Step into the heart of the holiday season with these Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites – a festive and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to delight your guests. Combining the sweet-tart punch of cranberries, the savory crunch of bacon, and a hint of warmth from aromatics, these bites are the perfect marriage of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to wow your party-goers and create unforgettable holiday memories with this delectable recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites for Holiday Parties
These Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites are the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser for a reason. The combination of salty, crispy bacon, tart and juicy cranberries, and a touch of sweetness creates a flavor explosion in every bite. They’re easy to make, yet look and taste like they came straight from a gourmet restaurant. Serve them as a festive appetizer, a perfect accompaniment to your holiday spread, or even as a tasty snack for movie nights. These bites are sure to become a new holiday tradition that your family and friends will eagerly await each year.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. You’ll need fresh cranberries, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and a few aromatic seasonings like garlic, thyme, and black pepper. The balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors makes these Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites an irresistible holiday treat.
- 12 oz – Fresh cranberries, chopped
- 12 slices – Thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based bacon or roasted mushroom caps (works great for the texture and savory notes).
- Brown Sugar: Swap it for maple syrup or honey for a different sweetener (perfect for those looking to reduce refined sugar).
How to Make Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites for Holiday Parties
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistible Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the bacon into 1-inch pieces, and chop the fresh cranberries into halves. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, and black pepper to create a flavorful glaze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the bacon pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake until just starting to crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the oven and carefully transfer the pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped cranberries with the prepared glaze, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and return the bacon to the baking sheet. Top each piece with a spoonful of the cranberry-glaze mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cranberries are softened and caramelized.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful, festive presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy twist.
- Bacon Variations: Try using different types of bacon, such as maple-cured or pepper-crusted, to complement the flavors.
- Uniform Shapes: For a more uniform shape, wrap the bacon around a toothpick before baking.
- Indulgent Drizzle: Consider drizzling the bites with a cream cheese or balsamic glaze before serving for an extra layer of richness.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites make a fantastic appetizer for holiday parties, but can also be enjoyed as a snack or even a unique topping for salads or grain bowls.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven or air fryer before serving to restore their crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cranberry glaze and chop the bacon a day in advance. Store the glaze in the refrigerator and the bacon at room temperature. When ready to assemble, simply bake the bacon, top with the glaze, and finish baking as directed.
Nutrition Information
These Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites are a delightful indulgence, but they also provide a nutritional boost. The combination of protein-rich bacon, fiber-packed cranberries, and a touch of wholesome brown sugar creates a well-balanced snack. Each bite contains approximately 70 calories, 4 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 2-3 bites
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as frozen cranberries tend to release more moisture.
How can I make these bites vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based bacon or roasted mushroom caps in place of the traditional bacon. To make them vegan, omit the bacon and use a maple-sweetened cranberry compote instead of the glaze.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check the ingredients on any packaged products, such as the bacon, to ensure they are also gluten-free.
How do I store and reheat the leftovers?
Store any leftover Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
How do I make these bites ahead of time?
You can prepare the cranberry glaze and chop the bacon a day in advance. Store the glaze in the refrigerator and the bacon at room temperature. When ready to assemble, simply bake the bacon, top with the glaze, and finish baking as directed.
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Savory Cranberry Bacon Bites for Holiday Parties
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious savory bites combining crispy bacon and tart cranberries, perfect for your holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
1 pound bacon, cut into thirds
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, chopped pecans, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around a cranberry, securing it with a toothpick.
4. Repeat until all cranberries are wrapped.
5. Place wrapped cranberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavors!
Notes
These bites can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Feel free to substitute walnuts for pecans, or add your favorite spices for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: bacon, cranberries, appetizers, holiday, festive