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Easy Game Day Appetizer: Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Bites
opppleeny
40m
Easy Game Day Appetizer: Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Bites
Author:
opppleeny
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Easy Game Day Appetizer: Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Bites

This recipe guides you through making a deliciously easy game day appetizer perfect for any gathering. Cubes of cream cheese are seasoned, wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with a sweet and savory mixture, and baked until golden brown and bubbly. These irresistible bites offer a perfect blend of creamy, salty, sweet, and savory flavors, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
#Appetizer
#Game Day
#Snack
#Bacon
#Cream Cheese
#Easy
#Party Food
#Finger Food
#Savory
#Sweet and Savory
Seasoned Cream Cheese Cubes
Seasoned Cream Cheese Cubes

Recipe Information

15m
Prep Time
25m
Cook Time
40m
Total Time
12
Servings
Easy
American
English
Nutrition (per serving)
115
Calories
5g
Protein
3g
Carbs
10g
Fat
Bacon-Wrapped Bites Ready for Oven
Bacon-Wrapped Bites Ready for Oven

Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese
    (one block, full-fat recommended)

    8 oz
  • Bacon
    (thin-cut works best for wrapping)

    12 slices
  • Garlic Powder
    (or to taste)

    1 tsp
  • Onion Powder
    (or to taste)

    1 tsp
  • Smoked Paprika
    (for color and flavor, or regular paprika)

    1 tsp
  • Salt
    (or to taste)

    1 tsp
  • Black Pepper
    (freshly ground preferred)

    1 tsp
  • Brown Sugar
    (light or dark)

    2 tbsp
  • Maple Syrup
    (pure maple syrup for best flavor)

    1 tbsp
  • Fresh Chives
    (finely chopped, for garnish)

    1 tbsp
Servings: 12
💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Golden Brown Baked Appetizers
Golden Brown Baked Appetizers

Instructions

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  • 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
    5m

    Proper oven temperature is key for crispy bacon and melted cream cheese. Lining the sheet prevents sticking.
  • 2

    Cut the block of cream cheese into 12 equal-sized cubes. A sharp knife dipped in hot water can help with clean cuts.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    Cut the block of cream cheese into 12 equal-sized cubes. A sharp knife dipped in hot water can help with clean cuts.
    2m

    Ensure cubes are roughly the same size for even cooking.
  • 3

    In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over all sides of the cream cheese cubes.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over all sides of the cream cheese cubes.
    2m

    Don't be shy with the seasoning; it adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
  • 4

    Take each seasoned cream cheese cube and wrap it snugly with one slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed, though often the bacon will stay in place.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    Take each seasoned cream cheese cube and wrap it snugly with one slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed, though often the bacon will stay in place.
    5m

    Stretch the bacon slightly as you wrap to ensure a tight fit around the cream cheese.
  • 5

    Place the bacon-wrapped cream cheese bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is some space between each piece.
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Place the bacon-wrapped cream cheese bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is some space between each piece.
    1m

    Spacing helps air circulate for crispier bacon.
  • 6

    In another small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and maple syrup to create a sweet and savory glaze.
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    In another small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and maple syrup to create a sweet and savory glaze.
    1m

    Adjust the ratio of brown sugar to maple syrup to your preference; more brown sugar for a stickier glaze, more maple for a runnier one.
  • 7

    Brush the glaze generously over the top and sides of each bacon-wrapped cream cheese bite.
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    Brush the glaze generously over the top and sides of each bacon-wrapped cream cheese bite.
    2m

    A pastry brush works best for even application.
  • 8

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown and the cream cheese is soft and gooey. The glaze should also be slightly caramelized.
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    25m
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown and the cream cheese is soft and gooey. The glaze should also be slightly caramelized.
    25m

    Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning, especially with the sugar glaze.
  • 9

    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with finely chopped fresh chives.
    Step 9 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 9 visual
    Preview
    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with finely chopped fresh chives.
    1m

    Cooling briefly prevents burns and allows the bites to firm up slightly.
  • 10

    Serve warm and enjoy your delicious game day appetizer!
    Step 10 visual
    Preview
    0m
    Step 10 visual
    Preview
    Serve warm and enjoy your delicious game day appetizer!
    0m

    These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer for crispness.
💡 Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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