Bacon wrapped water chestnuts are crunchy and tasty bites wrapped in crispy bacon. They’re perfect for parties or a snack while watching a movie!
Honestly, who can resist that savory combo of bacon and crunchy water chestnuts? I love serving them hot right out of the oven. They disappear fast, so be prepared to share! 🥓✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These add a wonderful crunch. You can find them canned, but fresh water chestnuts are even better if you can find them. If you’re avoiding them, try using small pieces of firm tofu for a similar texture.
Bacon: I like using thick-cut bacon for more flavor and chewiness. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works too, though it may not get as crispy. For a vegetarian twist, consider using a plant-based bacon substitute!
Brown Sugar: This gives the sweet touch to the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier substitute, coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used instead. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will vary a bit.
Soy Sauce: It provides a salty, umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice.
How Do You Get Bacon Crispy While Baking?
Getting the bacon crispy is crucial for this dish. Here’s how to ensure you achieve that beautiful texture:
- Start with the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). A hot initial cooking temperature helps to start the crisping process.
- Use a wire rack over your baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the bacon, letting it cook evenly.
- Turn the water chestnuts halfway through cooking. This ensures that every side gets nice and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. Once the bacon looks brown and sizzling, you’re good to go!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy bacon wrapped water chestnuts that everyone will love! Remember, the key is patience while baking, so don’t rush the process! 🥓✨
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) whole water chestnuts, drained
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Toothpicks
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook. Overall, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish, and then you’re enjoying these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup a breeze. Then place a wire rack over the top. This rack will help the bacon get crispy by allowing the heat to circulate all around each piece.
2. Make the Flavorful Mixture:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. This mixture will give your bacon wrapped water chestnuts that sweet and savory punch we all love!
3. Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
Now it’s time to wrap up those water chestnuts! Take a drained water chestnut and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place. Repeat this process until you’ve wrapped all the water chestnuts.
4. Coat the Wrapped Treats:
Dip each bacon-wrapped water chestnut into the brown sugar mixture. If you’d like, you can use a brush to coat each piece evenly. This step adds that delightful glaze on top!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on the prepared wire rack. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly and get that crispy texture.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through to ensure all sides get that beautiful crispiness. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a nice touch of color and added flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delicious bacon wrapped water chestnuts warm and watch them disappear! They make fantastic appetizers for parties or just a fun snack for yourselves. Enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite!
These crunchy, savory bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering! Happy cooking! 🥓✨
Can I Use Fresh Water Chestnuts Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh water chestnuts will give you an even crisper bite. Just peel and thinly slice them, then follow the same wrapping and cooking instructions as with canned water chestnuts.
What If I Don’t Have Toothpicks? Can I Use Something Else?
If you’re out of toothpicks, you can use small skewers or even cut-up strips of aluminum foil to secure the bacon around the water chestnuts. Just ensure they’re safe for baking!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the bacon wrapped water chestnuts a day in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate. Bake them right before serving to enjoy that crispy goodness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back the crunchiness!