Description
These bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are a sweet and savory appetizer that takes less than 15 minutes to make. Featuring crunchy water chestnuts wrapped in thick-cut bacon and coated in a sticky brown sugar glaze, they are the perfect crowd-pleasing finger food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (8 oz each) whole water chestnuts
- 12–16 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain and rinse the water chestnuts. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure the bacon sticks.
- Wrap a slice of bacon around each water chestnut, overlapping the ends slightly. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Bake the wrapped water chestnuts for 8-10 minutes until the bacon starts to crisp.
- Remove from oven and brush generously with the brown sugar glaze.
- Return to oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure water chestnuts are thoroughly dried before wrapping to prevent bacon from sliding off. Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. If your oven runs hot, check the appetizers at 6 minutes to prevent burning. For make-ahead prep, wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces per serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: bacon wrapped water chestnuts, sweet and savory appetizer, easy party food, 15 minute recipes, bacon appetizer, water chestnut recipe, finger food, holiday appetizers