I’m so excited to share my Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe with you! This isn’t just an appetizer — it’s a sweet-and-savory bite that will disappear in minutes. Imagine crispy bacon hugging tender water chestnuts, all glazed with a luscious, flavorful sauce. Each bite is crunchy, sticky, and utterly irresistible!
Level: Easy
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts — my mom used to call this “Rumaki,” and it was always the star of any party she hosted. Honestly, I never cared much for water chestnuts on their own, but wrapped in bacon and coated in a sweet-savory glaze? Pure magic.
This recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve at gatherings or holiday parties. We’ll wrap the water chestnuts in bacon, bake them until just crispy, then slather them in a rich sauce made with brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. The result is a bite-sized appetizer everyone will fight over!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
This dish is all about the balance of flavors and textures:
• Crispy, smoky bacon for a savory crunch
• Sweet, tender water chestnuts for a surprising bite
• A sticky, flavorful glaze that ties everything together
• Easy-to-handle toothpick-sized appetizers perfect for parties
Every step is simple but builds layers of flavor that make these little bites unforgettable.
Ingredients
• 2 packages bacon (16 oz / 375 g each)
• 2 cans whole water chestnuts (8 oz / 227 g each), drained
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Bacon:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each bacon strip in half to create shorter pieces.
- Wrap the Water Chestnuts:
- Take one water chestnut and wrap a half-slice of bacon around it.
- Secure with a plain wooden toothpick.
- Arrange all wrapped chestnuts in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake Partially:
- Bake for 10 minutes to start crisping the bacon.
- Carefully drain any grease from the pan to prevent soggy bacon.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic powder.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Glaze and Finish Baking:
- Pour the sauce evenly over the partially baked bacon-wrapped chestnuts.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Process Details
- Partial Baking: Baking the bacon first allows it to start crisping without burning in the glaze later.
- Draining Grease: Removing excess grease prevents the wraps from swimming in oil, keeping them nicely coated in glaze instead.
- Glaze Coating: The sweet-savory glaze caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a shiny, sticky finish that clings to each bite.
Tips for Success
- Use plain wooden toothpicks to avoid colored dyes that might stain the bacon.
- Don’t skip the partial bake — it ensures crispy bacon and a balanced texture.
- Evenly coat each wrap with the glaze for consistent flavor.
- Let the wraps rest a few minutes before serving; this helps the glaze set slightly.
Serving Ideas
- Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
- Pair with a simple dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch for variety.
- Serve alongside other bite-sized appetizers for a fun, finger-food spread.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to crisp the bacon.
- Freezing: Not recommended — the glaze and bacon texture may change after freezing.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 628 kcal
- Protein: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 14.7 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
- Sodium: 1941 mg
- Fiber: 1.5 g
My Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe is the ultimate sweet-and-savory appetizer. Each bite delivers crisp bacon, tender water chestnuts, and a sticky, flavorful glaze — the kind of finger food that disappears fast at any party. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring!) these as much as I do. Once you try them, they’ll become a classic in your appetizer rotation!