Barbecue Water Chestnuts
Sweet and savory bacon-wrapped water chestnuts glazed with chili sauce and brown sugar, perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut bacon into thirds.
- Wrap each water chestnut with a bacon piece and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped water chestnuts on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Drain most of the grease from the baking sheet.
- Mix Miracle Whip and chili sauce to make the glaze.
- Pour the sauce over the water chestnuts.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier bacon texture, consider broiling the wrapped water chestnuts for the last few minutes instead of baking. If you prefer a tangy flavor, you can substitute the Miracle Whip with Greek yogurt. Additionally, using Baugh'S Barbecue Sauce instead of chili sauce can add a unique twist to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These barbecue water chestnuts make a fantastic appetizer for game day or gatherings. They pair beautifully with American recipes like Lumberjack Bean Bake or can be served alongside a fresh salad. For an impressive spread, include other finger foods such as Scallops In Bacon or My So Simple Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue water chestnuts 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 until warmed through, ensuring the bacon retains its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Water Chestnuts contains roughly 185 calories, with 3g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.
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 use a different type of sauce instead of chili sauce?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different barbecue sauces or even a sweet and spicy sauce for a unique flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary based on the sauce you choose, but it will still complement the bacon and water chestnuts nicely.
Is it necessary to drain the grease after baking?
Draining the grease is recommended as it prevents the dish from becoming overly greasy and allows the glaze to adhere better to the water chestnuts. However, if you prefer a richer flavor, you can leave a little grease for added moisture.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the wrapped water chestnuts a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them the day you plan to serve, which will save time and enhance the flavors as they marinate overnight in the seasoning.
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).