Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

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If you’re looking for a delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress, look no further than Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts! These tasty bites combine the salty, crispy goodness of bacon with the crunchy texture of water chestnuts, all drenched in a sweet and tangy sauce.

Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a fun snack, these little treats are sure to be a hit.

Let’s dive into the delightful world of Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts and discover how easy they are to make!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are not just your average appetizer.

These beauties have a satisfying crunch paired with the savory flavor of bacon, making every bite a pure delight.

They’re incredibly easy to prepare and cook quickly, so you can whip them up at the last minute.

The combination of soy sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce creates a sticky glaze that elevates the flavors to a whole new level.

If you love the combination of sweet and salty, this recipe is definitely for you!

Ingredients

• 16 ounces (450 g) water chestnuts, drained
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
• ½ cup (120 g) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound (450 g) bacon, cut into thirds
• Toothpicks

How To Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you start preparing your ingredients, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

This will ensure that your water chestnuts cook evenly and the bacon gets nice and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Stir until well combined.

This sauce will be the star of the show, providing flavor and that sticky glaze we all love.

Step 3: Wrap the Water Chestnuts

Now comes the fun part! Take a water chestnut and wrap a piece of bacon around it, securing it with a toothpick.

Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to help it stay wrapped during cooking.

Repeat this process until all the water chestnuts are wrapped.

Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Place the wrapped water chestnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Make sure they’re not crowded; leaving a little space between them will help them crisp up nicely.

Step 5: Brush with Sauce

Drizzle or brush some of the sauce over each bacon-wrapped water chestnut.

This will help infuse the flavor into the bacon as they cook.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.

You may want to turn them halfway through for even cooking.

Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few moments before serving.

These bite-sized treats are best served warm, and you can offer extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy every crunchy, savory bite!

Expert Tips

• For extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon in the microwave for a few minutes before wrapping the water chestnuts. It will help them crisp up faster in the oven.
• Use thick-cut bacon for a heartier bite and more flavor.
• If you want to spice things up, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Don’t forget to soak your toothpicks in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning, especially if you’re using wooden ones!

Variations and Customizations

• Swap out the ketchup for barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
• For a sweet twist, drizzle honey over the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts before baking.
• Add a slice of jalapeño or a piece of pineapple with the water chestnut for an added flavor surprise.
• Try using turkey bacon for a lighter version that still satisfies.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely given how delicious they are!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place them back in the oven for a few minutes until heated through, allowing the bacon to crisp up again.

These treats are just as tasty the next day!

FAQ

Can I make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before baking.

Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.

Can I freeze Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts?

Yes! To freeze, arrange the wrapped water chestnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag.

They last about 2 months in the freezer.

Bake from frozen, adding additional cooking time as necessary.

What can I serve with Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts?

These tasty bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and appetizers.

Serve them alongside ranch dressing, a spicy dipping sauce, or even your favorite barbecue sauce.

They also go great on a platter with other appetizers like meatballs, cheese, and crackers.

Can I use other ingredients besides water chestnuts?

Definitely! While water chestnuts provide a unique crunch, you can experiment with using other crunchy items like asparagus spears or even small potatoes.

Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure everything cooks properly.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you can prepare these amazing Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or even during a cozy night in.

Whether served as an appetizer or a fun snack, they combine sweet, savory, and crispy textures that everyone loves.

Follow this easy recipe, and you’ll have a delectable treat that you can proudly share with family and friends.

Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!

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