Try our Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites the next time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for a cookout, party, or potluck.
Traeger Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites
These little pineapple bites strike a perfect balance of sweet and savory. If you like the classic combo of pineapple and bacon—think Hawaiian pizza—you’ll love how the fruit caramelizes while the bacon crisps and adds smoky richness. This is a simple smoker appetizer that works well for gatherings and can be customized to taste.
Use thick-cut bacon if you can; it benefits from a short par-cook step and yields a satisfying chew and crisp. Thin bacon will work too and can be wrapped without pre-cooking, but it crisps differently and the texture changes. I prefer the extra texture and ratio you get with thick-cut bacon.
Always choose fresh pineapple over canned when possible. Fresh slices develop grill marks and caramelize, adding deeper flavor and a nicer texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip the initial grilling step, but the char from the grates really enhances the overall taste.
Make this recipe your own: try a sprinkle of chili powder for heat, a squeeze of lime for brightness, or a brush of your favorite glaze in the last minutes of cooking. Small tweaks can elevate the bites, but the base technique is straightforward and reliable.
Get more Traeger recipes and smoker-friendly appetizers for your next meal.
Recipe Shopping List
You won’t need many ingredients for these bites. Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities and serving details.
- Fresh pineapple
- Thick-cut bacon (or regular bacon if preferred)
- Brown sugar
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a clear, step-by-step overview so you know what to expect. Follow the full recipe card at the bottom for exact times and measurements.
- Preheat – Fire up your pellet grill or smoker and bring it to about 375°F (190°C).
- Grill the pineapple – Core and slice fresh pineapple into roughly 1-inch rings. Grill on the grates for 4–5 minutes per side until you have good grill marks and some caramelization.
- Par-cook the bacon – Lay bacon strips on a parchment-lined sheet and place in the smoker for about 10–12 minutes. Cook until the fat renders and bacon is flexible but not crisp.
- Assemble – Cut pineapple rings into bite-sized chunks. Cut bacon strips in half (or to size), wrap around pineapple pieces, and secure with toothpicks.
- Finish on the grill – Arrange wrapped pieces on a parchment-lined sheet and return to the grill. Cook until the bacon is cooked through, roughly 25–35 minutes depending on thickness. Sprinkle brown sugar on top in the last 10 minutes to caramelize.
- Rest and serve – Let the bites cool a few minutes before serving so the bacon firms up a bit and the sugar sets.
More delicious Traeger appetizers to try for your next cookout.
Recipe FAQ
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. For best texture, consume within that window.
Reheat in the oven or back in your smoker to maintain crispness. Avoid the microwave when possible, as bacon can overcook and become tough.
Pineapple-Glazed ham and other smoked favorites make great complements to this appetizer.
More Bacon-Wrapped Traeger Recipes
- Smoked Garlic Pig Shots
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
- Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Brats
- Traeger Shotgun Shells
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Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites
Sweet, smoky, and easy to make, these pineapple bites are ideal for feeding a crowd straight from your pellet grill or smoker.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple
- ½ pound thick-cut bacon (or your preferred bacon)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill or smoker to 375°F (190°C).
- Core and slice the pineapple into 1-inch rings. Grill 4–5 minutes per side for char and caramelization.
- Cut bacon strips in half and place on a parchment-lined sheet in the smoker for 10–12 minutes until fat renders but strips remain flexible.
- Cut pineapple rings into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each piece with a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick. Arrange on a parchment-lined sheet.
- Return to the grill and cook for about 25–35 minutes until bacon is fully cooked. Sprinkle brown sugar on top during the last 10 minutes to caramelize.
- Allow to rest 5–10 minutes before serving so the bacon firms and the sugar sets.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Yield: 12 | Serving size: 1
Calories: 102 • Total Fat: 7g • Saturated Fat: 2g • Cholesterol: 19mg • Sodium: 319mg • Carbohydrates: 4g • Sugar: 3g • Protein: 6g
Nutrition data is an estimate.