Venison and Bacon Bites
These Venison and Bacon Wrapped Bites are savory, succulent, and perfect for any occasion. Tender venison bites are wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, these bites are sure to impress your guests with their irresistible taste.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 500 g venison tenderloin - cut into bite-sized pieces
- 200 g bacon slices - cut into halves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- BBQ sauce or honey for glazing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Venison Bites
- Season the venison pieces with onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste.
- Wrap each venison piece with a half-slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped bites on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Bites
- Drizzle olive oil over the wrapped bites to prevent them from drying out during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the venison is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- If desired, brush the bites with BBQ sauce or honey during the last few minutes of baking for added flavor.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the venison and bacon wrapped bites from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Transfer the bites to a serving platter and remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them hot as a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality venison tenderloin and bacon for the best results.Â
- Bacon Selection: Choose bacon slices that are thick-cut for easier wrapping and better flavor. You can also opt for flavored bacon varieties such as maple or applewood smoked for an extra layer of taste.
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation around the bites.
- Bacon Wrapping Technique: Secure the bacon around the venison tightly, but not too tightly to allow for even cooking. Make sure to overlap the ends of the bacon slices and secure them with toothpicks to prevent unwrapping during baking.
- Optional Glazing: Apply the glaze during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Cooking Time Adjustment: Depending on the thickness of your bacon slices and the size of your venison pieces, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the bites towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking.
- Serving Suggestions:Â Serve alongside dipping sauces like tangy mustard or creamy horseradish for added flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the venison and bacon-wrapped bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply remove them from the fridge and bake as directed when ready to serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 250mg | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.