These spicy brown sugar bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are the perfect mix of sweet and savory! The crispy bacon adds a nice crunch, while the juicy pineapple brings a burst of flavor.
Making these is super fun—just wrap, bake, and enjoy the sweet smell filling your kitchen. Honestly, who can say no to bacon? I can’t! They’ll disappear in no time at any get-together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe because it’s juicy and sweet. However, if it’s out of season, you can use canned pineapple chunks. Just make sure to drain them well so they don’t add extra moisture.
Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works too, but it won’t crisp up quite the same way. Remember to cook it longer for the best results!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that delicious caramelized crust. You can substitute with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different flavor, but the texture might change slightly in the final result.
Cayenne Pepper: This gives the bites their spicy kick! If you prefer less heat, use just a pinch or substitute with a milder spice like paprika. For a sweeter taste, try adding some crushed red pepper instead!
How Can I Make Sure My Bacon Gets Crispy?
Achieving crispy bacon while wrapping pineapple can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate, ensuring even cooking.
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F) for the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking tray—give each piece enough space to crisp up.
- Broiling for a minute or two at the end can help crisp the bacon even more. Just watch closely to avoid burning!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy and delicious bites every time. Enjoy the tasty balance of sweet and spicy flavors!
Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks (about 1 inch pieces)
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Toothpicks for securing
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish. So, you can whip these up quickly for your next gathering or snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps achieve that delicious crispy bacon. Next, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup will allow the fat to drip away from the bacon, keeping it crunchy!
2. Mix the Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir it together well so that all the spices are evenly mixed. This blend will give each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and spice!
3. Wrap the Pineapple:
Take a chunk of pineapple and wrap it snugly with a half-slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place, making sure it holds the pineapple tightly. Repeat this step for all of your pineapple chunks!
4. Add the Spice Mixture:
Now, it’s time to coat the bacon-wrapped bites! Sprinkle the brown sugar and spice mixture over each piece, pressing gently to help it stick. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what makes them so tasty!
5. Arrange on a Baking Rack:
Carefully place your bites on the wire rack you prepared earlier. Make sure to leave a little space between each one—this ensures they cook evenly without steaming.
6. Bake Them:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the bacon to be nice and crispy and the pineapple slightly softened.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want the bacon to be extra caramelized, turn on the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes. Just watch closely to prevent burning, as bacon can go from perfectly crispy to charred pretty quickly!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool a bit before serving. Enjoy these delicious bites warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack at your next get-together!
Enjoy these sweet, spicy, smoky pineapple bites that burst with juicy goodness and crispy bacon delight!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks! Just be sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could affect the texture. Fresh pineapple usually provides a better crunch, but canned will work in a pinch!
How Spicy Are These Bites?
The spiciness can be adjusted! The recipe calls for 1 tsp of cayenne pepper, which provides a nice kick. If you prefer milder flavors, cut it down to 1/2 tsp or even less. Taste the spice mix and adjust according to your preference!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the bacon is crispy again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bites ahead of time by wrapping the pineapple and bacon, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
