Melon and Bacon Bites
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 4
These refreshing melon and bacon bites combine the sweetness of melon with the savory goodness of crispy bacon, making them the perfect appetizer to wow your guests. The addition of salted peanuts adds a delightful crunch, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s how to prepare this simple yet elegant dish:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Winter yellow melon (melon giallo invernale) | ½ melon |
| Smoked bacon (pancetta affumicata) | 150g |
| Salted roasted peanuts (arachidi salate tostate) | 50g |
Instructions
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Cook the bacon: Start by heating a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the smoked bacon to the pan and cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat.
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Prepare the melon: While the bacon is cooking, slice the melon in half and remove the seeds. Next, cut the melon into thin slices, peel off the rind, and then cut the slices into small cubes (approximately 1 cm).
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Chop the peanuts: Coarsely chop the salted peanuts with a knife. This will help release their flavor and add a crunchy texture to the dish.
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Assemble the bites: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melon cubes and chopped peanuts. Toss everything together to ensure the melon is evenly coated with the peanuts.
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Serve: Carefully fill small appetizer-sized glasses or mini cups with the melon and peanut mixture. Top each serving with the crispy bacon for that perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Serving:
- Presentation: Serve these melon and bacon bites in small glass jars or mini tumblers for an extra touch of elegance.
- Customization: You can substitute the winter melon with honeydew or cantaloupe if preferred.
These melon and bacon bites are a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them an ideal choice for your next appetizer spread. Perfect for gatherings or casual dinners, they are as easy to make as they are to enjoy!
