Appetizers have this magical way of bringing people together, don’t they? It’s like the moment you walk into a room and smell the crispy bacon, your mouth starts watering, and suddenly, everyone’s gathered around! That’s exactly how I feel about these bacon wrapped water chestnuts. The crunchy, juicy water chestnuts wrapped in crisp, savory bacon create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve served these at parties and watched them disappear within minutes. Trust me, they’re always a crowd-pleaser! I remember one holiday gathering when my cousin couldn’t stop raving about them—she even tried to sneak some home in her purse! That’s the kind of love I’m talking about. So, let’s dive into making this delightful appetizer that’s sure to steal the show at your next get-together!
Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients to whip up your bacon wrapped water chestnuts. You’ll want to make sure you have everything on hand before you start, so let’s get to it!
- 1 pound bacon
- 2 cans water chestnuts, drained
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory treat that’s just too good to resist. You can even get creative with different types of bacon or soy sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Prepare the Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps for making these delicious bacon wrapped water chestnuts. Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through it!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the bacon get that crispy texture we all crave! So, while the oven warms up, you can prep the rest of your ingredients.
Prepare the Bacon and Water Chestnuts
Next, take your pound of bacon and slice each strip in half. This way, you’ll have just the right amount to wrap around each water chestnut. Now, grab a water chestnut, wrap it snugly in a half strip of bacon, and secure it with a toothpick. Make sure it’s tight enough so it doesn’t unravel while baking; you’ll want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and soy sauce until you have a nice, smooth sauce. This will add that sweet and salty punch to your bacon wrapped goodies. If you want to take it up a notch, consider marinating the water chestnuts in some soy sauce for about an hour before wrapping—trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Baking the Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Time to bake! Place your wrapped water chestnuts on a baking sheet and brush the brown sugar and soy sauce mixture over them. Pop them into the oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is beautifully crispy and golden brown. Just keep an eye on them—they can go from perfectly crispy to overdone in the blink of an eye!
Tips for Success
To make your bacon wrapped water chestnuts truly shine, here are some pro tips! First, consider using thick-cut bacon for an extra meaty bite—it really takes the flavor up a notch. If you want a spicy kick, try sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top before baking. For a twist, you can even swap out the water chestnuts for blanched asparagus or jalapeño slices. I also recommend keeping a close eye on the baking time; every oven is different, and you want that bacon to be perfectly crispy without burning! And remember, serving these hot out of the oven is key—they’re best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to delightful appetizers like these bacon wrapped water chestnuts, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (which is about three pieces):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and they can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence is always worth it for such a tasty treat!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of nuts or vegetables?
Absolutely! While water chestnuts are my go-to for that perfect crunch, you can get creative with other veggies. Blanched asparagus, roasted bell peppers, or even jalapeño slices can work wonders! Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy again. Trust me, they still taste amazing!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You bet! You can prep everything a day in advance. Just wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, brush on that sauce and pop them in the oven. It’s a great way to save time on the day of your gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore these bacon wrapped water chestnuts! Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your appetizer rotation:
- Easy preparation with just a few simple steps.
- Deliciously addictive flavor that combines sweet and savory perfectly.
- Gluten-free option, making it suitable for various diets.
- Always a crowd-pleaser—people just can’t resist them!
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a tasty snack anytime.
- Flexible recipe—you can customize it with different seasonings or veggies.
Trust me, once you make these, you’ll understand why they’re always the first to disappear!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these bacon wrapped water chestnuts, I love to get a little creative! For a well-rounded appetizer platter, pair them with some fresh veggies like carrot and celery sticks, along with a zesty ranch or blue cheese dip for dipping. You can also add a cheese board featuring a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits to complement the savory flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, some homemade garlic bread or a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can round out the meal beautifully. Trust me, this combination will make your gathering not just delicious, but spectacular!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious appetizer made with crispy bacon and crunchy water chestnuts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon
- 2 cans water chestnuts, drained
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bacon strips in half.
- Wrap each water chestnut with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar and soy sauce.
- Place wrapped chestnuts on a baking sheet.
- Brush the mixture over the bacon-wrapped chestnuts.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the water chestnuts in soy sauce for an hour before wrapping.
- Serve hot for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: bacon wrapped water chestnuts recipe
