The Gunny Sack

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

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This easy appetizer recipe for Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs is perfect for parties. It’s a game day recipe that everyone will enjoy.

bacon wrapped meatballs on toothpicks

Several years ago, while Brian was traveling for work, he had bacon wrapped chicken at a restaurant and has always remembered how good it was. So, last year I made Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Bacon Chicken Bites which we really enjoyed.

But  I wanted to try another bacon wrapped appetizer and this time I decided to go with meatballs. Before baking the bacon wrapped meatballs, coat them with a mixture of brown sugar and chili powder. As they bake, the bacon gets crispy, the sugar caramelizes and this easy appetizer becomes irresistible!

brown sugar spice coating

To make these sweet and spicy bacon wrapped meatballs, mix together brown sugar and chili powder in a small bowl.

seasoning on meatballs

Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cut a pound of bacon strips in half and wrap them around meatballs securing the bacon in place with a toothpick. Dredge the meatballs in the sugar and chili mixture, pressing to coat it well. Place them on the greased broiler pan.

meatballs wrapped in bacon on pan

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, depending on how you like your bacon.

Sweet And Spicy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Not only did the bacon get crispy, the sugar got crunchy too, for some amazing texture and flavor.

meatball on a toothpick

Leave the toothpicks in the bacon wrapped meatballs, so that they are an easy-to-eat, finger food at your party.

Sweet And Spicy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs on Tray

Line them up on a tray and watch them disappear!

Sweet And Spicy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs In A Row

Vanessa was waiting to go to a friend’s house, but stuck around until these sweet and spicy bacon wrapped meatballs came out of the oven so that she could taste one. She thought they were fabulous and wanted to bring some with to her friend’s house to share, but since I hadn’t photographed them yet, I had to tell her no.

brown sugar bacon wrapped meatballs

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Yield: 36
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This easy appetizer recipe for Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs is perfect for parties. It's a game day recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb bacon, cut in half (my package had 18 slices so I had 36 half-slices of bacon)
  • 36 meatballs, or as many as you have bacon slices
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix together brown sugar and chili powder in a small bowl.
  3. Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Cut a pound of bacon strips in half and wrap them around meatballs (I used store bought, fully cooked Italian style meatballs that I thawed in the microwave before wrapping them with bacon.), securing the bacon in place with a toothpick.
  5. Dredge the bacon wrapped meatballs in the sugar and chili mixture, pressing to coat it well.
  6. Place them on the greased broiler pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, depending on how you like your bacon.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 3 grams
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 166Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 438mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 9g

Nutrition data is calculated automatically by Nutritionix and isn't always accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health.

© The Gunny Sack
Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizer

More appetizer recipes to check out:

Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Bacon Chicken Bites

Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Bacon Chicken Bites

Cowboy Caviar Cups

Cowboy Caviar Cups

Cheese Bombs Cheese Filled Pillsbury Biscuits

Cheese Bombs

Comments

  2. Lindsey says

    Is it possible to make these in a crockpot? ….or make them as the recipe suggests, and keep them warm in a crock pot? I would love to make these for our office party, but need to transport them to work in a crockpot. I am looking for recommendations (but really want to use your recipe!! Lol)

    Reply

    • Tonia says

      Hi Lindsey,
      Yes, I would make them at home and then keep them warm in the crockpot. You can drape a paper towel over the crockpot before adding the lid. The paper towel will soak up the condensation and help to keep the bacon somewhat crispy. Like I did in this recipe: https://www.thegunnysack.com/slow-cooker-cheesy-potato-casserole-recipe/
      Best of luck,
      Tonia

      Reply

  4. Cherie Waatti says

    It never crossed my mind to make as an appetizer..I made them for dinner…with crispy red potatoe bites…and eggs of easy…was big hit with my family!!!

    Reply

  5. Karyl Henry says

    I love everything bacon! These look so divine. I’ll have to try these at my next party

    Also I shared this recipe on my Super Bowl Recipe Roundup: http://karylskulinarykrusade.com/recipe-roundup-super-bowl

    Reply

  7. Barbara says

    Made these for Super Bowl Party and they were AWESOME! Getting ready to stock up for the upcoming poker card night. Great, easy recipe! You made me look good! (Always a good thing!) Thank you so much, I love your website and recipes!

    Reply

  8. Shannon says

    Hello there! I’m planning to make these for a Christmas party this Friday, but due to time constraints I will have to prepare them the night before.. Do you think they will come out okay if cooked, stored overnight in the fridge and then reheated in the oven the following day for the party?

    Reply

    • Tonia says

      Hello Shannon,
      The bacon won’t be as crispy but other than that it should work just fine making them ahead of time.
      Enjoy!
      ~Tonia

      Reply

    • Tonia says

      Mine did not, but if you are concerned about it, only thaw the meatballs enough to get a toothpick inserts. Then, use partially cooked bacon and reduce the cook time. Best of luck!
      ~Tonia

      Reply

    • Carla says

      I was wondering the same thing? Precooked meatballs baked for anther 45 min? Might end up like dried out hockey pucks??

      Reply

      • Tonia says

        Hi Carla,
        It will depend on the size of your meatballs and the temperature you are cooking them at. The most important thing is to make sure that the meatballs have an internal temperature of 165˚F and you’ll know they are fully cooked.
        Enjoy!
        ~Tonia

        Reply

  11. julia says

    Sounds exellent, I just discovered bacon wrapped mini potatos…wash potatos, pat dry, wrap with peppercorn crusted bacon, bake, enjoy! (Soak wooden tooth pics 15mins so they dont burn)

    Reply

  12. Diane Roark says

    LOOKS Delish! Please let me know if it is NOT o.k. to use your post in a Bacon Roundup. It looks delish!

    Blessings,
    Diane Roark

    Reply

  15. Heather @ Shards of Lavender says

    Tonia, these look delicious! I just know my family would love them…My daughter’s name is Vanessa too:)

    Reply

  16. Kathi @ Deliciously Yum! says

    Oh my goodness – I am dying to try these!! We’re big on appetizers during football season at our house and I am thinking your meatballs need to make an appearance once the official season starts. Not sure we can wait another 2 weeks though 😉

    Reply

  18. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

    These look out-of-this-world amazing Tonia! I would score some serious points with my hubby if I whipped these up 🙂 Pinned and will be making…SOON!

    Reply

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