Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a fun appetizer that combines crispy bacon with crunchy water chestnuts. The sweet and salty flavors make them irresistible!
Every time I make these, they vanish in seconds. It’s hard to resist popping one more into my mouth—they’re just that good! Perfect for parties or a snack!
I love how easy these little bites are to prepare. Just wrap, bake, and enjoy the deliciousness. They always impress guests, and honestly, I can’t stop at just one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These provide a wonderful crunch. If you’re looking for an alternative, you could use blanched almonds or even green olives for a different texture and flavor twist.
Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon is a great substitute, but it may not get as crispy.
Brown Sugar: This gives a sweet balance to the salty bacon. For a lower-sugar option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia, though the flavor will vary a bit.
Soy Sauce: It adds a nice umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try using tamari or coconut aminos for a similar taste without the soy!
How Do I Ensure the Bacon Gets Crispy?
Getting your bacon crispy is key to the perfect bite! Here are some tips to make sure it turns out well:
- Preheat your oven adequately; high heat will help the bacon crisp up.
- Cut the bacon slices in half, allowing for a tighter wrap around the water chestnuts.
- Place the wrapped chestnuts on a lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between them for air circulation.
- Brush them with glaze halfway through cooking to enhance their flavor and encourage caramelization.
By following these tips, your bacon should come out perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor! Enjoy these delicious bites at your next gathering.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) whole water chestnuts, drained
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze after baking!
2. Create the Sweet Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Stir it well until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This glaze will add a wonderful flavor to the bacon and chestnuts!
3. Drain and Prep the Water Chestnuts:
Take your can of water chestnuts, drain them well, and pat them dry with paper towels. This is important to prevent them from getting soggy in the oven.
4. Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each water chestnut. Make sure to secure it with a toothpick right through the center to keep everything in place!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place your bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart a little to allow the bacon to crisp up nicely while baking.
6. Brush on the Glaze:
Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each bacon-wrapped water chestnut with the sweet glaze you prepared earlier. The more glaze, the better the flavor!
7. Bake Until Crispy:
Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give them a little turn and brush on some extra glaze for good measure. You want them to be crispy and caramelized!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a serving plate and sprinkle with the sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
These little bites taste best warm. Serve them at your gathering, and watch as they disappear quickly! Enjoy the sweet and savory explosion in your mouth!
This recipe yields delicious, crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, perfect as a delightful appetizer or snack for any occasion!
Can I Use Canned or Fresh Water Chestnuts?
Both options work well! Canned water chestnuts are perfectly fine and convenient for this recipe. If using fresh, make sure to peel and slice them into similar-sized pieces as the canned ones to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or soy-free option, try using tamari or coconut aminos. Both will provide a similar savory flavor without the soy.
How Do I Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These in Advance?
Absolutely! You can wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and prepare the glaze a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator and then bake them fresh right before serving!