These spicy brown sugar bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are a fun mix of sweet and salty! The juicy pineapple is wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in brown sugar for extra yum.
Honestly, who doesn’t love the crunch of bacon paired with the juicy burst of pineapple? They’re perfect for parties or when you just want a little treat. I can’t make enough of these! 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is perfect for this recipe. If fresh isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple chunks, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Bacon: I prefer using regular cut bacon for a perfect balance of crispiness, but thin cut works too! Turkey bacon is a great substitute if you want a lighter option.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a rich flavor, but if you need a healthier option, try coconut sugar. It still has sweetness with a slightly different taste.
Chili Powder and Cayenne: Adjust these to your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, paprika can replace cayenne for a milder flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Bacon is Crispy and Delicious?
Achieving crispy bacon wrapped around pineapple bites requires attention during the cooking process. Here are some steps to help you:
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet; it allows air to circulate around the bacon, helping it cook evenly and become crispy.
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the bites inside. This helps the bacon start cooking immediately.
- Turn the bites halfway through baking to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Watch closely in the last few minutes; bacon can go from crisp to burnt quickly!
Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 12 slices of bacon (thin or regular cut)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Toothpicks or small wooden skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at roughly 35-40 minutes total! Perfect for a quick appetizer at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help the bacon cook evenly and get nice and crispy. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier, and place a wire rack on top. The rack allows air to circulate around the bacon, which helps it crisp up!
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Chop the fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks, roughly about 1 to 1.5 inches square. The smaller, the easier they are to eat in one bite!
3. Cut the Bacon:
Take your bacon slices and cut each one into thirds or halves based on how big your pineapple chunks are. You want enough bacon to wrap around the pineapple without it hanging off too much.
4. Mix the Sugar and Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir it well so that all the spices are evenly mixed. This mixture creates that sweet, spicy coating that makes these bites irresistible!
5. Wrap the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to wrap! Take a chunk of pineapple, wrap a piece of bacon around it, and secure it in place with a toothpick or small skewer. This way, it’ll hold together while baking.
6. Coat the Bites:
Roll or sprinkle the brown sugar and spice mixture over each bacon-wrapped pineapple, pressing lightly to help it stick. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor!
7. Arrange for Baking:
Place the bacon-wrapped bites on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching each other. This helps them cook evenly!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and turn them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color!
9. Cool & Garnish:
Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. This also helps them firm up a bit before you dive in. If you want, you can garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh parsley or cilantro for a nice touch!
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Arrange your delicious bites on a platter and serve them warm. These little treats are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and utterly delicious! Enjoy!
This recipe beautifully balances the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar with the savory flavor of crispy bacon and the kick from chili and cayenne. They’re sure to be a hit at your next event!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple! Just make sure to drain it well to get rid of excess moisture, as this will help the bacon get crispy. Cut the chunks to a similar size as you would with fresh pineapple.
How Do I Make These Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Bites Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also replace the chili powder with sweet paprika for a touch of flavor without the heat.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to keep them crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bites, wrap them in bacon, and coat them with the sugar mixture a few hours ahead. Just place them in the fridge and bake just before serving for the best results!
