Dairy-Free Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
This easy snack has delicious layers of flavor from the sweet, savory, and salty ingredients. It also has a satisfying combination of crunchy and chewy textures.
Author:
Recipe type: Appetiser
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 quarts
Ingredients
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon (see Vegan Option below)
  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
  • 8 cups popped popcorn
  • ⅔ cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped
  • ⅔ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons dairy-free buttery spread (can sub coconut oil)
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon maple extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a jellyroll pan with foil. Place a wire rack in the pan. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the pan rack. Bake for 15 minutes until ends of bacon start to curl.
  3. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. Brush the bacon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Return it to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until browned. Let the bacon cool, then coarsely chop it.
  4. In a large bowl, stir together the popcorn, pecans, and cranberries.
  5. Put the buttery spread, remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup, reserved bacon drippings, black pepper, and maple extract in a small saucepan. Place the pan over low heat, and stir until the buttery spread is melted.
  6. Drizzle the buttery mixture over the popcorn mixture and gently stir until well coated.
  7. Spread the popcorn mixture in a jellyroll pan.
  8. Bake for 5 minutes. Toss in the bacon pieces and serve warm.
Notes
Vegan Option: Skip step 2, but brush vegan bacon with the 2 tablespoons maple syrup and proceed with step 3. You can substitute 2 tablespoons coconut oil for the bacon drippings.
Recipe by Go Dairy Free at https://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/dairy-free-maple-bacon-popcorn