The amazing folks at Glutino sent me a box of pretzels with a request – could I create Superbowl snacks with one of the flavors? I figured it couldn’t be too hard, so I said yes. When I opened the box I found three options: Pretzel Chips (they kind of look like wagon wheels, and they’re super crunchy), the Honey Mustard Pretzels that I already knew I liked because I used them to make Pretzel-Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken (it’s super easy and delish, you should try it), and the new Buffalo Style Pretzels.
I dug into the Buffalo Pretzels, and liked the slightly spicy kick, so I decided to use those. And then I thought: Superbowl….Pigskin….Spicy….Pig Candy seemed like the thing to try. And it came out stupid-good, certainly good enough to blow everyone’s mind at your Superbowl party. Here’s how I made it – and if you try it (you should) I want to see pictures! Post them to Instagram or Twitter and tag @gfreefoodie please!
First pick up some thick cut Gluten Free bacon. Yes, bacon can have gluten in the flavorings, spices or cures, so get a GF one for sobbing out loud. Then preheat your oven to 400 degrees, and line a baking sheet with foil. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. If you skip this step, you will trash your pan. I’ve warned you, don’t email me later telling me you ruined your favorite pan. Then pop a metal cooling rack on top of the foil-lined baking sheet.
Now mix up some brown sugar with chili powder or chipotle powder in a medium sized bowl or a pie plate. A shallow one is easier. Then put 1 1/2 cups of pretzels in a ziplock bag and smash them to bits. Smack then with a meat mallet, smash them with your hands, go to town with a rolling pin, whatever works. Get your aggression out. Pour the crushed pretzel bits into a bowl.
Now dredge each slice of bacon in the brown sugar mixture and lay them flat on the cooling rack. Top each slice evenly with a generous amount of the pretzel bits, and then sprinkle any remaining brown sugar over the pretzels. That whole mess goes into the oven, and set the timer for 18 minutes (less if your oven runs hot) – I usually cook Pig Candy for 20 minutes, so you may want to give it a little more time.
When the Pig Candy is bubbling, the fat is rendered and it looks crazy-good, pull it out and let it cool. That’s the hardest part. Transfer to a serving tray, throw the foil away and sliently thank me for making you line the pan. Taste the bacon. Thank me again.
XOXO – KC
Superbowl Snacks: Pig Candy With Buffalo Pretzel Crunch
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or chipotle powder
- 8 strips thick-cut Gluten Free bacon
- 1 1/2 cups Glutino Buffalo Style Pretzels, smashed to bits
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set a metal cooling rack inside the prepared pan and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the brown sugar and chili powder. Dredge the bacon slices in the brown sugar mixture and arrange the bacon on the rack. Evenly sprinkle the pretzel crumbs over each slice of bacon. Pat any remaining sugar mixture on top of the pretzel bits. Bake in the preheated oven until crisp, about 18-23 minutes.
- Cool 5 minutes & serve.
