Looking for the ultimate game day snack or a show-stopping party appetizer that’s both irresistible and low-carb? These delicious bacon guacamole bites are the answer! Perfectly crisp bacon cradling creamy, fresh guacamole, topped with a burst of sweet cherry tomato – they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together with surprising ease.
Recipe Highlights
Why you’ll love it: An incredibly easy, popular, and low-carb appetizer for any gathering.
Total Time: Approximately 38 minutes (includes bacon baking time)
Essential Tools: Baking sheet, oven, small zip-top bag
Yields: Around 40 delightful appetizer bites
As big events like the Super Bowl or any festive gathering approach, the quest for the perfect party food begins. While the game and commercials offer their own entertainment, for many, the culinary spread is the true highlight. This recipe for Bacon Guacamole Appetizer Bites combines two universally beloved ingredients – crispy bacon and creamy guacamole – into one irresistible, bite-sized package. It’s not just a snack; it’s a statement of flavor and simplicity, designed to elevate your hosting game without tying you to the kitchen.
The beauty of this appetizer lies in its remarkable ease of preparation. You won’t spend hours prepping when you could be enjoying the company of your guests or catching every play. Plus, a fantastic side benefit: your kitchen will be filled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bacon, setting a wonderfully inviting tone for your event. This dish is not only a fan favorite but also a fantastic low-carb option, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary preferences. While the image might tempt you with a large stein of beer, these bites pair equally well with sparkling water, light seltzers, or other low-carb beverages for a truly guilt-free indulgence.
Bacon-wrapped appetizers are always a hit. If you’re looking to expand your bacon repertoire, consider popular choices like Candied Bacon (often called ‘pig candy’), savory Bacon-Wrapped Dates, or the delightful crunch of Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. These options, much like our bacon guacamole bites, leverage the incredible flavor and texture of bacon to create memorable finger foods that disappear quickly from any platter.
Unlock the Simplicity: About This Easy Bacon Appetizer
What truly sets this bacon guacamole appetizer apart is its dedication to simplicity. The recipe embraces the convenience of using already-prepared, high-quality guacamole. This thoughtful shortcut dramatically cuts down on preparation time and removes the unpredictability often associated with fresh avocados. For those who enjoy the process, feel free to craft your own guacamole from scratch – the choice is entirely yours! However, opting for a store-bought version doesn’t compromise on flavor, especially when you select a brand known for its fresh, vibrant taste and creamy texture. This strategy ensures a consistent and stress-free appetizer experience, perfect for busy hosts.
The challenge of finding perfectly ripe avocados can be frustrating. Many home cooks have experienced the disappointment of slicing into an avocado, only to find it bruised, brown, or stringy. By utilizing pre-made guacamole, you bypass this common culinary gamble, guaranteeing a smooth, perfectly seasoned base for your bacon bites every time. This approach allows you to focus on the enjoyable aspects of cooking and entertaining, rather than wrestling with unripe or overripe fruit. It’s all about making delicious food accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Preparing these delightful appetizer bites requires just three core ingredients, emphasizing the recipe’s straightforward nature. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Thick-Cut Bacon: The foundation of this appetizer. Using thick-cut bacon is essential because it provides a sturdy base that can hold the guacamole without crumbling or becoming too flimsy. Unlike regular cut bacon, which can become brittle, thick-cut bacon maintains its integrity and offers a satisfying chew, creating the ideal canvas for your toppings. Look for quality bacon with a good meat-to-fat ratio for the best results.
- Prepared Guacamole: As discussed, a good quality pre-made guacamole simplifies the process immensely. Choose a brand with fresh ingredients and a flavor profile you enjoy. Alternatively, if you prefer homemade, ensure your guacamole is well-mashed, seasoned to perfection, and has a smooth, creamy consistency for easy piping onto the bacon.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These small, vibrant tomatoes add a burst of color, freshness, and a slight tang that beautifully complements the richness of the bacon and guacamole. Always use a serrated knife to halve them. The serrations grip the skin, allowing for a clean cut without squishing the delicate flesh, ensuring perfectly presented toppings.
