If you’re searching for an irresistible appetizer that balances smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, look no further than this Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple with Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe. Each bite delivers juicy pineapple kissed by crispy, salty bacon, all beautifully glazed with a honey chipotle sauce that adds a perfect hint of smoky heat. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for gatherings or even a special weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are the backbone of this Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple with Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe. Each one plays an essential role: fresh pineapple brings juicy sweetness and vibrant color; thick-cut bacon adds savory crunch; and the honey chipotle glaze ties everything together with a luscious balance of heat and sweetness.
- Fresh pineapple: Choose ripe pineapple for maximum juiciness and natural sweetness that contrasts perfectly with bacon.
- Thick-cut bacon: The thicker the bacon, the better it crisps while still wrapping the pineapple snugly.
- Toothpicks: These are your helpful little tools to keep each bacon-wrapped bite intact during cooking and serving.
- Honey: A sticky, sweet base for your glaze, it caramelizes beautifully on the bacon for depth of flavor.
- Chipotle pepper: Adds that smoky, spicy kick that balances the sweetness and makes this glaze unforgettable.
- Water: Just a splash to help the glaze blend smoothly in the food processor or blender.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple with Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is perfect to crisp up the bacon while allowing the pineapple to warm through and caramelize slightly without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. While this step is optional, it makes cleanup so much easier since you’re working with sticky glaze and bacon grease. No need to grease the foil; the bacon will render enough fat to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Chop the Pineapple
Cut your pineapple into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches each. This size ensures every bite delivers juicy pineapple without overpowering the bacon or making it hard to handle when wrapped.
Step 4: Slice the Bacon
Take your thick-cut bacon and slice each strip in half. This helps create perfectly sized bacon pieces to wrap the pineapple chunks snugly, resulting in a balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Wrap and Secure
Wrap each pineapple chunk with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place each piece on your prepared baking sheet. Remember to wash your hands in between handling raw bacon and pineapple to keep things clean!
Step 6: Make the Honey Chipotle Glaze
In a blender or food processor, combine the honey and one chipotle pepper. If your chipotle is frozen or dried, you can add it straight in; the blending will soften it. Add about a tablespoon of water to help everything blend smoothly into a thick, rich glaze.
Step 7: Glaze Before Baking
Pour the glaze into two small bowls. Use a pastry brush and generously coat each bacon-wrapped pineapple piece with the first batch of glaze. Don’t hold back—the glaze will add incredible flavor and help caramelize the bacon during baking.
Step 8: Bake Until Crispy
Bake the bacon-wrapped pineapple at 400 degrees for roughly 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end to catch your preferred level of crispiness. The bacon should be nicely browned and the pineapple slightly caramelized.
Step 9: Glaze Again and Serve
Once baked, quickly brush each piece with the remaining glaze to boost flavor and shine before serving. Serve these warm to enjoy the contrast of crispy bacon and juicy pineapple at their tastiest.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple with Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top. A tiny squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving adds brightness that complements the smoky glaze brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or even a simple rice pilaf. The contrast helps balance the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the pineapple.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your bacon-wrapped pineapple bites on a wooden platter for a rustic feel or skewer a few together on cocktail sticks for easy party finger food. You can also serve them atop a bed of mixed greens for a gorgeous appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making them a great next-day snack or addition to a packed lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze these bites after baking for longer storage. Place cooled pieces on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated bacon-wrapped pineapple in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that delightful bacon crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Absolutely! While thick-cut bacon crisps up nicely and balances the pineapple well, regular bacon will work too. Just watch the cooking time, as thinner bacon may cook faster and crisp up more quickly.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the chipotle pepper?
Yes! You can leave out the chipotle pepper or reduce it to a small amount for gentler heat. Alternatively, try a mild smoked paprika for smokiness without spice, keeping the essence of the glaze intact.
How do I know when the bacon is perfectly cooked?
Look for golden-brown edges and a crispy texture, but no burnt spots. The bacon should be firm enough to hold its shape but still slightly tender to pair beautifully with the juicy pineapple inside.
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Definitely! The honey chipotle glaze can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before brushing it onto your bacon-wrapped pineapple when ready to bake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple with Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your bacon and honey don’t contain any gluten additives. It’s a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple with Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy enough for entertaining but is delightfully simple to make. The sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors create a perfect harmony that everyone will rave about. Give it a try at your next gathering or anytime you want to indulge in something uniquely tasty and satisfying.
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Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple with Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Pineapple bites are a delightful combination of sweet and smoky flavors, featuring juicy pineapple chunks wrapped in crispy thick-cut bacon and glazed with a spicy honey chipotle sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they deliver a mouthwatering taste experience that’s easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, chopped into bite-sized pieces (1 to 2 inch pieces)
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- Toothpicks, as needed
Honey Chipotle Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 chipotle pepper (can be frozen)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bacon wrapped pineapple.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup; greasing is not necessary.
- Chop the Pineapple: Cut the pineapple into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 2 inches in size, suitable for wrapping.
- Cut the Bacon: Slice each strip of thick-cut bacon in half to create manageable strips for wrapping the pineapple.
- Wrap Pineapple with Bacon: Wrap each piece of pineapple with a bacon strip and secure it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped pieces on the baking sheet. Take care to avoid cross-contamination by not touching leftover pineapple with bacon-covered hands.
- Blend the Glaze: In a blender or food processor, combine honey and chipotle pepper (frozen is acceptable). Blend until smooth, adding about a tablespoon of water to help achieve a smooth consistency.
- Divide the Glaze: Pour the smooth honey chipotle glaze into two small bowls.
- Coat with First Glaze: Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon wrapped pineapple piece with the glaze from one bowl, ensuring a flavorful layer.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy to your liking.
- Apply Second Glaze: Once baked, remove from the oven and use a clean pastry brush to coat each piece again with the glaze from the second bowl to enhance flavor and shine.
- Serve: Serve the bacon wrapped pineapple bites hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use frozen chipotle pepper for convenience; just blend directly from the freezer.
- Line the baking sheet with foil to simplify cleanup but it is optional.
- Make sure to handle raw bacon carefully to avoid cross-contamination with leftover pineapple.
- Adjust the crispiness of the bacon according to your preference by monitoring cooking time.
- This recipe yields about 10 servings, perfect for parties or appetizers.
