Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Creations: Sweet & Savory Recipes You Need to Try
Are you ready for a flavor explosion that will redefine your breakfast, brunch, and dessert game? Get ready to embrace the unexpected and delightfully delicious collaboration between Hormel Bacon and Cinnamon Toast Crunch! This partnership has unleashed a wave of creative recipes that perfectly blend the salty, smoky goodness of bacon with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced crunch of our favorite childhood cereal. Forget everything you thought you knew about these two ingredients; we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
This blog post is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of combining Hormel Bacon and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. We’ll explore a range of recipes, from easy-to-make breakfast treats to show-stopping desserts, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your success. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the exciting world of Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch creations!
## Why This Combination Works So Well
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s understand why this seemingly bizarre combination actually works so well. The key lies in the contrasting flavors and textures:
* **Sweet vs. Savory:** The sweetness of Cinnamon Toast Crunch is perfectly balanced by the salty, umami-rich flavor of Hormel Bacon. This contrast creates a complex and satisfying taste experience that keeps you coming back for more.
* **Crunchy vs. Chewy:** The crispy, crunchy texture of the cereal complements the slightly chewy, rendered bacon, adding another layer of interest to each bite.
* **Warm Spices:** The cinnamon and sugar coating on the cereal pairs exceptionally well with the smoky notes of bacon, creating a warm and comforting flavor profile.
This harmonious blend of flavors and textures is what makes Hormel Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch recipes so irresistible.
## Recipe 1: Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pancakes
Level up your pancake game with this sweet and savory breakfast sensation. These pancakes are fluffy, flavorful, and packed with crispy bacon and crunchy cereal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 ½ cups buttermilk
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing
* 6 slices Hormel Bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
* Maple syrup, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. **Add Bacon and Cereal:** Fold in the crumbled Hormel Bacon and crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
5. **Cook the Pancakes:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
6. **Flip and Cook:** Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately with maple syrup and extra crumbled bacon and cereal, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
* Add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for enhanced flavor.
* Substitute almond milk or soy milk for buttermilk to make these pancakes dairy-free.
* Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a more decadent treat.
## Recipe 2: Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast
Transform your classic French toast into a sweet and savory masterpiece. This recipe features thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy custard, coated in crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch and crispy bacon, and then pan-fried to golden perfection.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 thick slices of bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
* 4 large eggs
* ½ cup milk
* ¼ cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 6 slices Hormel Bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 ½ cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
* Butter, for greasing
* Maple syrup, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Custard:** In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
2. **Combine Bacon and Cereal:** In a separate shallow dish, combine the crumbled Hormel Bacon and crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
3. **Soak the Bread:** Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, soaking for about 30 seconds per side, until fully saturated.
4. **Coat with Bacon and Cereal:** Press each soaked slice of bread into the bacon and cereal mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. **Cook the French Toast:** Heat a lightly buttered griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Cook the French toast for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately with maple syrup and extra crumbled bacon and cereal, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For best results, use slightly stale bread, as it will absorb the custard better.
* Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the custard for an extra layer of flavor.
* Top with caramelized bananas or sautéed apples for a fruity twist.
* Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
## Recipe 3: Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Bars
These no-bake cereal bars are the perfect sweet and salty snack for any occasion. They’re easy to make, portable, and incredibly addictive.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
* 6 slices Hormel Bacon, cooked and crumbled
* ½ cup butter
* 10 ounces marshmallows
* ¼ teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cereal Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and crumbled Hormel Bacon.
2. **Melt the Butter and Marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and salt and stir until completely melted and smooth.
3. **Combine Everything:** Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and bacon mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. **Press into a Pan:** Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
5. **Cool and Cut:** Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use mini marshmallows for faster melting.
* Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture for enhanced flavor.
