Variations & Tips
For a mild kick, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the smoked paprika and salt mixture before seasoning the bacon and avocado. If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, swap smoked paprika for regular sweet paprika and add a half teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme. You can also brush the bacon lightly with sugar-free barbecue sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking for a tangy, low-carb glaze that caramelizes around the edges. If thick-cut bacon is unavailable, use regular bacon but start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier so it doesn’t over-crisp. For smaller bites, cut the avocado into thinner wedges and use a third of a bacon slice per piece, adjusting bake time slightly down. These are best fresh, but you can prep ahead by cutting and seasoning the avocado and bacon, wrapping them, and refrigerating on a tray for up to 4 hours before baking—just bring them to room temperature for 10–15 minutes and then bake as directed.
