Bacon Wrapped Pineapple can be summed up in one word: irresistible. Fresh pineapple chunks are dipped in maple syrup with a touch of cayenne, rolled in brown sugar, wrapped in bacon, and roasted until the bacon is crisp and the pineapple is caramelized and juicy. Tangy, sweet, smoky, and salty — every bite delivers a perfect contrast of flavors.
These bite-sized parcels are easy to serve on cocktail picks or toothpicks, making them ideal for holiday parties, cocktail hours, or as an appetizer before dinner. They’re showstoppers that will have guests reaching for more — and possibly forgetting there’s a main course coming.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You Need to Make Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
- Preparing the Pineapple
- Key Steps
- Delicious Hot or Cold
- More Appetizers for Bacon Lovers
- How to Make Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
- Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Recipe
Ingredients You Need to Make Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
- Maple syrup (or honey)
- Cayenne pepper — optional if you prefer no heat; the amount is subtle
- Brown sugar — light or dark
- Fresh pineapple (or well-drained canned pineapple)
- Bacon strips — preferably thinly sliced for easier wrapping
Preparing the Pineapple
For balanced, bite-sized pieces, cut the pineapple into 24 chunks about 1 inch wide, roughly 1/2 ounce each (about 12 ounces total). Canned pineapple will work in a pinch, but fresh gives the best texture and flavor. If using canned, drain and pat each chunk dry so the syrup and sugar adhere properly.
Key Steps
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe rack on top. The foil catches drips from the sugar, making cleanup much easier.
- Brush the rack with a little oil or spray with cooking spray so the bacon-wrapped pieces won’t stick.
- To protect wooden cocktail picks from scorching, it’s best to insert them after baking.
Delicious Hot or Cold
These morsels are most satisfying warm, right out of the oven, but they’re also tasty cold — so save any leftovers for snacking the next day.
More Appetizers for Bacon Lovers
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Bacon Wrapped Dates
- Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
Dip each pineapple chunk into a maple syrup mixture spiked with a pinch of cayenne, let the excess drip off, then roll the piece in brown sugar. Wrap each coated chunk with a half slice of bacon (cut bacon strips in half crosswise).
Arrange the bacon-wrapped pieces on the oiled rack set inside the foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven until the pineapple is hot and the bacon is crisp, about 30 to 35 minutes. Serve warm with toothpicks if desired.
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup maple syrup to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 24 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple ~12 ounces
- 12 bacon slices ideally thin slices (see recipe note)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Place an oven-safe rack inside a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet for easier cleanup, then brush the rack with oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Whisk maple syrup and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl.
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Spread the brown sugar on a small plate for coating.
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Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise.
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Using a fork or small tongs, dip one pineapple chunk into the maple syrup mixture, letting excess drip off. Roll it in brown sugar to coat lightly, then wrap the coated chunk with a half slice of bacon (start at one end and roll). Place each wrapped piece on the rack. Repeat with the remaining pineapple. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the pineapple is hot. Serve with toothpicks if desired.
Notes
- Thin bacon is easiest to work with; thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook and is harder to wrap tightly around the pineapple.
- Cover the entire surface of the baking sheet with foil since the sugar will drip and char. It can look messy on the foil, but the finished bites are worth it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.
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