Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a tasty snack that everyone loves! Crunchy water chestnuts are wrapped in crispy bacon, giving you the perfect mix of flavors. They’re sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying!
Honestly, who can resist bacon? These little bites disappear fast at parties! I like to serve them with a side of dipping sauce for extra flavor—just makes them even more fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These add a nice crunch. If you can’t find canned water chestnuts, you can substitute fresh ones, but be sure to peel and cook them first to achieve a similar texture.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for more flavor and texture! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works as a substitute, though it may not crisp up as nicely.
Brown Sugar: This brings sweetness. For a sugar alternative, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia if you prefer lower calories.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works best, but you may use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. Tamari is another great gluten-free option.
How Do You Get the Bacon Crispy and Caramelized?
The trick to perfectly crispy and caramelized bacon is all in the cooking method. Follow these steps to achieve that delightful texture:
- Preheat your oven properly. A hot oven helps the bacon crisp up quickly.
- Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the bacon as it cooks. This helps achieve even crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each piece space to crisp up without steaming.
- Keep an eye on the bacon as it bakes. Turning them halfway ensures that all sides get a nice golden color.
Let them cool for a few minutes after baking. They will crisp up a bit more as they cool! Enjoy your delicious snacks!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) can whole water chestnuts, drained
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Toothpicks
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 to 30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick appetizer or party snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the bacon get crispy faster! Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easy. A wire rack on top will allow airflow, ensuring an even cook.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and soy sauce. Mix until the sugar is dissolved—this will create a deliciously sweet glaze for your bacon-wrapped treats.
3. Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
Take each water chestnut and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place—this will make them easy to handle while they cook!
4. Coat with Sauce:
Dip each bacon-wrapped chestnut in the brown sugar-soy sauce mixture. Make sure to coat all sides, as this will give your bites a lovely sweet and savory flavor. Place them neatly on the wire rack.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Once all your pieces are arranged, drizzle or brush any leftover sauce over the top of the bacon. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through so all sides can crisp up nicely!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. If you’d like, you can sprinkle them with coarse salt and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Enjoy these sweet and savory bites packed with crispy bacon and crunchy water chestnuts!
Can I Use Fresh Water Chestnuts Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh water chestnuts! Just make sure to peel and slice them into similar-sized pieces as the canned ones. You’ll also need to cook them for a few minutes to soften them up before wrapping them in bacon.
How Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready, bake them as directed!
Can I Use Different Sauces or Seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor, or add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Just remember to adjust the sweetness or saltiness based on your sauce choices!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers 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 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
