Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a simple and tasty snack that’s both crispy and a little bit crunchy. The salty bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet and firm water chestnuts inside, making each bite a little burst of flavor that everyone enjoys. They’re a great finger food for parties or just a fun treat to munch on.
I love making these because they’re easy to put together and don’t need many ingredients, but they always impress guests. I usually brush the bacon with a little bit of brown sugar before baking to add a touch of caramelized sweetness. It’s a small step that really changes the flavor and makes them even more addictive.
These little bites are perfect when served warm right out of the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. I often make a batch ahead of time for gatherings because they hold up well and still taste great. Anytime these show up at the table, I know they’ll disappear fast, so I usually make extra!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water Chestnuts: These give a nice crunch and mild sweetness. If you can’t find canned ones, fresh water chestnuts can work but need peeling. For a different crunch, try peeled jicama as a substitute.
Bacon: Regular sliced bacon is best for that perfect balance of crisp and chew. You can use turkey bacon for a leaner option, though it crisps differently. Choose thick-cut bacon if you prefer meatier bites.
Brown Sugar: It adds caramelization and sweetness that complements the salty bacon. If you want less sugar, you can reduce the amount or swap for maple syrup or honey for a different flavor twist.
How Can I Get Crispy Bacon Without Burning the Water Chestnuts?
Wrapping water chestnuts in bacon can be tricky since bacon cooks faster than the chestnut heats through. Here’s how to get crispy bacon and tender water chestnuts:
- Pat water chestnuts dry to help bacon stick and avoid sogginess.
- Use a wire rack over your baking sheet so air circulates and bacon crisps evenly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C), which is hot enough to crisp but gentle enough to cook through without burning.
- Turn them halfway to ensure all sides crisp evenly.
- Watch closely near the end to prevent burning—bacon color can go from golden to burnt in minutes.
These tips keep your bites perfectly crispy and delicious every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with a wire rack – I recommend this to help the bacon crisp evenly without sitting in oil.
- Small knife – for cutting the bacon slices in half; keeps things neat and quick.
- Toothpicks – they hold the bacon in place while baking, making assembly easy.
- Paper towels – useful for drying the water chestnuts so bacon sticks well.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a note of floral sweetness.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce before baking to give a spicy kick.
- Use different meats like prosciutto or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds after baking for extra flavor.
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) whole water chestnuts, drained
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- Toothpicks
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme or parsley sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, so plan for roughly 40 minutes total. It’s a simple, hands-on recipe that results in a tasty appetizer that’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easy. If you have a wire rack that fits inside, place it on top of the foil. The rack helps the bacon cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
Drain the water chestnuts thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture. Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each water chestnut. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place during baking.
3. Add the Brown Sugar and Bake:
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top of each bacon-wrapped water chestnut, pressing lightly so it sticks. Arrange them on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning each piece once halfway through to ensure the bacon crisps evenly and caramelizes nicely.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the bacon wrapped water chestnuts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer, and watch them disappear fast!
Can I Use Frozen Water Chestnuts?
It’s best to use canned or fresh water chestnuts for this recipe as they have the right texture. If you have frozen ones, make sure to thaw them completely and dry thoroughly before wrapping with bacon to avoid sogginess.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and secure with toothpicks the day before. Keep them refrigerated on a tray covered with plastic wrap and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and crispy bacon.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Make These Without Bacon?
While bacon is key to the classic flavor and texture, you can try using turkey bacon or prosciutto for a different twist. Keep in mind cooking times and crispiness may vary.