Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Bacon Wrapped Salmon is the perfect bite! Whether you're looking for an easy game day snack, an appetizer for a special occasion, or even a delicious main course, these little salmon bites deliver a ton of flavor.

Love salmon? Try my Smoked Salmon Recipe, Crispy Salmon Bites, or Salmon Ball.

Bacon Wrapped Salmon is the perfect bite! Whether you're looking for an easy game day snack, an appetizer for a special occasion, or even a delicious main course, these little salmon bites deliver a ton of flavor.

One of my favorite uses for bacon is wrapping it around another protein. As the bacon cooks, it helps keep the salmon moist while adding plenty of flavor and that crispy texture on the outside. It really is the perfect bite.

I've made these a few times now. We served them at a party with high schoolers, and they completely gobbled them up. Then we made them for a wine and cheese night with several adults, who pretty much did the same thing. They're delicious, easy to make, and work for just about any occasion. 

Make a batch of these along with my Bacon Wrapped Cod for a fun seafood spread. Or go all out and try our bacon-wrapped Grilled Alligator.

Ingredients

You only need two main ingredients to make these bacon-wrapped salmon bites.

• Salmon - I prefer wild salmon over farmed salmon. If you're using frozen salmon fillets, make sure they're completely thawed first. Moving them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before usually works well.
• Bacon - Thin-cut bacon is best for this recipe. Bacon takes longer to cook than salmon, so thinner slices have a better chance of getting crispy before the salmon overcooks.
• Toothpicks - These aren't technically an ingredient, but you'll need them to hold the bacon around the salmon. They also make the finished bites easy to pick up and serve.

See recipe card for quantities.

Before You Get Started

For appetizer portions, I plan on about 5-8 salmon bites per person. A 4-ounce salmon fillet makes approximately 10 bites.

Cut the bacon strips in half before you start wrapping. You'll need approximately half a strip of bacon for each piece of salmon.

Most importantly, have an instant-read thermometer nearby. Salmon cooks quickly, especially once you move these from the smoker to a hot grill.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Step One: Cut the salmon fillet into small cubes, about ½ ounce each. Some parts of the fillet will naturally be thinner. If needed, stack two smaller pieces together before wrapping them in bacon.

Step Two: Wrap each piece of salmon with half a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick.

Step Three: Preheat the smoker to 225°F. Place the bacon wrapped salmon bites directly on the grill grates and smoke for about 20 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of approximately 110°F.

Step Four: Finish the bites over higher heat to crisp the bacon. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then turn off one burner. Place the salmon bites over the burner that is turned off and cook with indirect heat, turning about every 30 seconds.

Safety Tip

Don't cook bacon directly over an open flame. Bacon releases quite a bit of grease as it cooks, which can cause flare-ups. Using indirect heat gives you much more control while you're crisping the bacon.

Once the bacon is crisp, they're ready to come off the grill. This should only take about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on the salmon's temperature so it doesn't overcook.

Transfer the finished bites to a paper towel-lined plate for a minute to absorb some of the excess bacon grease before serving.

Variations

• Maple - Brush the bites lightly with maple syrup toward the end of cooking for a sweet and smoky finish.
• BBQ - Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes.
• Spicy - Add a little cayenne or your favorite spicy seasoning to the salmon before wrapping it in bacon.
• Seasonings - Add a little salt, pepper, lemon zest, fresh herbs, or another favorite to the salmon before wrapping it.
• Skewers - Instead of individual toothpicks, thread several bacon wrapped salmon bites onto skewers. Leave a little space between each one so the heat can circulate and crisp the bacon.

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Serve these straight from the platter as an appetizer or make them the protein for dinner.

For a full meal, add Blackstone Fried Rice, potatoes, green beans, or a simple green salad. You really don't need much of a sauce because the salmon and bacon already bring so much flavor.

Common Questions

Can I make bacon wrapped salmon without a smoker?

Yes. You can cook the salmon bites in the oven or air fryer instead. The important part is balancing the cooking time so the bacon gets crisp without drying out the salmon.

For the oven, I'd use a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet so hot air can circulate around the bacon. You can finish them briefly under the broiler if the salmon is cooked but the bacon still needs a little more color.

Why isn't my bacon getting crispy?

The most common problem is using slices of bacon that are too thick. Thin-cut bacon cooks much faster and is a better match for the short cooking time salmon needs.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes. Cut the salmon, wrap the pieces in bacon, and secure them with toothpicks. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

Can I serve these as a main course?

Absolutely. Instead of serving this bacon-wrapped salmon recipe as individual appetizers, give each person several salmon bites along with rice, potatoes, or vegetables. This turns it into a complete dish.

Recipe

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Originally Published March 17, 2023. Revised and Republished August 17, 2026.