First, apologies to all of my vegetarian readers.
There’s nothing so decadent and guilt ridden as bacon. Everyone in our family loves it.We try to eat healthy (as much as you can two semi-finicky eaters) most of the time so bacon is more of a special treat than a regular menu item. For a super special treat, I make these chocolate dipped bacon bites with a thick sweet and tart balsamic glaze hidden under the semi-sweet chocolate.
Balsamic glaze sounds super fancy, but it’s really easy to make. All you do is take good quality balsamic vinegar and slowly cook it down until it’s thick and syrupy. It’s more time consuming than difficult. I had leftover glaze after making it for a steak dinner (so good), and I didn’t want to wasted the glaze. Especially since I walked away and burned my first batch. When the instructions say simmer, they really mean simmer.
I took the leftover balsamic glaze and cooked it down even more so it was almost like caramel: thick and tacky to touch. That’s the magic. Make sure you use thick cut bacon so it will hold up to the weight of the glaze and chocolate.
I brought these chocolate dipped bacon bites to a party and, after a bit of hesitation, they disappeared rather quickly. These bites hit all of my favorite flavor profiles: sweet, salty, and tangy. You might not want to share after you try this recipe.
A bite sized piece of heaven.
What’s your favorite way to eat bacon?
- 3 slices thick cut bacon, cooked until crispy and cut into 1" pieces
- 1 cup of balsamic vinegar
- ½ to ¾ cup semi-sweet morsels or dark chocolate, melted
- Make balsamic reduction: In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar over medium to medium low heat until it becomes thick and syrup. Keep in mind that it will become thicker as it cools.We want it fairly thick and tacky.
- Carefully dip half of a 1-inch piece of bacon into the cooled balsamic glaze. Dip again to ensure a good coating. Place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment or wax paper. Repeat with remaining bacon pieces.
- Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or until the balsamic glaze is harden.
- Chocolate layer: melt your chocolate in the microwave at 15 second intervals, stirring each time you take it out. You'll to work quickly, but if chocolate starts to cool, just reheat.
- Remove the glazed bacon out of the freezer/fridge. Coat the balsamic glaze side of the bacon with melted chocolate, either by dipping or spooning on the chocolate.
- Place back on parchment. Repeat with remaining bacon pieces. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
- Once ready, remove and chow down. They won't last long.
- Eat.
OMG! Me want!!!
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I had chocolate covered bacon once at a wine tasting event. It was YUM. I will need to try this to see how the balsamic glaze plays a role in changing the taste!
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You KNOW I love all things bacon! and balsamic….wooo weeeee!! Get in my belly!
This looks so delicious! I want to try this and eat them. Oh. I guess I'll share.
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