Water Chestnut Wraps
Water chestnut wraps feature crunchy water chestnuts coated with flavorful soy sauce, wrapped in crispy bacon—perfect for appetizer platters or party snacks, appealing to meat lovers and fans of savory bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain water chestnuts and soak in soy sauce to cover for 2 to 3 hours.
- Broil bacon until almost done.
- Cool the bacon.
- Wrap bacon slices around each water chestnut and secure with toothpicks.
- Broil until bacon is brown and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the water chestnuts in soy sauce for the full 3 hours to enhance their flavor. If you prefer a less salty option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce. You can also use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative, though the texture may differ. Additionally, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or pepper to the bacon for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These water chestnut wraps make a fantastic appetizer for parties, especially when paired with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or teriyaki. Serve alongside other finger foods, like Ham Croquettes or a refreshing salad. They also complement a variety of drinks, from cocktails to sodas, making them a versatile choice for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bacon soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Water Chestnut Wraps contains roughly 96 calories, with 6g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2259mg per serving (98% 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 wraps in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the wraps a few hours ahead of time. Assemble them and store them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to broil them. This allows the flavors to meld and simplifies last-minute preparations.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you want a vegetarian option, consider using smoked tempeh or tofu slices instead of bacon. You can marinate the tempeh or tofu in soy sauce to give it a savory flavor that mimics the richness of bacon.
How do I make these wraps spicy?
To add some heat, you can sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on the bacon before wrapping it around the water chestnuts. Alternatively, serve with a spicy dipping sauce for those who enjoy a kick.
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).