This Unexpected Bacon Combo Works Better Than You'd Expect

Every so often, bacon surprises you in ways you never thought were possible, and it usually starts with stepping beyond those bacon recipes you've known and loved. If you thought it was good in BLT sandwiches and burgers, just wait until you wrap it around banana slices. Banana and bacon, now that's a combination not many saw coming. There may never be another ingredient pairing that simultaneously inspires as much intrigue and skepticism as this one, which is all the more reason to try it.

When done right, flavor contrast can be quite a delight. Sweet and salty, for example, never gets old, and bacon-wrapped bananas are perfect proof. At the heart of each bite is the banana's caramelized, honeyed sweetness. As it slowly dissipates onto the taste buds, smoky, savory nuances jumble in between, and that's when the real fun starts. Where the bananas are vibrant and soothing, the bacon is sharp and captivating, and together, they create a dynamic balance that keeps the dullness at bay.

It's not just the flavors that make these bites so enticing. The texture plays a huge part, too. Sizzling hot and crispy, the bacon crackles slightly when you bite into it, giving way to the banana's tender center. These opposite forces are the backdrop to the whirlwind of flavors, so expect nothing but never-ending excitement when you eat bacon-wrapped bananas.

Bacon-wrapped bananas might be one of the most unexpected ways to cook bananas, but not to worry, it comes together quite easily. You can use the oven's broiler and get that delectable char in less than 10 minutes. For flavors that fully meld into one another, a 20-minute bake should help you achieve that. When BBQ season rolls around, toss these banana bites on the grill, where they brown and crisp in just a few minutes.

Before you get to cooking, however, consider flavoring the bacon-wrapped bananas with different condiments. It could be a simple mixture of soy sauce and honey, something that will caramelize into a sweet, umami intensity once it meets the heat. Other sweeteners, such as brown sugar or maple syrup, work just as well. Alternatively, BBQ rub or sauce can liven up the whole thing with its tangy spice, making the dish even more suitable for cookouts. A pinch of paprika can bring forth the bacon's smoky undertone and make each bite more inviting. On days when you really want something new, mango chutney (or various other types of chutney) comes in handy. Together with the banana, it brings a fruity vibrancy that makes the combo a total crowd-pleaser at parties.

Indeed, bacon-wrapped bananas check every box for a party appetizer. All you need to do is pair it with a dipping sauce, perhaps something creamy and spicy, and the feast is off to a memorable start. Already bite-sized and so flavorful, they're no less marvelous as a snack. Any leftovers you've got, just save them for the next morning's breakfast bowl.