A little sweet, a little spicy, and totally irresistible, these Bacon-Wrapped Apricot Zingers with Blue Cheese Drizzle are the perfect appetizer for parties, game day, or holiday gatherings. Soft dried apricots are filled with jalapeño for a bright, spicy pop, wrapped in smoky bacon, then baked until crisp. A tangy blue cheese and Greek yogurt drizzle adds creaminess and acidity that balances the sweet and salty flavors. These bites are easy to assemble, simple to bake, and always one of the first things to disappear from the appetizer table.
Why you’ll love these Bacon-Wrapped Apricot Zingers
These bites combine contrasting flavors and textures: chewy, sweet apricots; crisp, salty bacon; and a lively jalapeño bite. The blue cheese drizzle—made from Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, and fresh lemon—adds a creamy, acidic finish that ties everything together. They’re easy to make ahead, travel well, and can be adapted for milder or hotter tastes. Serve warm with the sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.
Ingredients
For the Bacon-Wrapped Apricot Zingers
- 20 dried apricots
- 2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced into 20 slices (seeds removed for less heat)
- 10 bacon slices, halved crosswise
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
For the Blue Cheese Drizzle
- 1/3 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water, if needed to thin the sauce
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Step-by-step
Step one: Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set a wire rack on the sheet to allow fat to drip away while the bacon crisps.
Step two: Assemble the zingers
Use a small paring knife to slice each dried apricot lengthwise, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Insert a jalapeño slice into each apricot pocket. Wrap each stuffed apricot with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed.
Step three: Bake the zingers
Arrange the bacon-wrapped apricots seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one lightly with maple syrup to encourage browning and a glossy finish. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and golden and the apricots are slightly softened.
Step four: Make the blue cheese drizzle
While the bites bake, whisk together the Greek yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, and lemon juice in a small bowl or briefly blend in a small blender or with an immersion blender until fairly smooth. Add water, a teaspoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency suitable for drizzling. Fold in the finely chopped chives and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step five: Finish and serve
When the bacon is crisp, remove the apricot zingers from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Arrange on a serving platter and either drizzle with the blue cheese sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra chopped chives, if desired.
Recipe FAQs and tips
The jalapeños add a pleasant heat that pairs nicely with the sweet apricot and savory bacon. For milder bites, remove the seeds and white ribs before slicing the jalapeños or use fewer slices. For more heat, leave some seeds in or use a spicier pepper.
Can you make these in advance?
Yes. The blue cheese drizzle can be prepared up to five days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the zingers, unbaked and without maple syrup, up to 24 hours in advance—keep them covered and refrigerated, then brush with maple syrup and bake just before serving.
Substitutions and variations:
- Swap dried figs or dates for apricots for a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Use prosciutto for a lighter, saltier wrap that crisps quickly.
- Replace blue cheese with goat cheese or feta blended with yogurt for a milder drizzle.
- For a sweet-savory twist, brush with a honey-balsamic glaze instead of maple syrup.
Recipe details
Prep: 20 mins · Cook: 20 mins · Total: 40 mins · Servings: 20
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 79 kcal · Carbohydrates: 7 g · Protein: 2 g · Fat: 5 g · Saturated Fat: 2 g · Sodium: 109 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 6 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guide only.
Serving suggestions
Serve the apricot zingers warm from the oven on a large platter with the blue cheese drizzle in a bowl alongside cocktail napkins and toothpicks. They pair well with light, fragrant wines or a crisp cider. These bites also work well as part of a holiday appetizer board with cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruit.
Additional info
Author: Alex Snodgrass · Course: Appetizer · Servings: 20
Food Photography and Styling by Eat Love Eats.