Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a tasty bite-sized treat that’s sure to please! Crunchy water chestnuts are wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
These little goodies are super fun to make and even better to eat. I love serving them at parties, and I always end up sneaking a few before my guests arrive. Who can resist bacon? 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These add a wonderful crunch! If you don’t have canned water chestnuts, you can try using fresh ones if available. Just peel and slice them into rounds for a similar texture.
Bacon: Bacon is the star here, but if you’re looking for a lower-fat option, turkey bacon works well. It’s not as crispy, but it can still deliver good flavor.
Brown Sugar: For a healthier alternative, you can substitute honey or maple syrup. It won’t be quite the same, but it will give a nice sweetness to the dish!
Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes. They maintain the umami flavor without the gluten.
Garlic Powder: This is optional, but I think it adds a nice depth. If you prefer fresh garlic, use a clove or two minced instead.
How Do I Achieve the Crispiest Bacon?
The key to crispy bacon wrapped around water chestnuts is all about cooking it properly. Here’s how to make sure it gets that perfect crisp:
- Start by preheating your oven, as a hot environment helps crisp up the bacon nicely.
- Using a wire rack on top of your baking sheet allows air to circulate around the bacon, preventing it from steaming.
- Make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped around each water chestnut, but not so tightly that it can’t crisp up. Leaving a bit of space helps.
- Turn the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid burning, as bacon can go from perfect to overcooked quickly!
With these tips, you should have delicious, crispy bacon wrapped water chestnuts that everyone will love!
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) whole water chestnuts, drained and patted dry
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Toothpicks
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend about 45 minutes making these delicious bites that are perfect for parties or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure that the bacon gets crispy and the water chestnuts heat through nicely. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. The wire rack will help the bacon crisp up by allowing air to circulate all around it.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder (if using). Stir well until everything is mixed and the sugar is dissolved into a nice, sticky glaze. This will add a sweet and savory flavor to your dish!
3. Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
Now it’s time to wrap the water chestnuts! Take one water chestnut and wrap it with half a slice of bacon, making sure to cover as much of the chestnut as possible. Secure it in place with a toothpick. Repeat this step for all the water chestnuts until they’re all wrapped and secured.
4. Coat with Glaze:
Dip each bacon-wrapped water chestnut into the brown sugar glaze, making sure to coat it well. Let any excess glaze drip off before placing them on the wire rack. This will help achieve that delicious caramelization while they bake!
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Be sure to turn the water chestnuts halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all around.
6. Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the oven and transfer the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts to a serving plate. For a finishing touch, drizzle any remaining glaze from the baking pan over the top.
7. Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and a bit of freshness. Serve them warm and enjoy these delicious party snacks!
These crunchy, sweet, and smoky bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy! 🎉
Can I Use Fresh Water Chestnuts Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you can find fresh water chestnuts, they can be a great substitute. Just peel and slice them into rounds for a similar crunch and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup for a different sweet flavor. Keep in mind that it might not caramelize in the same way, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts in advance! Simply wrap them, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and bake them just before serving. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How Do I 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 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy. Enjoy!
