Bacon Wrapped Pineapple: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Appetizer

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If you’ve been searching for that one appetizer that disappears from the platter faster than you can say “seconds, please,” let me introduce you to Bacon Wrapped Pineapple. I’ve made this recipe countless times for gatherings, and I can honestly say I’ve never had leftovers—not even once.

What I love most about this recipe is how deceptively simple it is. With just three ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy, salty bacon with sweet, caramelized pineapple and that brown sugar glaze is absolutely irresistible. I’ve watched confirmed “I don’t like pineapple on anything” people come back for thirds.

The beauty of this dish is in its balance. As the bacon crisps up in the oven, its rendered fat mingles with the brown sugar to create a gorgeous caramel coating, while the pineapple releases just enough juice to keep everything moist and flavorful. It’s the kind of appetizer that works for any occasion—from casual game day spreads to more elegant cocktail parties.

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Appetizer Recipe

Yield: 24 pieces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Toothpicks (24)
• Small bowl
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 12 slices bacon, regular cut
• 24 pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

Instructions for the Most Delicious Sweet Savory Appetizer

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If using canned pineapple, drain the chunks thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels—this helps the bacon crisp up better and the brown sugar adhere properly.

Step 2: Prep the Bacon
Using a sharp knife on your cutting board, cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. You should end up with 24 half-slices of bacon. Regular cut bacon works best here—thick cut can take too long to cook, while thin cut may become overly crispy.

Step 3: Wrap the Pineapple
Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it around a pineapple chunk, creating a spiral. Secure the bacon in place by threading a toothpick through the bacon and pineapple. The toothpick should go all the way through to keep everything secure during baking. Repeat with remaining bacon and pineapple.

Step 4: Coat with Brown Sugar
Place the brown sugar in a small bowl. Roll each bacon-wrapped pineapple piece in the brown sugar, coating all sides generously. Don’t be shy here—the sugar creates that addictive caramelized crust. Arrange the coated pieces on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking at the 25-minute mark. You’re looking for the bacon to be fully cooked and crispy, with the sugar melted and caramelized into a beautiful glaze. If the bacon needs a bit more color, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pieces sit for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the caramel to set slightly, making them easier to handle and less likely to burn eager mouths. Using tongs or a fork, carefully transfer the bacon-wrapped pineapple to a serving platter.

Tips & Variations

Make-Ahead: You can wrap and secure the bacon around the pineapple up to 4 hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then coat with brown sugar and bake when ready.

Spice It Up: For a sweet-and-spicy kick, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar before rolling.

Maple Glaze: Try mixing 2 tablespoons of maple syrup with the brown sugar for an extra layer of flavor.

Grilling Option: These can also be grilled! Use indirect heat at medium temperature (about 350°F) and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

Serving Suggestion: Serve these warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a honey-mustard dipping sauce or a sweet chili glaze, though honestly, they’re perfect on their own.

Storage

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the bacon.

Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to party appetizer. The combination of textures and flavors is simply unbeatable, and your guests will be asking for the recipe all night long!