Bacon Wrapped Baked Water Chestnuts
Sweet and savory bacon-wrapped water chestnuts glazed with chili sauce and brown sugar, perfect for parties or appetizers, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bacon slices in half and wrap around each water chestnut.
- Pierce with a toothpick to hold in place.
- Line the bottom of a baking dish with the wrapped chestnuts.
- Mix chili sauce, brown sugar, and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chestnuts.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider using thick-cut bacon, as it holds up better during baking. If you want to reduce calories, turkey bacon can be a good substitute, but it may not get as crispy. You can also add a touch of soy sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra layer of flavor. If you have leftover water chestnuts, they can be used in stir-fries or salads.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon-wrapped water chestnuts make an excellent appetizer for parties or game day. They pair beautifully with dipping sauces like ranch or a spicy aioli. Serve alongside classic American recipes like Potatoes Au Gratin Casserole or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also work well as a fun finger food for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bacon-wrapped water chestnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bacon soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Wrapped Baked Water Chestnuts contains roughly 494 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance by wrapping the water chestnuts in bacon and storing them in the refrigerator. Just pour the sauce over them right before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and saves you time on the day of your event.
What can I use instead of chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of ketchup and hot sauce to achieve a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, a homemade barbecue sauce can also work well, adding a different but delicious twist to the dish.
Can I use canned water chestnuts instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned water chestnuts are perfect for this recipe as they are already cooked and have a great crunch. Just drain and rinse them before wrapping in bacon. Fresh water chestnuts can also be used if you can find them, but they require peeling and cooking first.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).