The Best Pineapple Bacon Bites Recipe
Few appetizers can match the irresistible combination of sweet and savory like Pineapple Bacon Bites. These bite-sized delights perfectly balance the juicy sweetness of pineapple with the crispy, smoky saltiness of bacon, creating a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer, a game-day snack, or just a fun treat to enjoy at home, this pineapple bacon bites recipe is a guaranteed winner.
With just three main ingredients and minimal prep, bacon wrapped pineapple bites are an easy yet impressive snack that bakes up in under 30 minutes. The bacon crisps up beautifully in the oven, the pineapple caramelizes slightly, and the sticky BBQ glaze ties everything together with a tangy, smoky finish. If you’ve never made bacon pineapple bites before, this guide will take you through everything you need to know, from ingredient selection to expert tips for perfecting this dish.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites
✔ Minimal Ingredients – You only need pineapple, bacon, and BBQ sauce.
✔ Quick & Easy – Prep in 15 minutes and bake in under 30.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a party, a snack board, or a casual get-together, these bites are always a hit.
✔ Sweet & Savory Perfection – The contrast of flavors makes these completely addictive.
✔ Crispy and Juicy – The bacon gets beautifully crispy while the pineapple remains tender and juicy.
If you love bacon-wrapped appetizers, these bacon wrapped pineapple bites are about to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with just a few ingredients, but the results are anything but basic.
- Pineapple Chunks – Use canned pineapple for convenience, or fresh pineapple for an even better flavor.
- Bacon – Smoked streaky bacon works best as it crisps up beautifully.
- BBQ Sauce – A smoky BBQ sauce ties everything together with a sticky, tangy glaze.
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
- Brown Sugar or Honey – Sprinkle a little brown sugar over the bacon before baking for extra caramelization.
- Cayenne Pepper – Add a pinch for a spicy kick.
- Soy Sauce – A splash mixed into the BBQ sauce gives an umami boost.
- Maple Syrup Glaze – If you want a deeper sweetness, brushing maple syrup on at the end is a game-changer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pineapple Bacon Bites
1. Soak the Cocktail Sticks
Before you begin, soak your cocktail sticks in water for at least 10-15 minutes. This prevents them from burning in the oven.
2. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 375°F if not using a fan oven). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Drain and Dry the Pineapple
If using canned pineapple, drain it well and pat dry with paper towels. Too much moisture can prevent the bacon from crisping properly.
4. Slice the Bacon
Cut each bacon strip lengthwise to make two long, thinner strips. Then cut each of these strips into three smaller pieces. You should end up with 12 bacon pieces per 6 bacon strips.
5. Wrap the Pineapple
Take each piece of pineapple and wrap it tightly with a piece of bacon. Secure it with a cocktail stick and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush with BBQ Sauce
Lightly brush each bacon wrapped pineapple bite with BBQ sauce. This adds flavor and helps create that sticky, caramelized glaze.
7. Bake Until Crispy
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
8. Serve Immediately
Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while hot. These are best fresh out of the oven when the bacon is at its crispiest.
Jump to RecipePro Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites
✔ Use Thin-Cut Bacon – Thick-cut bacon won’t crisp up as well and may take longer to cook. Stick with regular streaky bacon.
✔ Dry the Pineapple – Excess moisture can make the bacon soggy instead of crisp. Always pat the pineapple dry before wrapping.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Leave a little space between each bite so the bacon crisps evenly.
✔ Flip for Even Cooking – If needed, turn the bites halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness.
✔ Add Extra Glaze at the End – Brushing a final coat of BBQ sauce on the bites after they come out of the oven enhances the flavor.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These bacon pineapple bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of other dishes.
As an Appetizer
Serve them on a platter with extra BBQ sauce for dipping. They make a great addition to party spreads and charcuterie boards.
With Other Finger Foods
Pair these with other easy appetizers like:
- Jalapeño poppers
- Mozzarella sticks
- Chicken wings
- Mini sliders
As a Side Dish
Want to serve these as part of a larger meal? Try pairing them with:
- Grilled meats – These are amazing alongside grilled chicken or steak.
- Rice bowls – Add them to a rice bowl for a tropical twist.
- Salads – Toss them into a salad for a sweet-and-savory upgrade.
