Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a classic appetizer that mixes crunchy and savory in every bite. The crispness of the water chestnuts pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty bacon wrapped around them. When baked, the bacon turns nice and crispy, making each piece a tiny bundle of flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love making these for gatherings because they’re so simple but always a hit. It’s fun to see how quickly they disappear from the platter! A little tip I’ve learned is to secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep everything nicely wrapped during baking. It makes the cooking mess-free and easy to handle when serving.
My favorite way to enjoy these is right out of the oven when they’re hot and crunchy. Sometimes, I like to brush a bit of brown sugar or a touch of soy sauce on the bacon for a sweet and salty twist. No matter how you make them, these little bites always bring a smile and just feel like a cozy treat to share with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These add a great crunch and mild sweetness to balance the smoky bacon. If you can’t find them canned, fresh water chestnuts work well but need peeling. Jicama is a crunchy substitute but has a different flavor.
Bacon: Regular sliced bacon works best for crispiness. For a leaner option, try turkey bacon, but it won’t get as crispy. You can also choose thicker or thinner slices based on your texture preference.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup (Optional): Adds a sweet glaze that complements the smoky bacon nicely. Honey or a light drizzle of molasses can be good swaps if you want a different sweet note.
Soy Sauce (Optional): Gives a little umami kick. Tamari is a gluten-free substitute, or skip it if you want to keep flavors simple.
How Do You Wrap and Bake Bacon So It’s Crispy but Not Burnt?
Getting crispy bacon without burning takes some careful prep:
- Pat water chestnuts dry to avoid sogginess.
- Wrap bacon snugly around each chestnut and secure tightly with toothpicks to keep it from unraveling while cooking.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet so heat circulates all around the bites—this helps bacon crisp evenly.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) and turn halfway through to crisp all sides.
- Watch flames closely after 20 minutes—bacon can go from crispy to burnt fast!
- Optional: Brush with glaze halfway through baking for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Following these tips gives you perfectly crispy, delicious bacon wrapped water chestnuts every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with a wire rack – I recommend this to get the bacon crispy all around evenly.
- Small bowl – for mixing glaze options like brown sugar or soy sauce.
- Paper towels – to thoroughly dry the water chestnuts, helping the bacon crisp up better.
- Toothpicks – to hold the bacon securely around each water chestnut while baking.
- Oven mitts – for safe handling when taking the hot baking sheet out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using turkey bacon or chicken bacon for a leaner version that still tastes great.
- Brush with a honey glaze or maple syrup before baking for a sweet touch.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Stuff the water chestnuts with toasted almonds or chopped green onions before wrapping for extra crunch and flavor.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (about 8 oz) whole water chestnuts, drained and patted dry
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise (about 16 halves)
- 16 toothpicks
Optional Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake until the bacon is crispy and golden. So, from start to finish, plan for roughly 35 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to keep cleanup easy. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet—this helps the bacon crisp evenly by allowing air to circulate.
2. Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
Drain the water chestnuts and pat them dry with paper towels—this ensures the bacon crisps nicely. Take one half slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around a water chestnut. Secure it with a toothpick by pushing through the center to hold the bacon in place.
3. Add a Sweet and Savory Glaze (Optional):
If you like a sweet-savory flavor, mix brown sugar and soy sauce in a small bowl. Using a brush or spoon, lightly coat each wrapped water chestnut with this glaze before baking.
4. Bake Until Crispy:
Place your wrapped water chestnuts on the wire rack without crowding them. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through to crisp all sides evenly. Watch closely towards the end so the bacon doesn’t burn but gets perfectly golden and crunchy.
5. Let Cool and Serve:
Remove from oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes on the rack. You can either leave the toothpicks in for easy finger-food serving or gently remove them before serving. Enjoy these warm as a tasty appetizer or party snack!
Can I Use Frozen Water Chestnuts for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to remove any excess moisture. This helps the bacon crisp up nicely during baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bacon crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and keep them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then bake as directed when you’re ready.
Can I Substitute the Bacon for a Different Meat?
You can try turkey bacon or pancetta for a twist. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon might not crisp up as well as traditional pork bacon.