Forget everything you thought you knew about appetizers! Imagine a crispy, salty bacon cup, perfectly molded and baked to golden perfection. Now, fill that edible vessel with a warm, buttery blend of toasted pecans and macadamia nuts, seasoned with a hint of garlic. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a flavor-packed, low-carb masterpiece that will have everyone reaching for more. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or any time you crave a seriously satisfying savory treat.
Ingredients
• 12 slices standard-cut bacon, about 6.3 oz or 180g, 6 slices cut in half
• 4 slices cooked bacon, about 2 oz or 60g, chopped into bits
• 1 Tbsp or 14g butter
• ½ cup or 55g pecans
• ½ cup or 68g macadamia nuts
• ¼ tsp or 1.5g granulated garlic
• 1/8 tsp or 0.5g freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F or 200°C. Prepare a 6-cup standard muffin tin. To form the cups, lay one half-slice of bacon across the bottom of a cup, then place the second half-slice over it to create an ‘X’. Firmly press one full slice of bacon around the inside wall of the cup. Repeat for all 6 cups.
3. Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet to catch any drippings. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is rendered and beginning to crisp.
4. While the bacon bakes, prepare the filling. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans, macadamia nuts, granulated garlic, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes until the nuts are fragrant and toasted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Once cooled enough to handle, coarsely chop the toasted nut mixture. In a small bowl, combine the chopped nuts with the cooked bacon bits.
6. Carefully remove the bacon cups from the muffin tin and place them on a serving platter. Divide the nut and bacon filling evenly among the cups and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition
• Calories: 437 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 44 g
Pro Tips
• Use standard-cut bacon, not thick-cut. Thick-cut bacon will not crisp up as well and may be difficult to form into cups.
• The bacon cups can be baked ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and re-crisp in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes before filling and serving.
• After baking, you can carefully tilt the muffin tin to pour off excess grease from the cups before they cool completely. This makes for a less greasy final product.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these bacon cups ahead of time
A: Yes, you can prepare the bacon cups in advance. Bake the cups as directed and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply re-crisp them in a 400°F oven or an air fryer for a few minutes before adding the warm nut filling.
Q: What is the best type of bacon for making bacon cups
A: For the best results, use standard-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon is not recommended as it won’t crisp up properly and can be difficult to mold into the shape of the muffin tin cups.
Q: How do I stop my bacon cups from being too greasy
A: To reduce greasiness, bake the muffin tin on a larger baking sheet to catch drips. After baking, carefully tilt the muffin tin while it’s still warm to pour out any excess bacon grease from the bottom of the cups before removing them.
Q: Can I use other nuts in this bacon cup recipe
A: Absolutely! While pecans and macadamia nuts offer a wonderful buttery flavor, feel free to substitute with other low-carb nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just be sure to toast them with the butter and seasonings to bring out their flavor.