Storage & Reheating
These bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Avoid stacking them to prevent them from getting soggy.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the bacon.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for maximum crispiness.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as the bacon won’t be crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, fresh pineapple works well in this recipe. Just make sure to cut it into evenly sized chunks and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before wrapping them in bacon.
Q: How do I make bacon-wrapped pineapple bites crispy?
A: To get crispy bacon, use streaky bacon instead of thick-cut, ensure your oven is fully preheated, and bake the bites on a wire rack over a lined baking sheet to allow excess fat to drip away.
Q: Can I make pineapple bacon bites ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. If baking in advance, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp up the bacon again.
Q: What’s the best type of bacon to use?
A: Smoked streaky bacon is ideal because it crisps up well and provides a great balance of salty and smoky flavors. You can also use maple-glazed or peppered bacon for extra flavor.
Pineapple Bacon Bites
Equipment
- Baking sheet A large baking sheet is essential for laying out the bacon-wrapped pineapple bites. Line it with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to line your baking sheet. This helps prevent the bacon from sticking to the sheet, and it also makes clean-up quick and easy. If you don't have these, aluminum foil with a light coat of oil will work in a pinch.
- cocktail sticks These are key to holding your bacon-wrapped pineapple bites together. Soaking the sticks in water for 10-15 minutes before using prevents them from burning in the oven, ensuring that your bites come out perfectly. Wooden cocktail sticks work best for this recipe because they're sturdy and oven-safe.
- Sharp Knife A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the bacon into perfect strips. It ensures clean cuts, which is important for evenly wrapping the bacon around the pineapple chunks.
- Paper Towels/Kitchen Roll Draining and drying the pineapple chunks before wrapping them is a critical step. Any excess moisture can prevent the bacon from crisping up properly in the oven, so use paper towels to pat the pineapple dry.
Ingredients
- 1 can pineapple chunks 565 grams
- 6 strips smoked streaky bacon
- 100 ml BBQ sauce
Instructions
- First thing’s first, take those cocktail sticks and pop them into a small bowl of water to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Then preheat your oven to convection roast at 350°F (375 for no fan oven).
- Line a large baking sheet with a baking paper or a silicone mat.
- Drain the pineapple chunks and dry off any excess liquid with some kitchen roll. Set to one side.
- Slice each bacon strip in half lengthways, then each half into 3.
- Wrap each piece of pineapple in a bacon piece and skewer with a cocktail stick. Place spaced out on the prepared baking tray.
- Squeeze a bit of BBQ sauce over each bite then place into the preheated oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is cooked through and the sauce is sticky.
- Place onto a serving plate and devour immediately!
Notes
- Soaking Cocktail Sticks: Don’t skip soaking the cocktail sticks in water. It might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial. This prevents the sticks from burning while your bacon crisps up in the oven, keeping the bites intact and perfectly presentable.
- Using a Silicone Mat or Parchment Paper: The bacon will release some fat while cooking, and a silicone mat or parchment paper will ensure that nothing sticks. If you’re using parchment paper, be sure to use an oven-safe brand that can handle high temperatures. Cleanup will also be a breeze since nothing gets stuck to the pan.
- Bacon Variations: While streaky smoked bacon works best, you can experiment with maple-glazed or peppered bacon for an added layer of flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon can be substituted, although it may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.
- BBQ Sauce Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, you can mix a little honey or brown sugar into the BBQ sauce before brushing it onto the bacon. This will make the bites even more caramelized and sticky, enhancing that delicious sweet-and-smoky balance.
- Cooking Tip: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (or 375°F for no-fan ovens) before putting in the bites. This ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely while the pineapple stays juicy.
- Serving Ideas: Pineapple Bacon Bites are best served hot, straight from the oven. You can present them as-is, or arrange them on a platter with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. They also pair well with other finger foods, like cheese boards or veggie platters, making them a versatile addition to any appetizer spread.
- Storage and Reheating: These bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon has re-crisped.
Nutrition
Chef B Final Thoughts
This pineapple bacon bites recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly irresistible. Whether you’re making these for a party, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet pineapple, and tangy BBQ sauce is a match made in heaven.
Make a batch today and watch them disappear in no time. Happy cooking!
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Hi, I’m Chef B! Passionate about all things culinary, I’ve spent years perfecting my recipes to bring bold flavors to your kitchen. Let’s cook up something delicious together!
