Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites are the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer. Juicy pineapple chunks are wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon and baked to perfection. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, game day snacks, or any occasion where delicious finger food is a must!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these bites come together quickly.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of salty bacon and sweet pineapple is irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, these appetizers are always the first to disappear.
- Customizable: Add spices, sauces, or dips for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- Bacon strips (cut in half)
- Brown sugar
- Toothpicks (for securing)
- Optional: chili powder, garlic powder, or barbecue sauce for extra flavor
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Pat the pineapple chunks dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture.
- Cut bacon strips in half to make them easier to wrap around the pineapple chunks.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Wrap each pineapple chunk with half a bacon strip and secure it with a toothpick.
- If desired, sprinkle brown sugar, chili powder, or garlic powder over the wrapped bites for extra flavor.
- Bake:
- Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out for even cooking.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy, turning them halfway through for even browning.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve plain or with a side of barbecue sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or brush with hot sauce for added heat.
- Glazed Option: Brush with maple syrup or honey during the last 5 minutes of baking for a sweet glaze.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme under the bacon wrap for a hint of freshness.
- Tropical Flair: Pair pineapple with a slice of mango or maraschino cherry before wrapping in bacon.
- Cheesy Addition: Add a small cube of mozzarella or cream cheese inside the bacon wrap for gooey goodness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crisp texture.
- Freezing: Assemble the bites, freeze them on a tray, and store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure you drain and pat it dry to reduce moisture.
How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?
Secure the bacon tightly with a toothpick, and use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the bites a day ahead, cover them, and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
What type of bacon works best?
Thin-cut bacon crisps up better, but thick-cut works if you prefer a meatier bite.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the bacon and any seasonings used are gluten-free.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a honey mustard dip are great options.
How can I make them less sweet?
Skip the brown sugar and focus on savory seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or black pepper.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables?
Yes, try wrapping bacon around cherry tomatoes, bell pepper chunks, or even jalapeño slices for variety.
How do I keep the bites crispy if serving later?
Bake them slightly underdone initially, and reheat in the oven at a high temperature before serving to crisp them up again.
Conclusion
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making them an ideal appetizer for any occasion. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, they’re a versatile treat that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Serve these at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites are sweet, salty, and smoky appetizers that are perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering. The juicy pineapple pairs beautifully with crispy bacon for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks (or use canned pineapple chunks, well-drained)
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Toothpicks (soaked in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Assemble the Bites:
- Wrap each pineapple chunk with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
- Roll each wrapped pineapple bite in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Place them on the wire rack.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Turn the bites halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
5. Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a tropical twist, add a small basil or mint leaf between the pineapple and bacon before wrapping.
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.