Dark Chocolate-Covered Bacon Recipe with Sea Salt

Dark, white, milk, or studded with crunchy bits—whatever chocolate you prefer, it becomes irresistible when used to coat perfectly cooked, salty bacon. Making chocolate covered bacon is simpler than it sounds and quickly becomes addictive.

You don’t have to wait for a state fair to indulge in decadent, indulgent treats. Chocolate-dipped bacon brings that fair-food vibe home with minimal effort. With just two main ingredients—bacon and chocolate—you can create a gourmet, crowd-pleasing snack in your own kitchen.

While this snack may have roots in fairgrounds and novelty food stands, at home it can be elevated into a refined, addictive dessert or party nibble. Use high-quality chocolate, experiment with toppings, and you’ll be surprised how many people call for seconds.

You only need 2 things…

To make chocolate covered bacon you only need bacon and chocolate. Here are two practical tips for choosing them:

• Use thick-sliced bacon. Thick-cut bacon holds its shape and supports the weight of the chocolate better than thinner slices.
• Pick a chocolate you enjoy eating. Milk, dark, and white chocolate all work well. Choose plain chocolate bars for melting, and reserve filled candy bars (caramel, nougat, mousse, cookie centers) for chopping and sprinkling on top after the chocolate has set.

Pro tip: If you want crunch or extra flavor, chop up your favorite candy bars or cookies and sprinkle them over the chocolate as it begins to set. Avoid using filled bars for melting—their centers don’t behave the same as pure chocolate.

The Best Chocolate for Chocolate Bacon

At home we like sampling a couple of different chocolates and comparing the results over a glass of wine or with coffee. A mix of flavors—milk for creaminess, dark for contrast, or cookies-and-cream for nostalgia—creates a fun tasting experience. Prepare several kinds, arrange them on a platter, and let guests pick their favorite.

Popular choices to try:

• Lindt milk chocolate
• 60–70% dark chocolate
• Cookies & cream bars
• Sea salt almond dark chocolate
• Pretzel or toffee crunch dark chocolate

Topping ideas that pair beautifully with chocolate and bacon:

• Crushed or chopped cookies
• Chopped candy pieces or M&M’s
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped roasted salted nuts
• Crushed pretzels
• Crushed toffee or brittle
• Coarse flaky salt (wait until the chocolate has cooled slightly so the salt doesn’t melt)

Although some people call this “man candy” because it combines meat and chocolate, chocolate covered bacon is truly for everyone—children, grandparents, and anyone who enjoys a sweet-and-salty treat.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Bacon

The process is straightforward. Follow these essential tips for consistent results:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Place an oven-safe cooling rack on top for even cooking and easier cleanup.
2. Arrange bacon slices on the rack and roast. Cooking time varies by thickness—thin bacon may take 12–20 minutes; thick slices will take closer to 25 minutes. Flip slices once about halfway through so they brown evenly.
3. After removing the bacon from the oven, dab off excess grease with paper towels so the chocolate will adhere and set smoothly.
4. Estimate about ½ ounce (approximately 2 tablespoons) of chocolate per slice of bacon. Break or chop the chocolate and melt it gently—microwave in short bursts and stir frequently until smooth. White chocolate melts fastest and dark chocolate takes the longest.
5. Use a spoon to drizzle or ladle chocolate over each slice. Aim to coat a little more than half the length of the bacon on both sides without bending or breaking the strips.
6. Place coated bacon on wax paper or parchment and, if desired, sprinkle on toppings while the chocolate is still soft. Chill in the fridge on a flat surface for about an hour to set the chocolate.
7. Store chocolate covered bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Extra tip: For an even more decadent result, try using candied bacon (sugar-caramelized bacon) as the base before coating with chocolate—this intensifies the sweet-and-salty contrast and adds crunch.

Questions about making Chocolate Covered Bacon

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Chocolate covered bacon is best shortly after it sets, but it keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed for several days.

Can I cook the bacon on the stovetop?

You can, but oven baking produces flatter slices that are less likely to shatter when coated. If you fry on the stovetop, try to keep the slices as flat as possible and blot off excess grease before dipping.

Can I leave this at room temperature?

Because the base is cooked bacon, it’s safest to refrigerate the chocolate covered bacon when you’re not actively serving it. Don’t leave it at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Enjoyed this? Try pairing different chocolates and toppings to discover your favorite combination—salty nuts, crunchy pretzels, or sweet toffee all make excellent companions for chocolate covered bacon.