Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites

Prepare for an explosion of flavor that hits all the right notes: salty, smoky, sweet, and tangy, all packed into one irresistible bite! These Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites are an absolute crowd-pleaser, and cooking them on your Blackstone griddle elevates them to perfection. The griddle’s consistent heat beautifully renders the bacon to a crispy golden-brown while caramelizing the pineapple to a tender, juicy sweetness. Finished with an optional sticky glaze, these bites are an easy, dynamic appetizer or side dish perfect for any outdoor gathering.

Ingredients: The Perfect Pair

Simple ingredients, when combined and cooked right, create magic.

• Bacon: 1 lb thin or regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut, as it takes too long to crisp).

• Fresh Pineapple: 1 medium-sized fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks.

  • Alternatively: 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, well-drained and patted dry.

• Optional Glaze (for extra sticky goodness):

  • Brown Sugar: ¼ cup packed.

  • Maple Syrup or Honey: 2 tablespoons.

  • Pineapple Juice: 1 tablespoon (from canned pineapple or reserved from fresh).

  • Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon (for depth of flavor).

  • Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

• Skewers or Toothpicks: Wooden toothpicks (soaked if possible to prevent burning) or small metal skewers.

How To Make It: Griddle-Fired Sweet & Savory Bites

The key to success is prepping the bacon and pineapple, then letting the griddle work its magic.

Step 1: Prep Bacon & Pineapple

1. Cut Bacon: Lay out the bacon strips. Cut each strip in half or thirds, depending on the size of your pineapple chunks and how much bacon you want per bite. Aim for pieces long enough to wrap around a pineapple chunk and overlap slightly.

2. Cut Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, peel, core, and cut into uniform 1-inch chunks. If using canned, drain thoroughly and pat dry.

3. Assemble Bites: Wrap one piece of bacon tightly around each pineapple chunk. Secure it with a toothpick or small skewer, ensuring the ends of the bacon are pinned down.

   • Optional: If using the glaze, you can brush it on now, or wait until midway through cooking.

4. Organize: Place the assembled bacon-wrapped pineapple bites on a plate or baking sheet, ready for the griddle.

Step 2: Prepare Optional Glaze (If Using)

1. Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup/honey, pineapple juice, and soy sauce (and cayenne, if using) until well combined.

2. Set Aside: Have this glaze ready to brush on during cooking.

Step 3: Griddle Time! Searing to Perfection

Preheat your Blackstone griddle and get ready for some serious sizzle and aroma.

1. Preheat Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat (around 325-375°F / 160-190°C). You want it hot enough to crisp the bacon but not so hot that the bacon burns before rendering or the sugar in the pineapple/glaze caramelizes too quickly.

2. Place Bites: Carefully place the bacon-wrapped pineapple bites onto the hot griddle. Place them bacon-seam-side down first to help seal the bacon. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. No additional oil is typically needed as the bacon will release its fat.

3. Cook & Flip:

   • Cook for 4-6 minutes on the first side until the bacon starts to crisp and turn golden brown.

   • Using tongs, flip the bites and continue cooking, turning them every 3-5 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and golden-brown on all sides, and the pineapple is tender and slightly caramelized. This will take a total of 15-20 minutes, depending on your griddle’s heat and bacon thickness.

   • If using glaze: During the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze generously over all sides of the bites as you flip them. The glaze will bubble and thicken, creating a beautiful sticky coating.

4. Remove & Drain: Once the bacon is perfectly crispy and the pineapple is caramelized, remove the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Serve Warm!

1. Plate: Arrange the hot, irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites on a serving platter.

2. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with a tiny bit of fresh chopped cilantro for color, if desired.

3. Enjoy!

You Must Know: Essential Bite & Griddle Wisdom

• Thin or Regular Bacon: Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it takes too long to crisp on the griddle, potentially overcooking the pineapple or burning the glaze.

• Secure Bacon: Use toothpicks/skewers to ensure the bacon stays wrapped and doesn’t unravel during cooking.

• Medium Heat: This is crucial. Too high heat will burn the bacon and glaze before the bacon renders. Too low heat and the bacon won’t crisp.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Give the bites space on the griddle for even cooking and crisping.

• Flip Frequently: Turn the bites often, especially once the glaze is applied, to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.

• Drain Well: Place on paper towels after cooking to absorb excess bacon grease.

• Optional Glaze: The bites are delicious without the glaze, but the glaze takes them to another level of sticky-sweet deliciousness.

• Safety First: Hot bacon grease can splatter. Be cautious.

Topping & Serving Variations: Elevate Your Bites

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes after cooking.

• Herby Freshness: Garnish with fresh chopped mint or cilantro for a bright contrast.

• Sweet & Savory Rub: Before wrapping, you can sprinkle the pineapple with a mixture of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a tiny pinch of chili powder.

• Different Fruits: Try wrapping bacon around dates, prunes, or even apple slices (though cooking times will vary).

Make It A Meal: Complementary Pairings

These bites are fantastic as an appetizer, but also pair well as a side.

• Grilled Burgers or Hot Dogs: A fun, gourmet side.

• Pulled Pork or BBQ Chicken: The sweet and smoky flavors complement perfectly.

• Griddle-Seared Pork Chops: A wonderful contrast to savory pork.

• Breakfast/Brunch: A unique and delicious addition to a brunch spread alongside eggs and pancakes.

• Kabobs: Serve alongside other grilled fruit or vegetable kabobs.

Pro Tips for the Blackstone Chef

• Consistent Heat: Monitor your griddle and adjust burners to maintain an even medium heat.

• Spatula & Tongs: Use tongs for easy flipping, and a spatula to help scrape up any sticky bits from the glaze.

• Clean Griddle: Start with a clean griddle surface for best results and to prevent the glaze from sticking.

• Silicone Brush: A silicone pastry brush works best for applying the glaze to the hot griddle.

• Pre-Cook Bacon (Slightly): If you’re using slightly thicker bacon and worried about crispiness, you can partially cook the bacon on the griddle for a few minutes before wrapping, rendering some fat first. Just don’t make it crispy before wrapping.

Recipe FAQs: Your Pineapple Bite Questions Answered

• Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

  • A: While you can, it won’t render fat to help cook the pineapple and may become too crispy or burnt by the time the pineapple caramelizes. Raw bacon is preferred.

• Q: My bacon isn’t getting crispy. Why?

  • A: This can be due to several reasons: the griddle heat is too low, the bacon is too thick, or you’re overcrowding the griddle. Ensure medium heat, use thin/regular bacon, and don’t overcrowd.

• Q: My glaze is burning. What should I do?

  • A: Reduce your griddle heat immediately to low-medium, and keep flipping the bites frequently. The glaze contains sugar, which burns easily at high temperatures.

• Q: Can I use fresh pineapple if it’s not super sweet?

  • A: Yes, the added glaze (especially with brown sugar and maple syrup) will boost the sweetness and caramelization, making up for less ripe pineapple.

• Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

  • A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on a low-medium griddle or in an air fryer for best results to re-crisp the bacon. Microwaving is not recommended.

• Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?

  • A: You can assemble the bacon-wrapped pineapple bites up to a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

• Q: What if I don’t have skewers/toothpicks?

  • A: You’ll have to be very careful to place the bites seam-side down first on the griddle and ensure the bacon cooks and seals before flipping. It’s much easier with skewers.

Get ready for an irresistible explosion of sweet and savory with these Blackstone Griddle Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites – they’re sure to be a hit!