These Bacon Wrapped Venison Bites are a savory, smoky appetizer made with tender venison, spicy jalapeno, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. They're baked until golden and brushed with barbecue sauce for the perfect touch.
This recipe reminds me of gatherings back home where wild game was always part of the table spread. The cobination of flavors is a crowd-pleaser and reminds me of other venison appetizers like my Bourbon Venison Steak Bites.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy prep: just wrap, bake, and brush with sauce.
- Perfect flavor: cream cheese and jalapeno balance the smokiness of bacon.
- Crowd favorite: ideal for game day, cookouts or family gatherings.
- Venison friendly: a delicious way to serve wild game in bite-sized form.
Key Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Venison Appetizers
- Venison tenderloin: lean and tender, perfect for small bites.
- Jalapenos: add just the right amount of heat and crunch.
- Cream cheese: soft and tangy, it balances the spice.
- Bacon: wraps everything together and crisps in the oven.
- Barbecue sauce: a sweet, smoky glaze that ties it all together.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Venison: use beef tenderloin or pork tenderloin if preferred.
- Cream cheese: swap with pepper jack cubes for extra spice.
- Barbecue sauce: try honey mustard glaze for a sweeter flavor.
Variations on Bacon Wrapped Venison Bites
- Grilled version: cook over medium heat on the grill for extra smokiness
- Stuffed peppers: use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapenos for a milder bite.
- Spicy kick: brush with chipotle barbecue sauce for more heat.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Appetizers
- Use regular cut bacon so it crisps fully in the oven.
- Don't overstuff the jalapenos or cheese will ooze out while baking.
- Line the pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F for 10 minutes untl warmed through and bacon is crisp again.
Serve With...
Serve these Bacon Wrapped Venison Bites with a fresh side salad like my Broccoli Salad with Bacon or alongside Cheddar Garlic Drop Biscuits for a hearty spread. For a full game day lineup, pair them with Buffalo Chickpea Dip and finish the meal with Loaded Peanut Butter Brownies.
More Easy Venison Recipes You'll Love
If you like these venison bites, you'll also enjoy my Mongolian Meatballs, Venison Chili, BBQ Cheddar Venison Meatloaf Muffins and Venison Stroganoff.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Venison Bites
Equipment
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Small bowl , for sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 pound venison tenderloin cut into 24 bite-sized pieces
- 2 large jalapenos seeded and cut into ring slices (a total of 24 slices)
- 2 ounces cream cheese cut into 24 cube-sized pieces
- 12 slices regular cut bacon cut in half
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the 1 cream cheese pieces inside of 1 jalapeno ring. Lay a piece of venison tenderloin on top of the jalapeno slice.
- Wrap the venison with ½ slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Repeat until you have 24 bacon wrapped venison appetizers.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and place 1 teaspoon of barbecue sauce on top of each appetizer.
- Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes, or until bacon is crisp.
- Serve with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Donna says
This has been such a hit in our extended family for so many years. All of us have made it wirh different sauces or bastes. Mine is the favorite! Drizzle with a balsamic glaze. 😋
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Donna, thank you for sharing! Shelby
Sparrow says
If prepped ahead of time how long can you store?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
If you wanted to prep these ahead of time, you could do so a day ahead. I highly recommend making these the same day they will be consumed so the bacon is not soggy.