Water Chestnut Hors D'Oeuvre
A delightful appetizer featuring crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnuts glazed with a sweet and tangy ketchup and peach sauce. Perfect for parties or gatherings, this dish offers a savory-sweet flavor combination that appeals to a wide range of guests and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut water chestnuts in half.
- Wrap each chestnut half with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chestnuts in a baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Pour off the excess fat from the pan.
- Mix the small jar of Gerber baby peaches, sugar, and ketchup to create the glaze.
- Carefully pour the peach-ketchup mixture over the bacon-wrapped chestnuts, taking care not to cover the toothpicks.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve warm or refrigerate for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the water chestnuts in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce before wrapping them in bacon. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon. You can also experiment with different fruit preserves or chutneys in place of the Gerber baby peaches to customize the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These hors d'oeuvres are perfect for parties and pair well with cocktails or a crisp salad. Serve alongside fresh veggies and dip for a complete appetizer spread. They also complement dishes like Sweet And Spicy Pork Chops, making them a versatile choice for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped 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, or until heated through, ensuring the bacon remains crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Water Chestnut Hors D'Oeuvre contains roughly 63 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 prepare the water chestnuts in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts a day ahead. Simply follow the wrapping and baking instructions, then store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving to ensure they're warm and crispy.
What can I substitute for Gerber baby peaches?
If you don't have Gerber baby peaches, you can use canned peaches or any fruit preserves like apricot or peach preserves. Just ensure they're pureed or chopped finely to create a smooth glaze that complements the bacon.
How do I make these vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative or pancetta. You can also use marinated tofu or tempeh for a different flavor and texture while maintaining the essence of the dish.
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).