Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a fun and tasty appetizer! Imagine crunchy water chestnuts wrapped in crispy bacon for the perfect bite. It’s a mix of textures that everyone loves!
They are super easy to make, too—just wrap, bake, and enjoy! I mean, who doesn’t love the sound of bacon cooking? You might end up snacking on these before they even hit the table! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These add a fantastic crunch. If you can’t find canned ones, fresh water chestnuts work too. Just peel and slice them. You can even use canned baby corn for a different taste and texture.
Bacon: Regular bacon works well, but thick-cut bacon gives a heartier bite. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon can be used, but keep in mind it may not get as crispy.
Brown Sugar: This gives a nice sweetness that balances the bacon’s savoriness. You can swap it with maple syrup or honey if you prefer. If you’re aiming for lower sugar, try coconut sugar for a similar effect.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos are a great substitute!
How Do You Get Bacon to Cook Evenly and Crispy?
Crispy bacon is key to this dish! Here’s how to ensure perfectly cooked bacon without undercooking or burning:
- Wrap the bacon snugly but not too tight—it needs space around it to crisp up.
- Set your oven to the right temperature; 375°F is ideal for even cooking.
- Turning the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts halfway through helps brown them evenly on all sides.
- Broiling at the end is an excellent tip, but keep a close eye! It cooks very fast.
Follow these tips, and you’ll serve up delicious, crispy bacon wrapped water chestnuts every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 can (8 oz) whole water chestnuts, drained
- 12 slices bacon (regular or thick cut)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
For Garnish:
- Toothpicks
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes in the oven. Including cooking time, you’ll have delicious Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes, perfect for snacking or serving at parties!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier later.
2. Prepare the Water Chestnuts:
Open the can of water chestnuts, drain them well, and then use a paper towel to pat them dry. This helps the bacon get crispy later!
3. Cut the Bacon:
Next, take each slice of bacon and cut it into thirds. You’ll end up with about 36 small pieces, which is perfect for wrapping!
4. Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
Now it’s time to wrap each water chestnut with a piece of bacon. Make sure the bacon fully covers the chestnut, then secure it with a toothpick. Repeat until all the water chestnuts are wrapped.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This sweet and savory sauce will add tremendous flavor!
6. Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts:
Dip each bacon-wrapped water chestnut into the sauce or brush the sauce on with a pastry brush to cover all sides. This step is key for adding delicious flavor and helping the bacon caramelize!
7. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Carefully place the decorated water chestnuts on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them spaced out so they can cook evenly.
8. Bake:
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure the bacon cooks evenly. Watch as they turn golden and crispy!
9. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chestnuts for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out and let them cool just slightly. Remove the toothpicks and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve warm!
Enjoy your Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts—these irresistible bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering! They’re sweet, savory, and perfectly crispy!
Can I Use Fresh Water Chestnuts Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! If using fresh water chestnuts, peel and slice them into similar sizes as the canned ones. Just ensure they’re crunchy and firm for the best texture in your dish.
Can I Prep These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake! They may need a few extra minutes in the oven if they are chilled.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again.
What Can I Serve with Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts?
These make a great appetizer on their own, but you can also serve them alongside dips like ranch or sweet chili sauce. For a complete spread, pair them with other finger foods like meatballs or veggie trays!
