BBQ Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe

These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a tried-and-true favorite in my house. Anytime I make them they disappear in no time….so I always make sure I make A LOT.

 

The “Can You Just Bring an Appetizer” Conundrum

When we get invited to a party, we always ask “what can we bring?”. The easy answers are usually something like bread, salad or a veggie. But, often times we get the dreaded “how about an appetizer?” response!

Do we go with a classic appetizer like meatballs in a slow cooker, cheese and crackers or chips and cheese? We sure can, but how about a tasty appetizer that incorporates crisp bacon and takes little time to make. Bacon appetizers are pretty popular because, you know, bacon!

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

This has been one of my family’s favorite appetizers for a long time and always a huge hit when I serve them. This BBQ bacon-wrapped water chestnut recipe combines the saltiness of the bacon with the flavors of the BBQ sauce and the crunchiness of the water chestnuts.

And, as far as appetizer recipes go, I find this is a popular appetizer as it’s pretty easy to put together. The great thing about this recipe is that it only uses three ingredients that any of your local grocery stores will have and some toothpicks. You want an easy recipe – this one is it!

This is a great, delicious appetizer that can be served at a Super Bowl party, holiday party or just about any fun get-together you have coming up. It’s a popular party food and you rarely have any leftovers!

 

 

Can I Make Ahead and Freeze?

If you want to make ahead, we suggest assembling a day or two ahead of time and refrigerating. When it’s party time, allow them to come to room temperature and then bake according to the instructions in the recipe card. We believe this gives you the best crunchy texture for the chestnuts and the freshest, tastiest end result. 

We have seen other recipes that suggest freezing. In that case, you bake them up to the point of brushing on the BBQ sauce. Once cooled, put them in an airtight container or freezer bag and put them in the freezer.

They should keep up to three months. When ready to serve, allow them to completely thaw, place them in a single layer on a wire rack that is on top of a baking sheet, coat with the BBQ sauce and warm in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, until BBQ sauce is starting to caramelize.

Again, we suggest assembling ahead and refrigerating as opposed to freezing in order to best ensure the crunch of the water chestnuts. But, you can certainly experiment with either cooking method and pick your favorite!

 

Is it Easy to Make a Double Batch?

Given there are only three ingredients, this is a super easy appetizer to double or triple. Buy a couple more cans of water chestnuts, another package of bacon and a little more barbecue sauce. Make sure you have enough tooth picks and you are ready to go!

The Answer to Your “What Appetizer to Make/Bring” Question

So, the next party you have, the next game day that comes up, or any upcoming special occasions that are scheduled where you need a great party appetizer, know that these BBQ bacon-wrapped water chestnuts will be a big hit. It’s the perfect appetizer for any size of get-together, they have so much flavor and they’re both inexpensive and easy to make.

Enjoy!

 

Tips and Tricks

• These BBQ bacon water chestnuts can be assembled up to 2 days ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
• Soak your toothpicks in water prior to assembling the water chestnuts. A wooden toothpick is much less likely to char too much if it starts damp.
• Eliminate as much excess moisture from the water chestnuts prior to assembling. Less moisture helps the bacon to get nice and crispy.
• Thinner bacon works well because it’s easier to wrap around the water chestnuts than thick-cut bacon.
• Any BBQ sauce that you like will work. Our favorite is Famous Dave’s Rich and Sassy.
• These taste great both hot from the oven or at room temperature, although the bacon tends to be a bit crisper when eaten immediately.

Ingredients Needed to Make BBQ Bacon Water Chestnuts

Full instructions are found below in the recipe card

• Canned whole water chestnuts
• Bacon
• BBQ sauce 
• Toothpicks

How to Make BBQ Bacon Water Chestnuts

• Preheat oven to 425.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil (this makes clean up easy!).  
• Top with a baking rack, if you have one. 
• Drain water chestnuts and pat dry with paper towels. 
• Cut bacon into thirds. 
• Wrap each third around a water chestnut. Secure with a toothpick.
• Place each water chestnut on prepared baking sheet. 
• Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
• Remove and baste with BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bacon is crispy and BBQ sauce has caramelized. 
• Serve immediately.

More Easy Party Appetizers

• Fried Ravioli with Marinara
• Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
• Bacon Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
• Easy Pumpkin Hummus
• Reuben Style Tortilla Roll-Ups
• Easy Cheesy Ball
• BLT Skewers with Avocado Sauce
• Extra Cheesy Pizza Dip

 

ENJOY!