pumpkin Beer Bread Gift Basket by The Girl in The Little Red Kitchen
Appetizers and Snacks:
- Boozy Olives by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Reindeer Snack Mix by MealDiva
Condiments and Sauces:
- Butterscotch Sauce {Low Carb} by Nosh My Way
- Cranberry Hatch Chile Salsa by The Texan New Yorker
- Lemon Ginger Marmalade by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Microwave Caramel Sauce by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter by Shockingly Delicious
- Sweet-Hot Red Pepper Jam by Delaware Girl Eats
Savory and Sweet Mixes:
- Creole Jambalaya Mix by Nik Snacks
- Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Mix by Feed Me, Seymour
- Homemade Brownie Mix in a Jar by The Perfect Brownie
- Homemade Sazon Seasoning by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Skinny Mocha Latte Mix by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Desserts and Sweets:
- Assorted Macaroons by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Bacon & Mixed Nuts Caramel Corn by Brunch with Joy
- Brandy Truffles by Food Lust People Love
- Carob Peanut Butter Cups by Pies and Plots
- Chocolate Cranberry Nut Candy by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Cinnamon Candied Pecans by Noshing With The Nolands
- Coconut Oil White Chocolate + Chocolate Chip Cookies by Wallflour Girl
- Ho Ho Oreo Bark by Seduction in the Kitchen
- Homemade Marshmallows by Curious Cuisiniere
- Maple Chocolates by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Matcha Green Tea Holiday Wreath Cookies by NinjaBaker
- White Chocolate Lollipops by The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- White Christmas Fudge by Rhubarb and Honey
Bravo for your fine discipline of no TV…I couldn’t survive…Unless of course I had your yummy snack box in stow! Seriously delicious looking, Linda. Pinning!
Thanks, Kim. It was tough in the beginning 🙂
Totally the gift for bacon lovers!
Absolutely, Renee. Bacon makes everything more fun.
You would get the biggest hug from me ever if I received this as a gift!!
Awwww you’re so sweet, Tara. 🙂
You had me at bacon!!! Yummy!!!
Thanks, Deanna. Hope you get a chance to try this.
Oh, boy, Linda, this sweet and salty mix must be irresistible! What I wouldn’t give for a big bowl for munching!
Yes, Liz. That’s wonderful!
I need this!!
Thanks, Jocelyn. You don’t want to miss this for sure 🙂
Ohhh My Goodness! The men in my life are going to love this!
You added bacon! Oh my gosh! I want this, like right now!!
I seriously don’t think I would be able to stop eating this! The mix of sweet and salty and crunchy is perfection! I am a total TV addict and have all the channels and Netflix, and I typically watch two movies a week. It’s the best way to unwind after a long day.
Salty bacon, crunchy nuts, and sweet caramel —sounds delicious!
Whoa. Bacon + caramel corn? This sounds like a must eat and a must add to my holiday list! Thanks for sharing.
Bacon with nuts and caramel! Oh my goodness! Delicious flavor combination!
I love the salty and sweet combination in your popcorn mix, Linda! Especially the addition of bacon!
You had me at bacon! Next time we do movies I am making this!
WHOA. Just, whoa. I’ve seen lots of caramel corn recipes, but this one takes the cake! Er, corn. I love the crazy combo of flavors. And you’re in the Bay? No way! Whereabouts? =)
Bacon AND Popcorn! Be still my heart!
I love this sweet and salty combo! with bacon no less 🙂
I would never be able to give this as a gift! I’d be eating it all myself!
The tea bag adds a new to me twist to flavoring popcorn!
I love that you added bacon in there!! I love making popcorn, the flavor possibilities seem endless, but I’ve never made it with bacon before. I must correct that, soon!! Thanks for posting!