Step-by-Step Perfection: How to Make This Appetizer
Creating these bacon guacamole bites is a simple process, yielding impressive results. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy bacon and beautifully assembled appetizers:
1. Prepare and Bake the Bacon: Begin by slicing your thick-cut bacon into manageable, bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 ½ to 2 inches long, *before* cooking. This pre-slicing prevents cracking and crumbling once the bacon is crispy. For optimal flatness and even cooking, baking is the preferred method. Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup, and then add a layer of parchment paper to prevent the bacon from sticking. Arrange the bacon pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch, which promotes even crisping. Place the baking sheet with the bacon into a cold oven, then set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Baking for approximately 28 minutes, or until golden brown and perfectly crispy, will yield beautifully flat, delicious bacon. Baking bacon also significantly reduces splatter compared to pan-frying, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Thoroughly Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked to your desired crispiness, carefully remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a minute or two. Then, using tongs, transfer each bacon piece to a plate generously lined with several layers of paper towels. Gently pat the tops of the bacon pieces with additional paper towels to absorb any excess grease. This crucial step ensures your bacon remains delightfully crisp and prevents the guacamole from becoming oily, maintaining the perfect texture for your bites.
3. Apply the Guacamole with Ease: For a neat and professional presentation, transfer your prepared guacamole from its container into a small zip-top sandwich bag. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag, creating a makeshift piping bag. This method allows you to precisely squeeze a small, consistent amount of guacamole onto each piece of cooled, drained bacon. It’s far less messy than spooning and ensures an even distribution of that creamy goodness.
4. Get Creative with Toppings: Now for the fun part – customizing your bacon guacamole bites! While a halved grape or cherry tomato offers a classic, refreshing touch, don’t hesitate to experiment with other delicious options. A small cube of sharp cheddar cheese adds a savory, salty dimension that pairs wonderfully with bacon. Other fantastic ideas include a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for herbaceous notes, thinly sliced green onions for a mild oniony kick, or a sliver of jalapeño pepper for those who enjoy a little heat. For a gourmet touch, consider quick pickled red onions, which provide a tangy, vibrant contrast. You can even leave a few bites plain, topped only with guacamole, to cater to traditionalists. The key is to add a topping that complements the rich flavors and adds a visual appeal.
Serve immediately and enjoy these fantastic, flavorful bites! They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. Happy snacking, and remember to savor every delicious, low-carb bite.
Expand Your Menu: More Game Day Appetizers
If you’re planning a larger spread or simply looking for more delicious ideas, explore these other popular game day and party appetizers that are sure to impress your guests:
- Southwestern Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers: Vibrant and flavorful, these are a lighter yet satisfying option.
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Bites: A healthier twist on classic buffalo flavors, perfect for dipping.
- Best Ham and Cheese Sliders: A perennial crowd-pleaser, these mini sandwiches are incredibly easy to make and universally loved.
- Sweet and Tangy Baked Beans: A hearty and comforting side that’s always a hit at potlucks.
- The Best 7 Layer Dip: A classic, customizable dip that’s perfect for sharing with a big group.
Bacon Guacamole Appetizer (Low-Carb!)
Rachel Gurk
10
28
38
20 servings
Pin
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. (16 oz.) thick sliced bacon, cut into 1 ½ to 2-inch pieces
- 1 pkg. (8 oz.) prepared guacamole (about 1 cup)
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
-
Line a baking sheet with foil and then with parchment paper. Arrange bacon pieces in a single layer so they are not touching.
-
Put bacon in cold oven and turn on to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 28 minutes total or until crispy and browned. Remove and place on a paper towel lined plate. Pat with paper towels to remove excess grease.
-
Meanwhile, put guacamole in a small zip-top bag and cut off a small corner. Squeeze a small amount of guacamole on each piece of bacon and top with either a halved grape tomato or a chunk of cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition information is for bites topped with tomatoes.
- Alternative toppings: cheddar cheese (2 oz.), chopped cilantro or parsley, sliced green onions, jalapeño peppers, pickled red onions.
Nutrition
Calories: 119kcal,
Carbohydrates: 2g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 11g,
Saturated Fat: 3g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Trans Fat: 0.03g,
Cholesterol: 15mg,
Sodium: 154mg,
Potassium: 157mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 1g,
Vitamin A: 142IU,
Vitamin C: 7mg,
Calcium: 5mg,
Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?
Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
*Disclosure: I’m honored to have been selected to be a Sabra Tastemaker. I’ve been compensated for my time but all opinions are (as always) my own. Thanks for supporting my blog by reading about products I use and love.