Description
Festive Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring juicy water chestnuts wrapped in crispy center-cut bacon and glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, these savory bites combine crunchy, smoky, and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 can whole water chestnuts (approximately 8 ounces)
- 1 package center-cut bacon (about 12 ounces)
Glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Others
- Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bacon wrapped water chestnuts.
- Prepare the Water Chestnuts – Drain and dry the whole water chestnuts from the can thoroughly, ensuring they are free of excess moisture to help the bacon crisp properly.
- Wrap with Bacon – Cut the center-cut bacon slices in half if they are very long. Wrap each water chestnut with one strip of bacon and secure it tightly with a toothpick.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet – Place the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, spacing them evenly to allow air circulation.
- Prepare the Glaze – In a bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Bake and Baste – Bake the wrapped water chestnuts in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Every 10 minutes, remove the tray and baste each piece generously with the prepared glaze to build up a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Final Bake for Crispiness – For the last 5 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) or use the broiler briefly to help the bacon become extra crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Warm – Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve the bacon wrapped water chestnuts warm as a delightful appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Use center-cut bacon for a better bacon-to-water chestnut ratio and easier wrapping.
- Be careful while broiling to avoid burning the glaze or bacon.
- These appetizers can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- For a spicier glaze, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- To save time, prepare the glaze while the oven is preheating.
Keywords: bacon wrapped water chestnuts, appetizer, party snacks, holiday appetizers, bacon recipes, sweet and savory bites