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!
To make these sweet and spicy bacon wrapped meatballs, mix together brown sugar and chili powder in a small bowl.
Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. 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. Dredge the bacon wrapped meatballs in the sugar and chili mixture, pressing to coat it well. Place them on the greased broiler pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, depending on how you like your bacon.
Not only did the bacon get crispy, the sugar got crunchy too, for some amazing texture and flavor.
Leave the toothpicks in the bacon wrapped meatballs, so that they are an easy-to-eat, finger food at your party.
Line them up on a tray and watch them disappear!
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. Zack was a little more skeptical, but when I explained that they were made with bacon, meatballs and brown sugar, all things that he likes, he decided he would try one…and he loved them!
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix together brown sugar and chili powder in a small bowl.
- Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- 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.
- Dredge the bacon wrapped meatballs in the sugar and chili mixture, pressing to coat it well.
Place them on the greased broiler pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, depending on how you like your bacon.
Recipe adapted from Sweet Bacon Chicken Wraps
More appetizer recipes to check out:
Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Bacon Chicken Bites
Cowboy Caviar Cups
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)
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
Roz says
Hi Tonia,
My family and friends loved this recipe.
Thanks
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!!!
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
Linda says
Sounds so good! Shared on Reddit
Linda
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!
Tonia says
Wonderful! I am delighted to have you as a follower and I am so happy they turned out great. Thanks for stopping back to let me know! ~Tonia
Sara Ortenzio says
did you use pre made meatballs? if so which brand?
Tonia says
Hi Sarah! I used Casa di Bertacchi meatballs. They are available at Sam’s Club.
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?
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
Cathy says
Hi Tonia,
Just wondering if the meatballs are fully cooked if they get dried out baking 45 minutes with the bacon?
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
Carla says
I was wondering the same thing? Precooked meatballs baked for anther 45 min? Might end up like dried out hockey pucks??
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
Felicia says
How long do you thaw them in the microwave?
Tonia says
Just long enough to soften them to get the toothpicks through.
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)
Tonia says
Ohhh…that sounds amazing! I’ve got to try that one! Thanks Julia!
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
Tonia says
Thanks Diane!
Thea @ Baking Magique says
What a creative recipe! Would never have come up with this myself!
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says
I love sweet & spicy!! These look perfect for a party.
Tonia says
They will be great for the holidays! Thanks Cathy!
Heather @ Shards of Lavender says
Tonia, these look delicious! I just know my family would love them…My daughter’s name is Vanessa too:)
Tonia says
Really? That’s awesome! Thanks Heather!
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 😉
Tonia says
Thanks Kathi! Your family is going to love them!
A Young Wife says
These look so yummy!!! What an awesome mix! 🙂
Tonia says
Thanks!
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!
Tonia says
Thanks, Trish! He will love them!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Oh my! Bacon wrapped meatballs?! Save me a few, please!
Tonia says
My son stashed a few in the fridge! 🙂
Lisa says
Can I make ahead and take to a party?
Tonia says
I haven’t tried that Lisa but you should be able to.