* Stir in chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
* Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
## Recipe 4: Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milkshake
Indulge in this over-the-top milkshake that combines the best of both worlds. It’s creamy, sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups vanilla ice cream
* ½ cup milk
* ¼ cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
* 2 slices Hormel Bacon, cooked and crumbled
* Whipped cream, for topping
* Caramel sauce, for topping
* Extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, for topping
* Extra crumbled bacon, for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Blend the Milkshake:** In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, and crumbled Hormel Bacon. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. **Pour and Top:** Pour the milkshake into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, and extra crumbled bacon.
3. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use high-quality vanilla ice cream for the best flavor.
* Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar for extra sweetness.
* Rim the glass with crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for a festive touch.
* Garnish with a bacon strip for a dramatic presentation.
## Recipe 5: Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies
These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The addition of bacon and Cinnamon Toast Crunch adds a unique flavor and texture that will make these cookies a new favorite.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
* 6 slices Hormel Bacon, cooked and crumbled
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Beat in Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. **Stir in Cereal and Bacon:** Stir in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and crumbled Hormel Bacon.
7. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
* Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
* Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
* Sprinkle with sea salt for a salty-sweet finish.
## Recipe 6: Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
This sweet and savory snack mix is perfect for parties, game nights, or just a casual treat. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, and completely addictive.
**Ingredients:**
* 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* ½ cup peanut butter
* ¼ cup butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
* 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
* 6 slices Hormel Bacon, cooked and crumbled
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cereal:** Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large bowl.
2. **Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
3. **Stir in Vanilla:** Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Pour over Cereal:** Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal and stir gently until evenly coated.
5. **Combine Powdered Sugar, Cereal, and Bacon:** In a large resealable bag, combine the powdered sugar, crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, and crumbled Hormel Bacon.
6. **Shake to Coat:** Add the coated cereal to the bag and shake gently until completely coated in the powdered sugar mixture.
7. **Spread and Cool:** Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
* Add pretzels or nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
* Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
* For a festive twist, add holiday-themed sprinkles.
## Recipe 7: Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream Sandwiches
Take your ice cream sandwich game to the next level with these sweet and savory treats. Crispy Cinnamon Toast Crunch cookies filled with creamy vanilla ice cream and studded with crumbled bacon create a truly unforgettable dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies (recipe above)
* 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookies:** Make a batch of Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies according to the recipe above.
2. **Soften Ice Cream:** Let the vanilla ice cream soften slightly at room temperature.
3. **Assemble Sandwiches:** Place a scoop of softened ice cream on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, and gently press together to form a sandwich.
4. **Freeze:** Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes to allow the ice cream to firm up.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different flavors of ice cream, such as chocolate, strawberry, or coffee.
* Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
* Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.
* Make mini ice cream sandwiches using smaller cookies.
## Recipe 8: Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bark
This easy-to-make bark is a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. It’s great for gifting or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces chocolate (milk, dark, or white), chopped
* 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
* 6 slices Hormel Bacon, cooked and crumbled
* Optional: Sprinkles, sea salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate using your preferred method (microwave or double boiler). If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
2. **Spread the Chocolate:** Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.
3. **Sprinkle with Toppings:** Sprinkle the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and crumbled Hormel Bacon evenly over the melted chocolate.
4. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, add sprinkles or a sprinkle of sea salt.
5. **Chill:** Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
6. **Break into Pieces:** Break the bark into pieces and serve.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of chocolate to create different flavor combinations.
* Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
* Drizzle with melted peanut butter or caramel for a richer treat.
* Package in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
## The Hormel Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch Revolution: A Culinary Game Changer
The collaboration between Hormel Bacon and Cinnamon Toast Crunch is more than just a trend; it’s a culinary revelation. These recipes demonstrate the power of combining unexpected flavors and textures to create truly unique and memorable dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, these sweet and savory creations are sure to impress your friends and family. So, embrace the adventure, experiment with these recipes, and discover your own Bacon Cinnamon Toast Crunch masterpieces!
This partnership highlights the exciting possibilities that arise when brands dare to collaborate and push the boundaries of traditional culinary norms. It encourages us to think outside the box and explore new flavor combinations, ultimately leading to a more diverse and exciting food landscape.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some Hormel Bacon and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and start experimenting! Your taste buds will thank you.