How to Wrap the Cheese Curds
Choose curds that fit snugly inside a third of a bacon slice. Overlap the ends underneath and place the bites seam-side down. If a strip springs open, secure it with a plain wooden toothpick. A wire rack set over the baking sheet lets the bacon drippings collect below the bites.
When to Take the Bites Out of the Oven
Start checking at 25 minutes. Pull the bites out when the bacon is crisp and the brown sugar has caramelized. Let them rest for 5 minutes before transferring them to a platter so the glaze and cheese can settle.
4-Ingredient Bacon Ellsworth Bites Recipe Card
Bacon-wrapped cheddar cheese curds with a sweet, lightly spicy brown sugar glaze.
- Prep time — About 15 minutes
- Bake time — 25 to 35 minutes
- Rest time — 5 minutes
- Servings — 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound sliced bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
- 1 pound Ellsworth cheddar cheese curds
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan with foil. Set an oven-safe wire rack on top, if using.
- Stir together the brown sugar and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Wrap one piece of bacon around each curd, overlapping the ends. Arrange the bites seam-side down on the rack or pan with a little space between them. Secure with plain wooden toothpicks if needed.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the bites.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is caramelized.
- Let the bites rest for 5 minutes, then transfer to a platter and serve warm.