Imagine a bite-sized explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will transform your ordinary appetizer game into a culinary masterpiece. These Candied Pineapple Bacon Wraps are not just a snack; they're a flavor adventure that combines the smoky richness of crispy bacon, the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple, and a tantalizing honey-cayenne glaze that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Perfect for parties, game nights, or when you simply want to indulge in a mouthwatering treat that defies ordinary appetizer expectations!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 wraps
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch drippings and make cleanup easier.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and honey. Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, slightly sticky glaze.
- Cut fresh pineapple into small, uniform chunks approximately 1-inch in size. Ensure the chunks are not too large to prevent uneven cooking.
- Take each bacon slice and stretch it slightly to make it more pliable. Cut the bacon strips in half crosswise to create shorter pieces.
- Place a pineapple chunk at one end of each bacon half. Roll the bacon tightly around the pineapple chunk, ensuring the pineapple is completely wrapped.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped pineapple pieces on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon wrap with the prepared brown sugar and honey glaze, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and has a deep golden-brown color.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the wraps rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to set and cool slightly.
- Transfer the candied pineapple bacon wraps to a serving platter. Optionally, drizzle with additional honey for extra shine and sweetness.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or party snack. Best enjoyed immediately while the bacon is crisp and the glaze is still slightly warm.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure your pineapple chunks are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each wrap some breathing room for crispy results.
- Watch the bacon carefully in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
- For extra caramelization, you can broil the wraps for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Let the wraps rest briefly after cooking to allow the glaze to set and become wonderfully sticky.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness and flavor impact.
- For a variation, try adding a small sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
- These wraps can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
