Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a fun and crunchy appetizer! The sweet and salty combo makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. You can’t go wrong with bacon!
These little bites are super easy to make. I love popping them in the oven—they cook while I relax. Just don’t be surprised when they vanish quickly! 🍴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These are the star of the dish! Their crunchy texture adds a nice contrast to the crispy bacon. If you can’t find canned water chestnuts, you can use fresh ones if they are available. Just peel and slice them into thick rounds.
Bacon: I recommend using regular or thick-cut bacon for more flavor and a better crisp. Turkey bacon is a lighter option that still works, but it won’t give you that classic taste.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized topping on the bacon. If you need a sugar substitute, you can use coconut sugar or honey, although the flavor will differ a bit.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth to the marinade. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
For crispy bacon wrapped around the water chestnuts, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven helps the bacon cook quickly and evenly.
- Use a wire rack placed on a baking sheet. This allows the grease to drain off as they cook, leading to crispiness.
- Turn the water chestnuts halfway through baking. This way, all sides of the bacon get crispy and golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking. Once the bacon is caramelized, they’re ready!
With these tips, your Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts will be a hit every time!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 ounces) whole water chestnuts, drained
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Toothpicks
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to make these tasty bites. Perfect for a quick snack or party dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup super easy afterward! Then, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This will help the fat drip away from the bacon as it cooks, so you get that perfect crispiness.
2. Mixing the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Stir it all together until you have a nice, smooth mixture. This will add a sweet and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bacon.
3. Wrapping the Water Chestnuts:
Take a water chestnut and wrap it with a half-slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to hold it in place. Repeat this for all the water chestnuts. It’s like giving each one a cozy bacon blanket!
4. Arranging on the Baking Sheet:
Carefully place the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on the wire rack, making sure to leave a little space between each one. This will give the bacon room to cook evenly and get crispy!
5. Brushing with Sauce:
Using a brush, generously coat each bacon-wrapped water chestnut with the brown sugar-soy sauce mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a bit of black pepper over them for an extra kick!
6. Baking to Perfection:
Now, pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, turn the water chestnuts and brush them with more sauce. You want them golden and crispy, so keep an eye on them as they bake!
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
8. Enjoying Your Creation:
Serve these warm and watch them disappear! They’re perfect for parties or as a snack while watching a movie. Enjoy every last bite of these crispy, sweet, and savory bacon wrapped water chestnuts!
Can I Use Fresh Water Chestnuts Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you can find fresh water chestnuts, peel and slice them into thick rounds. They will still provide that delightful crunch in the dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes! You can wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Brush with the sauce just before baking!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.