Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

This Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe is the perfect appetizer for special occasions or your next game day! A classic appetizer with  bacon, water chestnuts and a delicious homemade sauce.

I first tried this incredible appetizer recipe in college! I was lucky enough to have a roommate whose mother owned a catering business. Each time she visited, she would cook us these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts (among other delicious recipes)!

I was obsessed with these tasty little bites, and they’ve since become my go-to easy appetizer recipe for parties! The crispy savory bacon, the crunchy texture of the water chestnuts, and the SAUCE! I would literally use my finger to clean up leftover sauce on our shared plate. It’s that good! 

You have likely experienced water chestnuts in stir fry or Asian foods, but not like this! In this delicious appetizer recipe, I wrap each crunchy water chestnut in bacon strips, then roast it to perfection.

Next, I make a BBQ brown sugar glaze from simple pantry ingredients; brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. This sweet brown sugar barbecue sauce is the PERFECT compliment to the saltiness of the bacon.

I promise that this recipe is the ULTIMATE party food! Anytime I bring this appetizer to a party, it’s a huge hit! I like to serve these bacon wrapped water chestnuts with other savory appetizers like Candied Bacon Baked Brie, Easy Butter Smoked Shrimp, Jalapeno Dip or these Sweet and Sour Meatballs.

(PS- This homemade BBQ sauce is also amazing on little smokies!) 

I’ve customized this Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe just a bit over the years, and have learned some tips and tricks to making sure they are perfect!

Tips and Tricks:

These tips for making this recipe are below, but there is one that I want to emphasize for you. Do not cook the Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts directly on your baking tray. 

Why not? Because it as the bacon cooks, it will release grease. And then, your bacon wrapped goodies will be cooking directly in a puddle of grease. They will start to smoke, and your fire alarm will go off. Not to mention, you bacon will be soggy. It’s a mess! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 🙂 

To avoid this mess, you can do two things.

1) First, cover your baking tray with aluminum foil. This will help you easily clean up the grease released from the bacon. Just let the bacon grease cool and solidify, then throw it (and the foil) in the trash)!

2) Second, on top of your baking tray (and over the foil, if you use it), place a cookie cooling rack. Using a rack will lift your bacon wrapped chestnuts out of the grease, give you crispier bacon, and save you a TON of trouble! You can also use a broiler pan with a wire rack in it, like what you’d use to roast a turkey or chicken.

How to Make Ahead of Time:

Yes, you can prep this appetizer recipe ahead of time! Wrap the bacon around the water chestnuts, secure with a toothpick and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bake right before serving.

Recipe Substitutions:

Feel free to substitute soy sauce for the Worcestershire sauce.

I like to use center cut bacon or thin cut bacon because. Lean, thinner bacon will give you a more crisp bacon wrapper. But, use what you have!

Make sure to use whole water chestnuts, and drain them before using. You can also choose to pat them dry with a paper towel to reduce excess moisture, but this is totally option! 

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer to reheat in the oven.

If you love these Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts, I think you’ll also enjoy these bacon appetizers!

• Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
• The BEST Homemade Bacon Jam Recipe
• Candied Bacon Baked Brie