Bacon-Wrapped Maple Plantains: A Sweet and Savory Campfire Treat
When you think of campfire desserts, s’mores usually steal the show. But here in the Catskills, Chef Allan is serving up something just as nostalgic — with a seriously gourmet twist. Meet Bacon-Wrapped Maple Plantains, a smoky, sticky, sweet-and-savory treat inspired by Filipino flavors and perfected over an open fire at Woodland Valley Campground in Phoenicia, NY.
Whether you’re heading upstate for a weekend camping trip or just want to bring campfire magic to your backyard, this recipe is proof that you don’t have to settle for store-bought marshmallows to end the night on a high note.
Inspired by Filipino Roots
Growing up Filipino, Allan has always loved Turon — a crispy banana eggroll drizzled with honey. But at camp, he wanted something heartier, fire-friendly, and undeniably American. Enter: bacon.
Since it’s tough to find the small señorita bananas used in traditional Filipino cooking around NYC, Allan swapped in ripe-but-firm plantains, which hold their shape beautifully on the grill. Paired with thick-cut, humanely raised bacon and drizzled with local maple syrup, this recipe is both rustic and refined.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
You only need a handful of ingredients to pull this off:
2 ripe-but-firm plantains (not mushy)
1 package thick-cut bacon (we used Garrett Valley Farms, NJ — no nitrates, no antibiotics)
2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup (we picked ours up at a Woodstock farm festival from Oliveria Farm)
A splash of oil for the pan
(Optional: a splash of bourbon for flambé flair!)
Come experience Chef Allan’s most delicious campfire creations at our Basecamp Brooklyn Camping Weekends!
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Plantains
Peel the plantains and slice them into halves or thirds (depending on how big they are). You want pieces that are easy to wrap with a strip of bacon.
2. Wrap with Bacon
Cut bacon slices in half, then tightly wrap each plantain piece. No toothpicks necessary — once the bacon crisps, it will hold its shape.
3. Sizzle on the Fire
Place the wrapped plantains in a lightly oiled cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Let them cook until the bacon turns crispy and golden, while the plantains inside soften into a sweet, creamy bite.
Carrots are also delicious drizzled with maple syrup. This is always a camper favorite here at Basecamp Brooklyn Estates.
4. Maple Glaze
Once the bacon is cooked, drain off excess fat, then drizzle the plantains with maple syrup. Keep the pan over low heat, letting the syrup reduce into a sticky glaze that coats the bacon. (If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of bourbon and carefully flambé.)
5. Serve + Enjoy
Serve hot right out of the pan. The combination of smoky, salty bacon, soft caramelized plantains, and maple sweetness is pure campfire heaven.
Why We Love This Recipe
Only 4 ingredients — easy to pack for your next camping trip.
Upstate-made — we love supporting local farms and makers by using North East Ingredients.
Better than s’mores — crispy, gooey, smoky-sweet bites that feel indulgent and original.
Social campfire food — a recipe that makes people gather around the flames.
Camping in Phoenicia, NY
We filmed this recipe at Woodland Valley Campground, just outside the artsy little town of Phoenicia. Nestled in the Catskills, Phoenicia is one of our favorite quick escapes from NYC — only about 2.5 hours from the George Washington Bridge. Between the hiking, the creekside campsites, and the small-town charm, it’s the perfect spot to try recipes like this one.
Pro tip: grab your maple syrup at a local Catskills farm stand or festival for an authentic touch.
Watch the Full Recipe Video
Want to see Allan make these step-by-step? Check out the video here.
Love cooking over an open fire? Our Basecamp Brooklyn events are all about bringing people together around food, fire, and community in the Catskills. From midsummer feasts to cozy fall weekends, we create experiences where dishes like this taste even better surrounded by new friends.
And whether you’re joining us for a curated BCB Catskills weekend or heading out on your own adventure with our camping rentals, we’d love to see what you’re cooking around the fire. Share your photos with us on Instagram @BasecampBrooklyn!
