Southern 3-ingredient bacon wrapped pineapple is the kind of easy party food that feels a little nostalgic and a whole lot irresistible. The sweet pineapple turns juicy and warm in the oven, while the bacon crisps around the edges and the brown sugar melts into a sticky glaze that tastes like something much more complicated than it is. This is a wonderful recipe for potlucks, game days, block parties, and holiday snack tables because it uses just a few simple ingredients and disappears fast.
Serve these little bites warm from the tray with plenty of napkins, since that sweet glaze can get deliciously sticky. They fit right in next to burgers, baked beans, coleslaw, or a platter of cheese and crackers, and they also make a fun addition to brunch spreads with fruit, biscuits, and scrambled eggs. For drinks, sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold sparkling water pair especially well with the salty-sweet flavor.
Southern 3-Ingredient Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
Servings: 10 to 12 as an appetizer
Ingredients
1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-size chunks
1 pound bacon, cut into thirds
1 cup packed light brown sugar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking tray or rimmed sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. If you'd like, set a wire rack over the tray to help the bacon crisp even more.
2. Wrap each pineapple chunk with a piece of bacon and place it seam-side down on the prepared tray. Repeat until all the pineapple is wrapped, leaving a little space between the pieces.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the bacon-wrapped pineapple, making sure each piece gets a little coating so it can caramelize in the oven.
4. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, turning the pieces once halfway through, until the bacon is browned and crisp around the edges and the sugar has melted into a bubbling glaze. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Transfer to a serving platter or serve straight from the tray while still warm. If you're feeding a crowd, make a double batch, because these go fast.
Variations & Tips
Use canned pineapple in a pinch: If fresh pineapple isn't handy, canned pineapple chunks can work. Drain them very well and pat them dry with paper towels so the bacon has a better chance to crisp.
For extra-crispy bacon: A wire rack set over the baking tray helps hot air circulate around the pieces. If needed, you can also broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching very closely so the sugar doesn't burn.
Make them a little smaller for kids: Smaller pineapple chunks wrapped with shorter pieces of bacon make neat little two-bite appetizers that are easier for younger eaters and party guests to grab.
Slightly savory version: If your family likes less sweetness, use a lighter sprinkle of brown sugar. You'll still get that lovely caramelized finish without quite as much glaze.
Secure with toothpicks if needed: Most pieces stay together just fine placed seam-side down, but if your bacon slices are especially thick, a toothpick can help hold everything in place while baking. Just remember to remove them or warn guests before serving.