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The appetizer, French classic

Bacon wrapped prunes

Bacon wrapped prunes are a classic French appetizer, made here for 6 people with 24 pieces to share. They take 15 minutes of active work, can be assembled in the morning, and go in the oven right before guests arrive, for a very easy difficulty and around €1.10 per person. The key is thinly sliced smoked bacon, which crisps up without turning greasy.

Agen prunes wrapped in smoked bacon and roasted until golden, the sweet and salty bite that opens up any appetite.

Bacon wrapped prunes
For
6 people
Work
15 min
Total time
35 min
Prep
Prepared the same day
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.10
Calories per person
100 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

The sweetness of Agen prunes against smoky, crisped bacon is a pairing that works every time to open up an appetite. Texture matters as much as flavor here, the fruit stays soft while the bacon turns crackly in the oven, and that contrast is exactly why people keep reaching for one more.

This is the kind of appetizer that fits a dinner with friends just as well as a family gathering, especially in fall and winter when prunes feel right at home on the table. Serve them alongside a few other simple bites, a glass of dry white wine or sparkling apple juice, and save your energy for the main course.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before Nothing to do
  2. The same day 3 steps
  3. Before the guests arrive 1 step, 15 min
  4. When it's time to serve 1 step

In the morning, slice the bacon, wrap and skewer the prunes, then keep the tray covered in the fridge. Right before your guests arrive, roast for 15 minutes at 200°C, flipping halfway through. Serve warm as guests walk in, with a small plate nearby for used skewers.

The ingredients

6 people

Pantry

  • Pitted Agen prunes 24
  • Wooden skewers 24

Butcher

  • Thin smoked bacon slices 12 slices

The recipe, moment by moment

The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.

  1. Cut each slice of smoked bacon in half lengthwise.

    Run the knife under hot water first, it makes for a cleaner cut.

  2. Wrap a half slice around each prune and skewer it to hold it closed.

    Place the bacon seam underneath the prune so it stays closed while cooking.

  3. Arrange the prunes on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and keep chilled.

    Chilling firms them up and keeps the bacon from unraveling.

Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.

  1. Roast at 200°C until the bacon is golden, flipping the prunes halfway through, about 15 minutes. 15 min

    The bacon needs to be well browned, that's what gives you the crunch.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Serve warm on a platter with the skewers clearly visible.

    Set out a small plate nearby for used skewers.

Our tips to get it right

  • Plan on two or three prunes per person if the appetizer hour runs long, the sweet and salty combo tends to disappear fast.
  • Pat the prunes dry if they feel a bit moist before wrapping them, otherwise the bacon tends to slip off during cooking.
  • Roast them on a rack set over the baking sheet if you have one, the fat drains away and the bacon stays crisper.

The variations

  • Swap the smoked bacon for regular bacon slices, the smoky flavor is stronger but the cooking stays the same.
  • Tuck a small piece of goat cheese inside each prune before wrapping for a richer bite.
  • For kids who prefer less smoke, offer dates wrapped in thin slices of ham instead, milder in flavor.

What to serve it with

  • A glass of dry white wine
  • Cheese gougères
  • Sparkling apple juice

Storage

Raw, wrapped prunes keep up to 24 hours in the fridge in a sealed container before cooking. Once baked, eat them within the hour, they lose their crispness as they cool. Freezing isn't recommended, both the bacon and the prune lose their texture.

Questions about this recipe

Can I use prunes with the pit still in?

Pitted prunes are easier to wrap and much more pleasant to eat in one bite. If you only have prunes with pits, remove them yourself before starting.

Can I use something other than wooden skewers?

Small wooden toothpicks work just as well, the goal is simply to hold the bacon closed while it cooks. Avoid metal picks, they get too hot in the oven.

How do I know when they're done cooking?

The bacon should be golden and slightly crisp on both sides, that's your sign they're ready. If you like it more charred, leave it a few more minutes and keep an eye on it.

Can I make a bigger batch for more guests?

Yes, just multiply the quantities while keeping the same ratio of prunes to bacon. Plan on using several trays if your oven isn't big enough to cook everything at once.

Can bacon wrapped prunes be made ahead?

Yes, during the day. The recipe needs 15 min of work in total, split up like this, the same day, 3 steps, before the guests arrive, 1 step, when it's time to serve, 1 step.

How long does it take to make bacon wrapped prunes?

Allow 35 min in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 15 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "very easy".

How many calories are in bacon wrapped prunes?

About 100 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does bacon wrapped prunes cost?

About €1.10 per person, that's €6.60 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe doesn't contain any of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. It's still a good idea to ask your guests about their allergies.

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