Devilishly Delicious Bacon and Cherry Roll-Ups

The scent of these little bites takes me straight back to childhood Christmas parties. My mother, a whirlwind of festive energy, would somehow manage to orchestrate elaborate gatherings while simultaneously whipping up a mountain of snacks. Among the platters of cheese balls and mini quiches, these bacon and cherry roll-ups always held a special place in my heart. The combination of sweet, tart cherry and salty, crispy bacon was utterly irresistible, and I remember sneaking away to the kitchen to pilfer as many as I could before anyone noticed. Now, years later, I recreate that same magic, and these little parcels of deliciousness are always the first to disappear at any gathering.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Yield: 20 roll-ups
• Dietary Type: Not Applicable

Ingredients

• 20 slices streaky bacon
• 40 glace cherries

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, around 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the bacon from sticking and make cleanup much easier.

2. Take each slice of streaky bacon and gently run a knife along its length. This helps to stretch the bacon slightly, making it easier to roll and ensuring it cooks evenly. Don’t apply too much pressure, you just want to elongate it a bit. Then cut each rasher of bacon in half widthways, so you have smaller, more manageable pieces.

3. Now for the fun part: the rolling! Take one piece of bacon and place a glace cherry at one end. Roll the bacon around the cherry, securing it snugly. Repeat this process with all the bacon and cherries.

4. Place the rolled bacon and cherry bites onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and the fat is nicely crisped up. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary. You’re looking for a rich golden brown color and crispy edges. Alternatively, you can grill these on a medium heat, but watch them very carefully as they can burn quickly under the broiler.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For even crispier bacon, place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined baking sheet. This allows the fat to render and drip away from the bacon, resulting in a superior level of crispiness.
• If your glace cherries are very sticky, lightly dust them with cornstarch before rolling them in the bacon. This will prevent them from sticking to the bacon and make the rolling process easier.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! If you’re making a large batch, cook the roll-ups in batches to ensure even cooking.
• If you want a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on the bacon before rolling it around the cherries.
• For a slightly sweeter flavor, brush the bacon with a little maple syrup or honey during the last few minutes of cooking. This will caramelize the bacon and add a delicious glaze.
• You can prepare the roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time when you’re entertaining.
• If the bacon starts to curl up during baking, use tongs to gently flatten it against the baking sheet. This will help it cook more evenly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these devilishly delicious bacon and cherry roll-ups immediately while they are still warm and crispy. They are perfect as a party appetizer, a snack with drinks, or even as a unique addition to a brunch spread. Arrange them attractively on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color.

Leftovers, if there are any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy, or reheat in a microwave at 30 second intervals. The bacon may not be quite as crispy as when freshly baked, but they will still be delicious. They are best enjoyed freshly made, however.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	69 kcal	3%
Total Fat	5.8g	9%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	10mg	3%
Sodium	126mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	1.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	0.8g	0%
Protein	2.1g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Turkey Bacon: For a slightly leaner option, you can substitute turkey bacon for the pork bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon tends to be less fatty, so it may not crisp up quite as much.
• Dates or Dried Apricots: If you’re not a fan of glace cherries, you can use pitted dates or dried apricots instead. These will add a different level of sweetness and chewiness to the roll-ups.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the cooked roll-ups for a tangy and sophisticated twist.
• Spicy Bacon: Use bacon that has been pre-seasoned with chili flakes or other spices for an extra kick.
• Different Cheeses: Add a tiny cube of cheese such as Gruyere or Parmesan before rolling the bacon.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
A: While you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time, the texture won’t be the same. The bacon won’t render its fat and crisp up as nicely as when using raw bacon.

Q: What if my glace cherries are too big?
A: If your glace cherries are very large, you can cut them in half or even quarters before rolling them in the bacon. This will make the roll-ups easier to eat.

Q: Can I freeze these roll-ups?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze these after cooking, as the bacon can become soggy and the cherries can lose their texture. However, you can assemble the roll-ups and freeze them before baking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the roll-ups while they’re baking, especially towards the end of the cooking time. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to slow down the cooking process.

Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the roll-ups for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon and Cherry Roll-Ups are more than just a recipe; they’re a memory, a celebration, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious bite. I urge you to give them a try, and I’m confident they’ll become a staple in your own culinary repertoire. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to suit your taste, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen. Share your creations with friends and family, and let me know what you think – I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn about your own unique twists on this classic recipe! Pair these with a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling cider for the perfect appetizer combination. Happy cooking!