Get ready to elevate your veggie game with these Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites! Combining the ultimate comfort of bacon with a rainbow of vibrant veggies, this dish takes cozy cuisine to new heights of elegance. Crafted with love by Chef Crenn, these gourmet bites will have your taste buds dancing with joy and your guests swooning over the beautifully presented plate.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites
Indulge in the perfect balance of salty, savory bacon and the fresh, tender crunch of seasonal vegetables, all wrapped up in a delicate, irresistible package. These Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish, sure to satisfy any comfort food craving with a refined, gourmet twist. Whip up a batch for a cozy family gathering, an elegant dinner party, or anytime you need a joyful, wholesome treat that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients to create these Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites. Gather your favorite seasonal veggies, like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, along with some thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon. A sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil or melted butter completes the elegant, flavor-packed lineup.
- 1 lb – Assorted fresh vegetables (asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, etc.), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz – Thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon, sliced into 1-inch strips
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp – Freshly ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your preferred veggie varieties, such as Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
- Bacon: You can also experiment with different types of bacon, like peppered, maple-cured, or even turkey bacon for a healthier twist.
How to Make Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites
Get ready to create a visually stunning, flavor-packed dish that will delight your senses and impress your guests.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F. Wash and slice your selected veggies into bite-sized pieces, keeping them uniform in size for even cooking. Pat the veggie pieces dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Wrap each veggie piece snugly in a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in your air fryer basket, making sure they have a little breathing room. Lightly brush or drizzle the bites with a touch of olive oil or melted butter, then season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Pop the tray of bacon-wrapped veggie bites into the preheated oven or air fryer and let the magic happen. The bacon will sizzle and crisp up, while the veggies become tender and infused with the savory, smoky bacon flavor. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on your appliance and the size of your bites.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Once the bites are golden-brown and the bacon is crispy, remove them from the oven or air fryer. Allow them to cool for a minute or two, then carefully remove the toothpicks. Arrange the elegant, gourmet bites on a serving platter and get ready to wow your guests with this visually stunning, flavor-packed dish.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Achieving Crispiness: To ensure the bacon gets perfectly crispy, be sure to pat your veggie pieces dry with paper towels before wrapping them. This will help the bacon render and crisp up beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
- Cooking Adjustments: Keep a close eye on the bites as they cook, and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
- Flavor Boosters: For an extra pop of color and flavor, try brushing the bites with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
- Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different veggie combinations, such as Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, to suit your mood and the season.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Ranch, honey mustard, or a zesty lemon-herb aioli for dipping.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crispy again.
Make-Ahead: While best enjoyed fresh, you can make these Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites offer a delicious balance of comfort and nutrition. The combination of fresh, seasonal vegetables and savory, protein-rich bacon provides a satisfying and wholesome treat.
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of vegetables?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, to create a variety of delicious flavor combinations.
How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
To achieve maximum crispiness, be sure to pat your veggie pieces dry with paper towels before wrapping them in bacon. This will help the bacon render and crisp up beautifully in the oven or air fryer. Keep a close eye on the bites and adjust the cooking time or temperature as needed.
Can I make these in advance?
While these Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them just before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then simply pop them back into the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Are these bites keto-friendly?
Yes, these Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites can be a great option for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. The combination of bacon and low-carb vegetables makes this dish a delicious and satisfying keto-friendly snack or appetizer.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute turkey bacon for the traditional pork bacon in this recipe. This will result in a slightly different flavor profile, but the overall dish will still be delicious and crispy.
Try These Next
- Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Cheddar Bacon Potato Bites
- Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage
Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Bacon-wrapped Veggie Bites are a delicious appetizer that combines the savory taste of bacon with fresh vegetables, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
1 pound of bacon
2 cups of bell peppers, diced
1 cup of zucchini, diced
1 cup of mushrooms, halved
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a piece of vegetable, securing it with a toothpick.
4. Repeat until all vegetables are wrapped.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped veggie bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can marinate the vegetables in your favorite sauce before wrapping them in bacon.
Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice for added taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer & Oven-Baked
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg