Your party guests will go nuts for these Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts!
If you’re tired of serving up the same basic appetizers at your dinner parties and special events, let me introduce you to my new favorite party favor — bacon-wrapped water chestnuts. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for the classics, like Pigs In A Blanket and Deviled Eggs. But when you host as often as I host, you do get sick of the same old same old.
I’ve been looking to elevate my “hostess with the mostess” game this year, starting with my menu. To that end, whenever we have guests over, I’ve been making these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, and they’ve been a huge hit! They’re super simple and ready in around half an hour. Plus, who doesn’t love a bacon-wrapped goody?
As much as I would love to take credit for this recipe, bacon-wrapped water chestnuts were around waaay before I was. This easy app was super popular in the ’50s through to the ’70s, when it was commonly served at parties, weddings, and other big gatherings. The dish was traditionally served with chicken liver, but I’ve cut that element out for personal preference.
Despite the minimal ingredient list, these bad boys are packed full of flavor! Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts add a unique taste to your menu, with a smoky, sweet bacon layer and a crunchy chestnut center. Indeed, these one-bite appetizers are a surefire crowd-pleaser for your next event.
Are Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts Healthy?
As with most bacon-wrapped dishes, this one comes with a hefty dose of calories and fat. However, water chestnuts are a high-volume food due to their high water content, and their low calories balance out the bacon a little. So, you can enjoy a few without feeling the need to devour the entire platter!
You can also swap traditional bacon for a lighter option, like turkey bacon. It’s a leaner option than regular bacon, which can help reduce the calories and fat contained in this dish.
What Is A Water Chestnut?
Despite its name and crunchy texture, a water chestnut is not actually a nut at all. Rather, it’s a tuber vegetable that grows in watery environments, like marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes. Think of it like a potato, growing at the root of a plant!
Water chestnuts have a sweet, nutty, almost tangy flavor, sort of like a cross between a pear, a coconut, and an apple. And their signature crunch brings an added element to this bacon-wrapped dish!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze them on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to let them cool completely before freezing them.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts make for the perfect start to any party! Serve them alongside other creative starters like Prosciutto And Melon, Stuffed Mushrooms, and these Healthy California Roll Sushi Bites. If you need inspiration for the rest of your meal, try a main course that wows, like Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Truffle Risotto. Finish your evening with a dessert perfect for parties, like individual servings of Chocolate Mousse.
And if this recipe’s got you craving bacon, try some of our other bacon-wrapped favorites, like Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus, Bacon-Wrapped Steak, and Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites With Sweet-And-Sour Sauce.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 8-ounce cans whole water chestnuts drained
- 1 pound bacon cut into thirds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour sauce over water chestnuts and let sit for 20 minutes. Remove water chestnuts and set aside the remaining sauce for later.
- Wrap each water chestnut with a third of a bacon slice and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped chestnuts on a baking sheet with a wire rack on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then brush with sauce and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bacon is crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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