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A close-up eye-level shot of perfectly crispy bacon wrapped water chestnuts on a serving dish, showcasing their caramelized glaze.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts (The Perfect Sweet & Savory Appetizer)

The ultimate party appetizer! These Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with crispy bacon wrapped around a crunchy water chestnut and coated in a simple, irresistible brown sugar and soy sauce glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz bacon, thin-cut Do not use thick-cut bacon.
  • 2 cans whole water chestnuts (8 oz each) Drained and patted dry.
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Low sodium can be used if preferred.

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet
  • Toothpicks
  • 1 Small Bowl

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. If desired, place an oven-safe wire rack on the baking sheet for extra crispy results.
  2. Drain the cans of water chestnuts and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Cut the bacon slices into thirds.
  3. Wrap each individual water chestnut with a piece of bacon. Secure the bacon by inserting a toothpick through the center.
  4. Place the bacon-wrapped chestnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar and soy sauce until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the wrapped water chestnuts. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized. If you like your bacon extra crispy, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
  7. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the glaze will be very hot. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use thin-cut bacon to ensure it gets crispy.
Patting the water chestnuts completely dry is a crucial step for a crispy outcome.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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