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An extreme close-up shot of a single bacon wrapped water chestnut, showing the crispy texture of the bacon and the caramelized glaze.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts (The Ultimate Crispy Appetizer)

The absolute best Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe! Learn the secrets to making this sweet and savory appetizer perfectly crispy every single time with our easy-to-follow steps and simple, delicious brown sugar and soy sauce glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound thin-cut bacon Do not use thick-cut.
  • 2 cans whole water chestnuts (8 ounces each) Drained and patted very dry.
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar Packed.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Wire Rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Cut the bacon strips into thirds. Wrap one piece of bacon around each water chestnut and secure with a toothpick. Place on the prepared wire rack.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
  4. Brush or spoon about half of the glaze over the wrapped water chestnuts. Bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is brown and crispy.
  6. Let cool on the rack for at least 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will be very hot.

Notes

Ensure you use thin-cut bacon for the best crispy results.
Patting the water chestnuts completely dry is a critical step to avoid sogginess.
The wire rack is essential for allowing air to circulate and crisp the bacon on all sides.