The Ultimate Christmas Bacon-Wrapped Prime Rib Bites

Elevate your holiday appetizer spread with the ultimate indulgence: Christmas Bacon-Wrapped Prime Rib Bites. This recipe takes the king of beef cuts—the prime rib—and transforms it into a bite-sized delicacy wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon. Perfectly seasoned and seared to juicy perfection, these morsels offer a sophisticated balance of textures and flavors that will leave your guests reaching for “just one more.” Whether you are hosting a formal Christmas cocktail party or a cozy family gathering, these bites deliver the luxury of a full prime rib dinner in a single, effortless mouthful.

Ingredients

• Prime Rib Roast: 2 lbs (Boneless, trimmed of excess fat)

• Thick-Cut Bacon: 1 lb (Sliced into halves or thirds depending on length)

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons

• Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon

• Coarse Black Pepper: 1 tablespoon

• Fresh Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

• Fresh Rosemary & Thyme: 1 tablespoon each, finely chopped

• Optional Horseradish Cream: ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the prime rib into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel to ensure a proper sear.

2. Season: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme until evenly coated.

3. Wrap with Bacon: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around each beef cube. Secure the bacon by piercing it through the center with a wooden toothpick.

4. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a wire cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet; this allows heat to circulate around the bites, ensuring the bacon gets crispy on all sides.

5. The Initial Sear (Optional but Recommended): For maximum flavor, sear the bites in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side before putting them in the oven. If skipping this, proceed directly to baking.

6. Bake: Arrange the bites on the wire rack. Bake for 10–15 minutes. For medium-rare beef, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. The bacon should be browned and crisp.

7. Rest and Serve: Let the bites rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm, optionally paired with a side of horseradish cream for dipping.

Selecting the Perfect Cut for Holiday Success

The secret to a world-class appetizer begins at the butcher counter. While “Prime Rib” is the traditional name, you are looking for a Standing Rib Roast or a Ribeye Roast. For appetizers, a boneless roast is significantly easier to work with, allowing for uniform cubing. Look for “Prime” grade beef if possible, as the heavy marbling ensures the meat remains buttery and tender even after being cut into smaller pieces.

If you are looking to manage costs without sacrificing quality, a “Choice” grade roast is an excellent alternative, provided it has good internal fat distribution. Avoid “Select” grades for this specific recipe, as the lower fat content can lead to the bites becoming dry during the roasting process. Remember that the bacon adds its own fat and salt, so you are looking for a piece of beef that can stand up to those bold flavors without being overshadowed.

The Art of the Perfect Bacon Wrap

Achieving the perfect harmony between tender beef and crispy bacon requires a bit of technique. One common pitfall is the bacon remaining rubbery while the beef overcooks. To prevent this, ensure your bacon is at room temperature before wrapping. Using thin to medium-thick bacon is often more effective than “extra thick” cuts for appetizers, as it renders faster and reaches a golden-brown state at the same time the beef reaches medium-rare.

The toothpick is your best friend in this process. By threading the toothpick through the “seam” of the bacon where the ends overlap, you lock the wrap in place. For a festive Christmas touch, use decorative frilled toothpicks or small sprigs of sturdy rosemary to skewer the meat. This not only keeps the appetizer intact but also provides a convenient handle for your guests, making it a mess-free finger food.

Flavor Profiles and Festive Variations

While the classic garlic and herb seasoning is a holiday staple, you can easily customize these bites to fit your specific palate. For a sweet and savory twist, brush the bacon with a glaze of maple syrup and brown sugar during the last five minutes of baking. This creates a “candied” effect that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the prime rib.

For those who prefer a bit of heat, a dusting of smoked paprika or a tiny slice of jalapeño tucked under the bacon can add a modern kick to the traditional roast. If you want to lean into the “Christmas” theme, consider a balsamic reduction drizzle. The acidity of the balsamic vinegar cuts through the fat of the beef and bacon, brightening the entire dish and adding a deep, ruby-red visual element that looks stunning on a holiday platter.

Hosting and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving luxury ingredients like prime rib. Arrange your bacon-wrapped bites on a large slate board or a white ceramic platter to make the colors pop. Garnish the plate heavily with fresh evergreen herbs like rosemary branches and scattered pomegranate seeds; the red and green colors will immediately signal a festive theme to your guests.

Because these bites are best served warm, consider cooking them in batches if you are hosting a long party. Alternatively, you can keep them in a warming drawer or a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) for a short period. Pair these decadent morsels with a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec, which has the tannins necessary to complement the rich fats of the beef and bacon. With this recipe in your repertoire, your holiday gathering is guaranteed to be the culinary highlight of the season.