Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a fun and tasty appetizer! The crunchy water chestnuts are wrapped in crispy bacon, giving them a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
These bites are perfect for gatherings, and let’s be real, who can resist bacon? I love popping them in my mouth when I’m hungry—they’re so good that I usually forget to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These provide a nice crunch! If you’re unable to find them, try using canned bamboo shoots. They’ll give a slightly different texture but still work well in the recipe.
Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon for more flavor and crispiness. If you’re looking for healthier options, turkey bacon can be a good substitute, though it may not get as crispy.
Soy Sauce: This brings a salty, umami flavor. For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a fantastic gluten-free alternative if needed.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and caramelization. You could swap it with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor profile will be a bit different.
How Do You Ensure the Bacon Gets Crispy?
The key to perfectly crispy bacon is to bake it on a wire rack. This allows the heat to circulate all around, letting the fat render out. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with foil.
- Use a wire rack placed on top to lift the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts off the surface allowing the grease to drip away.
- Keep an eye on them while baking; turning and glazing every 10 minutes helps ensure even cooking and crisping.
These steps will have your bacon crisp and delicious by the end of baking! Enjoy your appetizer!
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (about 8 oz) water chestnuts, drained
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Toothpicks
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should expect to spend about 40 minutes until you can enjoy these delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bacon will cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with foil to make clean-up easier, then place a wire rack on top of it.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture well until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will be the delicious glaze for your bacon-wrapped bites!
3. Prepare the Water Chestnuts:
After draining, use paper towels to pat the water chestnuts dry. This will help them absorb more flavor and prevent the bacon from getting soggy.
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each water chestnut. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place. This will keep everything together while they bake.
5. Arrange and Glaze:
Place the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on the wire rack. Then, with a brush or spoon, generously coat them with the soy sauce glaze you prepared earlier. This sauce adds both flavor and a lovely color as they cook!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the wrapped water chestnuts for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn and brush them with more glaze every 10 minutes. This will help the bacon to become perfectly crispy and caramelized!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When they’re done baking, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Then, you can serve these warm and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!
These Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy every crispy, delicious bite!
Can I Use Fresh Water Chestnuts Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you have access to fresh water chestnuts, just peel and slice them to the size of canned ones for the same crunchy texture. They’ll provide a fresher flavor!
What Should I Do If I Want to Make This Recipe Spicier?
You can add some heat by sprinkling in crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the soy sauce glaze. Adjust it according to your spice preference for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the wrapped water chestnuts and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover them well to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, follow the cooking instructions directly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped water chestnuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture!
