Elevate your snacking experience with these Sweet and Spicy Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites, a delightful fusion of savory, sweet, and a hint of heat. As Chef Crenn from CrennRecipes.com, I’m thrilled to share this visually stunning, feel-good creation that transforms classic comfort food into a culinary work of art. Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with this irresistible, cozy-chic appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites
These gourmet bites are a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to leave your guests wanting more. The sweet and juicy pineapple is perfectly complemented by the salty, crispy bacon and a delicate, spicy glaze, creating an explosion of cozy comfort and refined elegance in every bite. Prepared with simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a joyful and satisfying way to elevate your snacking experience.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in this recipe are fresh pineapple, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, and a blend of warm spices. Together, they create a luscious, indulgent treat that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor.
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes – juicy, sweet, and vibrant
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon, halved – salty, crispy, and indulgent
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – adds a rich, caramelized sweetness
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – provides a hint of warmth and depth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – lends a subtle smoky note
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – for a delicate touch of heat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: Applewood-smoked or maple-cured bacon — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites
Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistible, visually captivating appetizers.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the pineapple into 1-inch cubes, taking care to remove any tough core. Lay the pineapple cubes on a clean, dry surface and pat them gently with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture well to create a delectable spiced sugar. Wrap each pineapple cube with a half-slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped pineapple bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Generously sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped pineapple bites, ensuring that each one is well-coated. Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the glaze has caramelized.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Arrange the Sweet and Spicy Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites on a serving platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a touch of elegance.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Balsamic Drizzle: For an even more refined and gourmet touch, consider drizzling a balsamic glaze over the bites before serving.
- Spice Blend Tweak: Experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a hint of cayenne or smoked paprika to the sugar mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the bites, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
- Versatile Serving: These versatile bites can be served as a satisfying snack, a delightful appetizer, or even as a side dish to complement your main course.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crisp white wine, bubbly champagne, or your favorite craft cocktails.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven or a toaster oven before serving to ensure the bacon is crispy and the glaze is warm and caramelized.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bites in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Sweet and Spicy Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites provides a satisfying blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. With the combination of juicy pineapple, crispy bacon, and a touch of spice, this appetizer offers a delightful way to indulge in comfort food without compromising on nutrition. The recipe is a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome and guilt-free treat for any occasion.
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bites in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped pineapple bites in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven for the best results.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The spice level in this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spiced sugar mixture. For a more fiery kick, feel free to increase the cayenne to your desired level of heat.
Can I use a different type of bacon?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for thick-cut bacon, you can experiment with different varieties, such as applewood-smoked or maple-cured, to complement the sweetness of the pineapple.
How can I make these bites gluten-free?
To make these Sweet and Spicy Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites gluten-free, simply ensure that the bacon you use is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this delightful treat without any dietary restrictions.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple is ideal for this recipe, you can certainly use canned pineapple if that’s more convenient. Just be sure to pat the pineapple cubes dry before wrapping them in bacon to ensure the best texture and flavor.
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Sweet and Spicy Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Sweet and Spicy Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites are the perfect combination of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
12 slices of bacon
1 can of pineapple chunks (drained)
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Wrap each pineapple chunk with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, sriracha, garlic powder, and black pepper.
4. Brush the bacon-wrapped pineapple with the sriracha mixture.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the pineapple in the sriracha mixture for an hour before wrapping with bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg