Get ready to discover your new favorite appetizer obsession. These Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are the perfect bite-sized flavor bombs, combining crunchy water chestnuts, crispy, savory bacon, and a sweet and tangy glaze that will have everyone reaching for more. They are ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any party, potluck, or game day gathering. This is the only recipe you’ll ever need for this classic crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or looking for a simple yet impressive dish, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. The salty bacon crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a perfect contrast to the mild, crunchy water chestnut inside. But the real star is the simple brown sugar and soy sauce glaze that caramelizes during baking, creating an irresistible sticky coating. Trust us, you’ll want to make a double batch!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up an appetizer that looks and tastes gourmet.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory, sweet, salty, and tangy hits all the right notes for a truly addictive snack.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This is a tried-and-true classic for a reason! It’s a beloved appetizer that appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prep these ahead of time, making party day a total breeze. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create these incredible bites.
- Bacon: We recommend using standard-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon can take too long to get crispy, leaving the inside undercooked.
- Whole Water Chestnuts: One can of whole water chestnuts, drained and rinsed, is all you need. Their mild flavor and signature crunch are essential.
- Brown Sugar: This is the key to the sweet, caramelized glaze. Light or dark brown sugar will work perfectly.
- Soy Sauce: Use a quality soy sauce to add a deep, savory, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder adds another layer of savory flavor to the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these bacon wrapped water chestnuts is as simple as wrap, glaze, and bake. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This is a must, as the glaze will get sticky!
- Prepare the Bacon: Cut each slice of bacon into thirds. You want each piece to be just long enough to wrap around a water chestnut with a slight overlap.
- Wrap the Water Chestnuts: Pat the drained water chestnuts dry with a paper towel. This helps the bacon adhere better. Wrap one piece of bacon around each water chestnut and secure it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped chestnuts on your prepared baking sheet.
- Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until the sugar is mostly dissolved and a smooth sauce forms.
- Glaze and Bake: Brush the glaze generously over the top of each bacon-wrapped piece. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. For extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the glaze will be very hot. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Bacon
The key to amazing Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts is getting that bacon perfectly crisp. Here are our top tips.
- Don’t Use Thick-Cut Bacon: As mentioned, standard-cut bacon is your best bet. It renders and crisps up much more effectively in the baking time required.
- Pat Water Chestnuts Dry: Removing excess moisture is crucial. A dry surface allows the bacon to wrap tighter and helps it crisp up rather than steam.
- Elevate Them: For maximum crispiness, place the wrapped chestnuts on a wire rack set inside your baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate all around the bacon, ensuring it gets crispy on all sides. Looking for another great appetizer? Check out our Cheeseburger Sliders.
Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Smoky: A drop of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of smoked paprika in the glaze can enhance the bacon’s natural smoky flavor.
- Herby: Add a sprinkle of dried rosemary or thyme to the glaze for a more aromatic, savory flavor profile.
For a complete comfort food meal, consider pairing these with our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
These are a fantastic make-ahead appetizer. Here’s how:
- To Make Ahead: You can wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Prepare the glaze and store it separately. When ready to bake, place them on the baking sheet, glaze, and bake as directed.
- To Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: For the best results, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the bacon is re-crisped and they are heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the bacon soft. For another great slow cooker meal, you should try these Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble them by wrapping the water chestnuts in bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, then glaze and bake just before serving for the best results.
Absolutely! To make them in an air fryer, place them in a single layer in the basket and cook at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy. You may need to work in batches.
Toothpicks are highly recommended to hold the bacon in place while baking. If you wrap the bacon tightly, you can try placing them seam-side down, but using toothpicks guarantees they won’t unravel.
For the crispiest bacon, use standard-cut bacon (not thick-cut), pat the water chestnuts completely dry before wrapping, and bake at a high temperature of 400°F. For extra crispiness, place them on a wire rack on the baking sheet.
The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. This will help the bacon crisp up again. We do not recommend using a microwave, as it will make the bacon soft and chewy.
The Ultimate Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
Enjoy this go-to recipe for the perfect party starter. It’s a classic for a reason and is sure to be a hit wherever you take it.
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cut each slice of bacon into thirds.
- Pat the drained water chestnuts dry. Wrap one piece of bacon around each water chestnut and secure with a toothpick. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until a smooth sauce forms.
- Brush the glaze generously over each bacon-wrapped piece. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is caramelized.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Watch carefully during the last couple of minutes of baking to ensure the brown sugar glaze doesn't burn.
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