water chestnuts wrapped in bacon recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
water chestnuts wrapped in bacon recipe
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The Best water chestnuts wrapped in bacon recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for water chestnuts wrapped in bacon with you all. I first discovered this dish at a Chinese restaurant in my hometown, and I was immediately hooked on the combination of crunchy water chestnuts and smoky bacon.

The flavors are simple yet elegant, and the textures play off each other beautifully. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My family loves it when I serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or rice. But what really sets this recipe apart is the key home cooking technique: the way the bacon wraps around the water chestnuts creates a deliciously caramelized crust that’s just irresistible.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with lean protein from the bacon and fiber-rich water chestnuts, this dish is a guilt-free treat for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor. One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is – you can easily scale up or down depending on your needs, and it freezes beautifully for later use.

I like to make a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Water Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon

Water Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon

4.6 from 1796 votes

Crispy bacon wrapped around crunchy water chestnuts, baked until golden and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. This appetizer is a classic party favorite that is simple to prepare and always a hit.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Appetizer

1 can (8 oz) whole water chestnuts, drained
1 lb thin-cut bacon, cut into thirds crosswise
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
3In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
4Set the glaze aside.
5Wrap each water chestnut with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
6Place the wrapped chestnuts seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
7Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven.
8Brush each piece generously with the prepared glaze, then return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
9Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet.
10Serve warm, removing toothpicks if desired.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small bowl
Pastry brush
Toothpicks

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 13g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option, but reduce baking time by 5 minutes to avoid over-drying.

Watch Video Of How Water Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner, these water chestnuts wrapped in bacon are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

And don’t worry if you have leftovers – they freeze beautifully for later use, making it easy to enjoy this tasty dish whenever you like.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Water Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon

Q5: What’s the best way to store leftover water chestnuts wrapped in bacon?

Store leftover water chestnuts wrapped in bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

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