Bacon-Wrapped Apricot Bites
These savory-sweet bacon-wrapped apricot bites are a quick and easy party appetizer, featuring plump dried apricots wrapped in crispy bacon with optional creamy cheese or crunchy nuts. Perfect for entertaining, potlucks, or a cozy snack night.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 dried apricots (about 6 oz)
- 12 slices regular-cut bacon (about 10 oz), cut in half crosswise
- 24 toothpicks
- Optional: 2 oz soft goat cheese or cream cheese
- Optional: 24 whole almonds or pecans
- Optional: 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Optional: freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary), for garnish
Instructions
- If dried apricots are tough, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If available, set a wire rack on top.
- Cut bacon slices in half crosswise to make 24 pieces.
- Optional: Make a small slit in each apricot and fill with about 1/4 teaspoon goat cheese or cream cheese, or tuck in a whole almond or pecan.
- Wrap each apricot (stuffed or plain) with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
- Optional: Sprinkle each bite with a pinch of brown sugar and cracked black pepper.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until bacon is crispy and browned. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Let bites cool for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer to a platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For best results, use regular-cut bacon and plump dried apricots. You can prep bites up to 8 hours ahead and bake just before serving. For a vegetarian version, substitute smoked tempeh or coconut bacon. If using cheese, avoid overfilling to prevent leaks. Broil briefly at the end for extra crispiness, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: bacon-wrapped apricot bites, party appetizer, easy finger food, entertaining, bacon, apricot, goat cheese, gluten-free, holiday snack, potluck