Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a delicious and crispy treat that make a perfect appetizer for any gathering. The combination of the crunchy water chestnuts and the savory, smoky bacon creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love. With a sweet and tangy glaze, these little bites are sure to be a hit at your next party or family dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts is an easy way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. These tasty bites are simple to prepare and only require a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or bringing a dish to a potluck, these bacon-wrapped morsels are always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, who can resist anything wrapped in bacon?
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients:
- Whole Water Chestnuts (2 cans)
- Bacon (1 pound, cut into thirds)
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
- Ketchup (1/4 cup)
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic Powder (to taste)
- Smoked Paprika (optional, to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Drain the water chestnuts thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Wrap one piece of bacon around each water chestnut and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped water chestnuts on the baking sheet with some space between them.
- Bake until the bacon begins to cook and brown lightly, about 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Spoon or brush the glaze over the partially cooked bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
- Return to the oven and continue baking until the bacon is fully cooked and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized, around 35-40 minutes.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Once your Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can place them on a platter and serve them hot or warm. They pair well with dipping sauces like ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
How to Store Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
If you have leftovers (which may be unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Tips to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the water chestnuts in soy sauce for a few hours before wrapping them in bacon.
- If you want a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Make sure to watch the bacon closely towards the end of baking to prevent it from burning.
Variation
You can also try wrapping the water chestnuts with other types of meat, such as prosciutto or turkey bacon for a different flavor. Alternatively, you can add a slice of jalapeño for added spiciness.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh water chestnuts instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh water chestnuts! Just make sure to peel and slice them before wrapping with bacon.
2. Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts?
Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Simply wrap and secure them with toothpicks, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What if I don’t have toothpicks?
If you don’t have toothpicks, you can use small pieces of kitchen twine or simply place the bacon-wrapped chestnuts seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Now that you know how to make these delightful Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy your delicious creations!
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Drain the water chestnuts thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Wrap one piece of bacon around each water chestnut and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped water chestnuts on the baking sheet with some space between them.
- Bake until the bacon begins to cook and brown lightly, about 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Spoon or brush the glaze over the partially cooked bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
- Return to the oven and continue baking until the bacon is fully cooked and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized, around 35-40 minutes.
