Sweet & Savory Bacon Bites: Crispy Every Time!

Are you ready to experience the ultimate party appetizer? These sweet and savory bacon bites are guaranteed to disappear in minutes! Imagine biting into a juicy date, wrapped in perfectly crisp bacon, and glazed with a luscious brown sugar coating. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. And the best part? We’ve got a secret trick to ensure the bacon is always crispy.

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Bites

These aren’t your average bacon-wrapped dates. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Perfectly Crispy Bacon: Our special technique guarantees crispy bacon every single time, no more chewy surprises!
• Sweet and Savory Delight: The combination of sweet dates, salty bacon, and a touch of brown sugar creates an explosion of flavor in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these bites are quick and easy to prepare.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These are always a hit at parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
• Customizable: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick, or experiment with different types of bacon.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Sweet & Savory Bacon Bites

The magic of these sweet and savory bacon bites lies in the harmonious blend of simple yet high-quality ingredients. The dates provide a natural sweetness and chewy texture that perfectly complements the saltiness and crispness of the bacon. The brown sugar glaze adds a touch of caramel-like richness and helps to create that irresistible sticky coating. Let’s explore each ingredient in detail:

• Thin Cut Bacon: We highly recommend using thin cut bacon for this recipe. Thin bacon crisps up beautifully and evenly, ensuring that perfect bite every time. A pound of bacon will yield approximately 24 half-slices, perfect for wrapping each date. Look for bacon with good marbling for the best flavor.
• Pitted Dates: Medjool dates are our top choice for their soft, caramel-like texture and rich flavor. However, you can also use Deglet Noor dates, which are slightly firmer and less sweet. Make sure to buy pitted dates to save yourself some prep time! You’ll need 24 dates for this recipe.
• Light Brown Sugar: The key to that perfect sticky glaze! Light brown sugar provides the ideal balance of sweetness and molasses flavor. The molasses also helps the glaze caramelize beautifully in the oven. You’ll need about ½ cup packed.
• Melted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps the brown sugar glaze adhere to the bacon-wrapped dates. We prefer using unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Just two tablespoons will do the trick!
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional): If you’re a fan of a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dates and the saltiness of the bacon. Start with just ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
• Wooden Toothpicks: These are essential for securing the bacon around the dates and preventing them from unraveling during baking. Make sure you have enough toothpicks on hand!

Crafting Your Sweet & Savory Bacon Bites: Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get down to the fun part: making these delectable sweet and savory bacon bites! Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly simple steps – each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of crispy bacon, tender dates, and sticky glaze. Follow along, and you’ll be enjoying these treats in no time!

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up properly. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Then, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. The wire rack is essential because it allows air to circulate around the bacon, resulting in maximum crispiness.
2. Prepare the Bacon: Next, cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise. This creates the perfect size pieces for wrapping around the dates. Using kitchen shears can make this step quick and easy!
3. Wrap the Dates: Now, wrap one half-slice of bacon around each pitted date. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to ensure it stays securely in place. Secure each bacon-wrapped date with a wooden toothpick. This will prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking and keep everything neat and tidy.
4. Arrange on the Rack: Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. It’s important to leave a little space between each piece for air circulation – this is a key step to achieving truly crispy bacon! Overcrowding the rack will result in steamed bacon, which we definitely want to avoid.
5. Par-Bake for Crispy Perfection: Bake the bites for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is starting to look rendered and lightly browned, but not fully crisp yet. This par-cooking step is another crucial trick for even crisping. By partially cooking the bacon first, you ensure that it will be perfectly crispy by the time the dates are heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
6. Prepare the Glaze: While the bites are baking, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl. Make sure the brown sugar is well combined with the butter to create a smooth, even glaze. The cayenne pepper adds a lovely subtle kick that complements the sweetness of the dates.
7. Glaze Generously: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Brush or spoon the brown sugar mixture evenly over each bacon-wrapped date. Be generous with the glaze, ensuring that each bite is fully coated. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust that is simply irresistible.
8. Final Bake for Crispy, Sticky Goodness: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning. The key is to achieve that perfect balance of crispy bacon and sticky, caramelized glaze.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the bites cool on the rack for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the glaze to set slightly. Remove toothpicks if desired. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Sweet & Savory Bacon Bites Every Time

Want to ensure your sweet and savory bacon bites are a resounding success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Don’t Skip the Wire Rack: As mentioned earlier, the wire rack is crucial for achieving crispy bacon. It allows air to circulate around the bacon, preventing it from steaming and ensuring even cooking.
• Use Thin Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon can be difficult to crisp up evenly in the oven, so stick with thin cut for best results.
• Watch Carefully During the Final Bake: The glaze can burn easily, so keep a close eye on the bites during the last few minutes of baking. If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature slightly or tent the baking sheet with foil.
• Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different spices in the glaze. Smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a dash of cinnamon can add a unique twist.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
• Consider other easy dessert recipes that don’t involve extensive baking! For instance, you might enjoy creating some easy caramel nut dessert jars for a quick and satisfying treat.

What to Serve With Sweet & Savory Bacon Bites

These sweet and savory bacon bites are incredibly versatile and can be served as a standalone appetizer or as part of a larger spread. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with them:

• Cheese and Crackers: A classic pairing that always works well. Choose a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, brie, and goat cheese, and serve with an assortment of crackers.
• Fresh Fruit: The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory bacon bites perfectly. Try serving them with grapes, melon, or berries.
• Vegetable Crudités: A platter of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and cucumbers, adds a refreshing element to the appetizer spread.
• These bites would be a great addition to other snack spreads, consider slow cooker cheesy potatoes for a comforting touch.

Your Sweet & Savory Bacon Bites Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of date?

While Medjool dates are our preferred choice for their soft, caramel-like texture, you can certainly use other types of dates, such as Deglet Noor. Just keep in mind that they are slightly firmer and less sweet, so you may want to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the glaze accordingly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped dates ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, we recommend baking them just before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you are baking them from the refrigerator, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.

Can I freeze these?

We don’t recommend freezing these bacon-wrapped dates, as the texture of the bacon and dates may change upon thawing. It’s best to make them fresh for the best results.

What if my bacon is still chewy after baking?

If your bacon is still chewy after baking, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure you are using thin cut bacon and that you are arranging the bites on a wire rack to allow for proper air circulation. You may also need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure the bacon is fully cooked and crispy. For another idea consider making roasted sweet potato.

Enjoy Your Homemade Sweet & Savory Bacon Bites!

There you have it! A foolproof recipe for sweet and savory bacon bites that are guaranteed to be crispy every time. These little bites of deliciousness are perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. So, gather your ingredients, follow our tips, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate appetizer. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out! We love hearing from you!