Chocolate Caramel Bacon Popcorn

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 250ºF. In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, cook bacon pieces until dark brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

  
• 2

  In a large bowl, combine popcorn, cereal, peanuts and drained bacon pieces; toss lightly to combine.

  
• 3

  In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly, then boil another 3 minutes without stirring. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in baking soda and vanilla.

  
• 4

  Immediately pour mixture over popcorn; toss lightly to combine. Spread mixture in two shallow baking pans.

  
• 5

  Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Transfer popcorn to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to cool.