Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a simple, tasty appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. The crunch of the water chestnuts pairs nicely with the crispy, salty bacon, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone loves. These little bites are easy to make and always disappear fast from the tray.
I like to bake them until the bacon is just the right kind of crispy, so you still get a little chew along with the crunch. Sometimes I add a touch of brown sugar or a splash of soy sauce before baking to give them a sweet and savory kick. It’s a simple trick, but it makes them a little extra special and keeps people coming back for more.
I often serve these at parties with toothpicks, making them a perfect finger food. They’re great hot right out of the oven or even at room temperature, so they’re easy to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the event. Whenever I bring these along, I always get asked for the recipe—that’s how much they’re loved!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water chestnuts: These give a perfect crunch and mild flavor that balances the bacon’s saltiness. If you can’t find canned ones, fresh water chestnuts work too but need peeling and boiling first.
Bacon: Choose regular sliced bacon for a crisp yet chewy texture. Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option, but it may not crisp up quite the same.
Brown sugar & soy sauce: These add a lovely sweet and salty glaze. You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Soy sauce is optional but adds depth of flavor.
How Do I Get Bacon Crispy Without Burning the Water Chestnuts?
Bacon can cook unevenly because water chestnuts are moist, so here’s my trick for bacon that crisps up nicely without burning:
- Use a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet to let air circulate under the bacon.
- Wrap the bacon tightly around each chestnut and secure with a toothpick.
- Bake at 400°F but check around 20 minutes and turn each piece to crisp evenly.
- If bacon is crisping too fast, lower the oven temp a bit and cook longer.
This method avoids undercooked bacon or burnt spots, giving you a perfect chewy-crispy bite every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with a wire rack – I like it because it helps the bacon crisp evenly and lets excess glaze drip off.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper – makes cleanup easy, especially with sticky brown sugar syrup.
- Toothpicks – hold the bacon in place while baking, so each piece stays neat and secure.
- Small bowl and brush – for mixing and applying the sweet glaze over the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweet flavor.
- Sprinkle a bit of black pepper or chili flakes before baking for a spicy kick.
- Add chopped green onions or a dash of sesame seeds after baking for extra crunch and flavor.
- Wrap with prosciutto or ham slices if you want a different meat flavor or a slightly leaner option.
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- Toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 to 25 minutes to bake, so you’ll have tasty appetizers ready in about 35 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Area:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Set a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to let the bacon cook evenly and crisp nicely.
2. Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
Drain the water chestnuts and pat them dry with paper towels. Wrap each water chestnut with half a slice of bacon. Secure them with toothpicks so the bacon stays tightly wrapped while cooking.
3. Add the Sweet Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and soy sauce (if you’re using it). Brush or sprinkle this glaze evenly over each bacon-wrapped water chestnut to add a sweet, savory flavor.
4. Bake and Finish:
Place the wrapped water chestnuts on the wire rack on your baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature – perfect for parties or snacks!
Can I Use Frozen Water Chestnuts for This Recipe?
It’s best to use canned or fresh water chestnuts for this recipe since frozen ones can be too watery. If using frozen, make sure to thaw completely and pat very dry to avoid soggy bacon.
Can I Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can wrap them and prepare the glaze a few hours ahead, then refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a couple extra minutes if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bacon wrapped water chestnuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bacon crispy.
What Are Some Flavor Variations I Can Try?
Try swapping brown sugar for honey or maple syrup, adding a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat, or finishing with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
