Water Chestnuts Wrapped With Bacon
Crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnuts coated in a sweet soy and brown sugar glaze make a savory, crunchy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into thirds.
- Wrap each water chestnut with a piece of bacon and secure with a flat toothpick.
- Repeat until all water chestnuts are wrapped.
- Optional: Bake or fry until bacon is crispy and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce and brown sugar, then glaze the cooked water chestnuts if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the water chestnuts in a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar for 30 minutes before wrapping them in bacon. If you're short on bacon, turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative, though it may not crisp up the same way. You can also experiment by adding spices like garlic powder or black pepper to the brown sugar for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
These water chestnuts wrapped in bacon make a fantastic appetizer or party snack. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce made from the leftover soy sauce and brown sugar mixture. They also pair well with other American recipes, such as Bacon Macaroni Salad, for a delightful spread at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover water chestnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but be aware that this may compromise the bacon's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Water Chestnuts Wrapped With Bacon contains roughly 1616 calories, with 7g protein, 395g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2371mg per serving (103% 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 prepare these water chestnuts in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the wrapped water chestnuts a day ahead and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
What can I serve with these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts?
These treats pair excellently with a variety of dips, such as ranch or sweet chili sauce. For a more complete meal, serve them alongside sides like Jonda'S Very Best Tomato Casserole or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the bacon.
How do I ensure the bacon is crispy?
To achieve crispy bacon, bake them in a single layer on a baking rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. This allows the fat to drip away while cooking. Broiling for the last few minutes can also help crisp them up nicely.
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).