Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites

Ingredients:
1 large fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes (or 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained very well)
1 lb thin-cut bacon (about 16-20 slices), cut in half crosswise
1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Wooden toothpicks, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (to prevent burning)
Optional glaze: 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (for brushing during the last few minutes of cooking)
Equipment:
Blackstone Griddle
Spatula or tongs
Baking sheet or large plate for assembly
Small bowl for seasoning
Instructions:
Prepare the Pineapple:
If using a fresh pineapple, ensure it’s peeled, cored, and cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to get them as uniform as possible for even cooking. If using canned, drain them thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
Season the Bacon (Optional):
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Lay out your halved bacon slices on a clean surface. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over one side of the bacon. This will help with caramelization and flavor.
Assemble the Bites:
Take one pineapple cube.
Wrap it tightly with one seasoned half-slice of bacon. Ensure the bacon completely encircles the pineapple.
Secure the bacon with a pre-soaked wooden toothpick, pushing it through both ends of the bacon and the pineapple.
Repeat with the remaining pineapple and bacon until all bites are assembled. Place them on a baking sheet.
Preheat the Blackstone:
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat. You want it hot enough to crisp the bacon but not so hot that the sugar burns before the bacon is cooked.
Cook on the Blackstone:
Once the griddle is hot, carefully place the bacon-wrapped pineapple bites directly onto the cooking surface. You can arrange them so the bacon seam is down initially to help it seal.
Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, turning them frequently with tongs, until the bacon is crispy and cooked through, and the pineapple is tender and slightly caramelized. This will likely take 10-15 minutes total.
Optional Glaze: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, you can brush the bites with a little maple syrup or honey for an extra sticky, sweet glaze. Be careful not to let the sugar burn.