Description
Bacon-Wrapped Pumpkin Bites are a mouthwatering appetizer featuring tender cubes of sugar pumpkin wrapped in crispy bacon, lightly seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and black pepper. Each bite is caramelized with brown sugar, then garnished with fresh thyme. This dish combines sweet, smoky, and savory notes that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or fall celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar pumpkin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 strips bacon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks for securing
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Wrap each pumpkin cube with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place wrapped cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the bites.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the pumpkin is tender.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve hot.
Notes
For substitutions, use butternut squash instead of sugar pumpkin, turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, or maple syrup in place of brown sugar. Prepare bites up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking; reheat leftovers in the oven to preserve crispiness. If bacon doesn’t crisp up, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Avoid using thick-cut bacon, which may not crisp properly. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 bites
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 18mg