Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

You only need four ingredients to make these delicious bacon-wrapped water chestnuts!

Water chestnuts wrapped in bacon are an easy, delicious, make-ahead appetizer that will fly off the plate every time! Mild, crunchy water chestnuts get wrapped in smoky bacon and then slathered in a sweet and savory two-ingredient sauce. The combination of crunchy, sweet and smoky is truly irresistible!

Ingredients for Water Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon

• Bacon: Everything’s better wrapped in bacon (like bacon-wrapped figs and bacon-wrapped scallops)!
• Water chestnuts: Canned water chestnuts have a mild flavor that pairs well with the smoky bacon and retains their crunch even after baking.
• Ketchup: Ketchup adds color, tang and acidity to the simple two-ingredient sauce in this recipe.
• Brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar complements the ketchup and adds a sweet touch to the smoky bacon.

Directions

Step 1: Pre-heat the oven and prepare your baking dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the water chestnuts

Cut bacon strips into thirds and wind each piece around a water chestnut, securing it with a toothpick. Place them in a single layer on an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking sheet. Bake till the bacon is crisp, 25 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but do not turn off the oven.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

While the water chestnuts are baking, combine the ketchup and brown sugar in a small saucepan and cook, stirring, over medium heat, until the sugar is dissolved. Dip into the sauce and place into your prepared baking dish, working with one water chestnut at a time. Spoon the remaining sauce over the chestnuts and return to the oven. Bake for 10 minutes and serve.

Recipe Variations

• Marinate the water chestnuts: For even more flavor, marinate the water chestnuts in soy sauce (with a dash of hot sauce, if you like) for 30 minutes before wrapping them in bacon.
• Spice up the sauce: Ramp up the sauce with a dash of Worcestershire, minced garlic, a spoonful of Dijon mustard or some grated fresh ginger.

How to Store Water Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon

Cooled water chestnuts can be covered and stored in the fridge for three to four days.

Can you make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare this dish up to one day ahead. Wrap the water chestnuts in bacon and store them in an airtight container. Prepare the sauce, cool it and store it covered in the fridge. Proceed with the recipe as instructed.

Can you freeze water chestnuts wrapped in bacon?

You can easily freeze this dish for up to three months. Bake as instructed, cool and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for 10 minutes.

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnut Tips

Can you use fresh water chestnuts in place of canned?

Though not always as easy to find, fresh water chestnuts can be used in place of canned ones in this recipe. Depending on how much bacon you have, you’ll need two to three dozen freshwater chestnuts.

Editor’s tip: Looking for more ways to use water chestnuts? Try them in this chicken dinner or this veggie stir-fry!

What is the best kind of bacon to use?

Thinner bacon will cook up faster and crispier than thick cut if you find center cut bacon, even better!

Can you scale up this recipe?

You can easily double or even triple this recipe if you’re serving a large crowd.