Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a sweet and savory treat that will tantalize your taste buds! These Candied Apple Bacon Bombs are the perfect combination of crisp, cinnamon-dusted apple slices wrapped in smoky, salty bacon and roasted to golden perfection. Finished with a luscious caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of sea salt, this dish delivers an explosion of flavors with each bite. Whether you’re looking for a unique fall appetizer, a game-day snack, or a decadent side dish, these bacon bombs are sure to steal the show.
This recipe celebrates the seasonality of apples while adding the smoky richness of bacon, offering a perfect harmony between sweetness and saltiness. The final touch of caramel sauce and sea salt elevates these bites into something truly irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 lb bacon (thick-cut for extra crispiness)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Slices
- Wash and Slice the Apples: Start by thoroughly washing your apples. Slice them into wedges, approximately ½-inch thick, so they hold their shape during roasting. You should aim for about 12-16 slices per apple depending on size.
- Dust with Cinnamon: Place the apple slices in a bowl and generously sprinkle the ground cinnamon over them. Toss the slices until they are evenly coated with the cinnamon, creating a warm, aromatic layer that enhances the sweetness of the apple.
Step 2: Wrap the Bacon
- Wrap Each Apple Slice: Take a slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around each cinnamon-dusted apple slice. Begin at one end and wrap tightly, overlapping slightly as you go to ensure the bacon stays secure during cooking. If your bacon strips are long, you may need to trim them to fit each slice. Toothpicks can be used to secure the bacon if needed.
Step 3: Roast the Bacon-Wrapped Apples
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the bacon-wrapped apple slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the seam of the bacon faces down to prevent unwrapping during roasting.
- Roast to Crispy Perfection: Roast the bacon-wrapped apple slices in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy and golden. Turn the slices halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Once the bacon bombs are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle each one with a generous amount of caramel sauce, letting the sweetness seep into the crispy bacon and apple layers.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Finish your Candied Apple Bacon Bombs by sprinkling a pinch of coarse sea salt over the top of each one. The salty-sweet combination will elevate the flavors and create a delightful contrast with the caramel sauce.
Cooking Notes:
- Bacon Crispiness: For an even crispier result, use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet so the bacon can cook evenly from all sides.
- Apple Texture: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and offer a tartness that contrasts beautifully with the bacon, but you can experiment with other firm apple varieties.
- Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel sauce works best if you want full control over the sweetness, but high-quality store-bought caramel can save time.
Serving Suggestions:
These Candied Apple Bacon Bombs are versatile and make a great appetizer or snack for fall gatherings, tailgate parties, or holiday meals. Serve them on a platter with extra caramel sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with a crisp fall cider or a light sparkling wine to complement the rich flavors. For a more savory take, consider serving them alongside a sharp cheese, like cheddar, to cut through the sweetness.
Tips:
- Bacon Varieties: Use maple or hickory-smoked bacon for extra flavor depth, or try turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Caramel Variations: Add a hint of bourbon to your caramel sauce for an adult twist, or use salted caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the apple slices and wrap them in bacon ahead of time. Simply store them in the fridge and roast when ready to serve.
- Toothpick Trick: Secure the bacon around the apples with toothpicks to keep them tightly wrapped during roasting.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20-25 minutes
Total Time:
- 35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
Conclusion:
Candied Apple Bacon Bombs are the perfect bite-sized treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, savory, and a little bit of crunch. The cinnamon-dusted apple provides warmth and fruitiness, while the salty bacon contrasts with the caramel drizzle to create a symphony of flavors. These bacon bombs are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them at a fall festival or serving them at your next holiday party, these bombs will leave your guests asking for more.
PrintCandied Apple Bacon Bombs Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 lb bacon (thick-cut for extra crispiness)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Slices
- Wash and Slice the Apples: Start by thoroughly washing your apples. Slice them into wedges, approximately ½-inch thick, so they hold their shape during roasting. You should aim for about 12-16 slices per apple depending on size.
- Dust with Cinnamon: Place the apple slices in a bowl and generously sprinkle the ground cinnamon over them. Toss the slices until they are evenly coated with the cinnamon, creating a warm, aromatic layer that enhances the sweetness of the apple.
Step 2: Wrap the Bacon
- Wrap Each Apple Slice: Take a slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around each cinnamon-dusted apple slice. Begin at one end and wrap tightly, overlapping slightly as you go to ensure the bacon stays secure during cooking. If your bacon strips are long, you may need to trim them to fit each slice. Toothpicks can be used to secure the bacon if needed.
Step 3: Roast the Bacon-Wrapped Apples
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the bacon-wrapped apple slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the seam of the bacon faces down to prevent unwrapping during roasting.
- Roast to Crispy Perfection: Roast the bacon-wrapped apple slices in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy and golden. Turn the slices halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Once the bacon bombs are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle each one with a generous amount of caramel sauce, letting the sweetness seep into the crispy bacon and apple layers.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Finish your Candied Apple Bacon Bombs by sprinkling a pinch of coarse sea salt over the top of each one. The salty-sweet combination will elevate the flavors and create a delightful contrast with the caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 190
- Sodium: 480mg
- Protein: 6g