Get ready to discover your new go-to appetizer. These Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering an irresistible combination of savory, sweet, and crispy in every single bite. They are ridiculously easy to make and disappear from the plate in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a game day gathering, or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a culinary experience. The magic lies in the texture and flavor contrast. You get the salty, smoky crispiness of the bacon, the satisfying crunch of the water chestnut, and a sweet and savory glaze that ties it all together. Plus, this recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and effort for a truly impressive result. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish to save you time and stress when entertaining.
The Perfect Ingredients for an Unforgettable Appetizer
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few key ingredients to create these addictive bites.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best. It crisps up beautifully and provides the perfect ratio of meat to water chestnut. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it can take too long to cook, resulting in a less crispy texture.
- Whole Water Chestnuts: Canned, whole water chestnuts are what you need. Be sure to drain them and pat them completely dry to ensure the bacon wraps securely and gets crispy.
- For the Glaze: A simple combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder creates a glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, giving the appetizer its signature sweet and savory flavor.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts (Step-by-Step)
Making these delicious morsels is as easy as wrap, glaze, and bake. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
Step 1: Prepare the Water Chestnuts & Bacon
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for extra crispiness. Drain the canned water chestnuts and pat them thoroughly dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step to prevent them from steaming. Next, cut your bacon slices into thirds.
Step 2: Mix the Savory Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This simple sauce is the key to the candied, savory flavor that makes this appetizer so irresistible.
Step 3: Wrap and Secure
Wrap each individual water chestnut with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick, piercing through the bacon and the water chestnut. Place each wrapped chestnut on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Brush the prepared glaze generously over the top of each bacon-wrapped piece. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Serve them hot and watch them vanish! For a different kind of delicious party snack, try these Taco Ranch Bites (coming soon).
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Bacon Every Time
The key to amazing bacon wrapped water chestnuts is achieving that perfect crispy texture. Soggy bacon is a major disappointment! To guarantee a crispy result, start by using thin-cut bacon. Secondly, patting the water chestnuts completely dry is non-negotiable. Finally, baking them on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet allows air to circulate, cooking the bacon evenly on all sides.
Delicious Sauce Variations
While the classic brown sugar and soy sauce glaze is fantastic, feel free to get creative! For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. For a smoky BBQ flavor, you can substitute the soy sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s an easy way to customize the recipe, just like in this versatile Crock Pot Chicken Thighs recipe.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Yes, you can absolutely prepare these ahead of time! Simply wrap the water chestnuts in bacon, secure them with toothpicks, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the glaze, brush it on, and cook as directed. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or an air fryer to bring back their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap the water chestnuts in bacon, secure with toothpicks, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare the glaze and bake them just before serving.
No, you do not need to cook them. Canned whole water chestnuts are already cooked and ready to use. Simply drain them and pat them dry before wrapping.
To prevent sogginess, make sure you pat the water chestnuts completely dry with a paper towel before wrapping. Using thin-cut bacon and baking them on a wire rack also helps the bacon get crispy on all sides.
Thin-cut bacon is the best choice. It wraps easily and cooks quickly, ensuring a crispy texture that perfectly complements the crunchy water chestnut. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it may not cook through in time.
The Ultimate Party Appetizer
This Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe is a must-have in your entertaining arsenal. They are simple, delicious, and always a hit with guests. Give this recipe a try for your next get-together, and don’t forget to save it to your favorite appetizer board on Pinterest! If you’re looking for another amazing party dish, our Buffalo Chicken Dip (coming soon) is always a crowd favorite.
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts (The Perfect Party Appetizer)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. Drain the water chestnuts and pat them completely dry. Cut the bacon slices into thirds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Wrap each water chestnut with one piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the glaze over each bacon-wrapped water chestnut. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure the water chestnuts are patted very dry to help the bacon crisp up properly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
