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Sizzling with salty-sweet flavors and savory sage, this Bacon Wrapped Apricots appetizer only takes four ingredients and about thirty minutes to add a little “wow” to any gathering.
Bacon wrapped appetizers come in all shapes and sizes. However, this one has a special combination of spice and salty-sweet that will have all of your guests asking for the recipe.
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I must confess that I used to not be the biggest fan of apricots. But this is the recipe that changed that. This little fruit gives the best sweet and almost tart flavoring.
What I also love about this appetizer is that it uses a full sage leaf inside the bacon wrap. Sage not only tastes great, but it is an herb used to heal the body of all kinds of ailments from digestive problems to depression (who knew? I love the flavor!).
The bacon and dash of maple syrup on top wraps up the whole combo into the perfect – toothpick-worthy – beautiful little hors d’oeuvre. That’s it! All you need is bacon, apricots, sage, and maple syrup.
I always make a double batch of these because they won’t last long!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Only 4 ingredients with easy instructions.
- Make ahead and freeze.
- Unique and impressive.
Key Ingredients
- Bacon– I like a natural nitrate free best. Use a regular cut, thick cut has a tendancy to come unwrapped during bacon, it’s just to thick to seal well.
- Dried Apricots– You’ll find these at your local grocer, usually in the produce department, or wherever they stock their dried fruit. Some brands don’t use preservatives and therefore the apricots are more brown than orange in color. These are fine, and no one will know because they’ll be covered in bacon anyway.
- Sage Leaves– This little herb not only tastes great but is also used as a remedy for digestive problems. Sage has several wonderful properties and goes great with bacon and apricots.
- Maple Syrup– 100% pure maple syrup is best. The cheap stuff that is sold for pancakes contains mostly high fructose corn syrup and fake maple flavor.
Made with just four ingredients, this bacon-wrapped appetizer is super easy to make and will wow any crowd.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Apricots
This is an overview of the instructions, be sure to see the recipe card for all the details.
- lay out 1/3 of a strip of bacon, place the apricot on the end, and a sage leaf on top of the apricot.
- Roll the apricot and sage up in the strip of bacon, pressing the end of the bacon gently to seal it.
- Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake until the bacon starts to crisp, 10 or so minutes per side. Oven’s vary, so keep checking it.
- Remove from oven and brush with the maple syrup.
Expert Tips
- If you are concerned about the bacon coming undone, you can secure the bacon with a toothpick after you wrap it. I don’t have an issue with this, but it’s an option.
- If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey as a substitute, it will have a different flavor, but it’s still that touch of sweet and still delicious.
- Turning these half way through the cooking time is optional. One side will definitely become darker (the bottom) if you don’t turn them.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper befor using. This will help to absorb some of the bacon grease, which makes easier clean up and you won’t need to blot the bacon with paper towel.
- Before lining your pan with parchment paper, crumple it up, then straighten it again, this makes it much more pliable and easy to use.
- Serve along side a cheese plate– Brie, goat cheese, parmigiano reggiano, gran padano, and blue cheese are some suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
High in antioxidants and with several medicinal properties, sage is known to help with the digestive system, with mood alleviation, and it can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Served in savory dishes, sage adds to the flavor and aesthetic of the dish.
Known for promoting eye health, apricots are rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, E, beta-carotene, and carotenoids. These nutrients are known to aid in the reduction of cataracts and macular degeneration. Apricots are also low in calories and a great addition to any weight-loss diet.
Make Ahead Instructions
- Assemble the bacon wrapped apricots as noted in the instructions.
- Freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag.
- To cook, bake from frozen at 375 for 8-10 minutes per side; keep warm at 250.
- Brush with the maple syrup before serving.
Serving Suggestions
If you are throwing a dinner party, or simply creating mini-works of hors d’oeuvre art, these appetizers will pair well with Grilled Brie, Parmesan Crisps, and Lobster Mac and Cheese bites.
Storing
- If you’re just trying to prep for a party, assemble these and keep them covered in the fridge (even overnight is fine). Then, pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive!
- To store leftover bacon wrapped apricots, place in an airtight container or bag and store for up to three days.
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📋 Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Apricots
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- parchment paper or foil
Ingredients
- 24 small fresh sage leaves
- 24 large dried apricots
- 8 slices bacon cut crosswise into thirds
- 2 tbs pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375.
- Place a sage leaf on each apricot, wrap with a pice of bacon, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake until the bacon is beginning to crisp, 10 or so minutes per side. Oven’s vary, so keep checking it.
- Remove from oven and brush with the maple syrup.
- Serve with toothpicks.
Video
Notes
- These can be made ahead of time. Wrap apricots and sage with bacon, flash freeze.
- After frozen place in a freezer bag.
- To bake from frozen, follow the same baking instructions, but increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
- If you are concerned about the bacon coming undone, you can secure the bacon with a toothpick after you wrap it. I don’t have an issue with this, but it’s an option.
- If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey as a substitute, it will have a different flavor, but it’s still that touch of sweet and still delicious.
- Turning these half way through the cooking time is optional. One side will definitely become darker (the bottom) if you don’t turn them.
- Before lining your pan with parchment paper, crumple it up, then straighten it again, this makes it much more pliable and easy to use.
Nutrition
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Chellie, our palettes are more alike than I thought! I am not a huge fan of dried apricots, but we do these at the catering company I work for, and they are delicious! The sweet, savory and salty bite is a delight to my taste buds! Easy to put together, but sinfully delish!
BTW, I think I want in on that tradition! We aren’t that far apart! LOL What a treat for your guests!
I might try this on New Year’s!
absolutely beautiful posts. Great job on all the food. I am so glad the party went well. You were a blessing to many I am sure.
Call me if you want to do something this week. We are WIDE open!!!