The savory scent of bacon wrapped shrimp sizzling in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Picture this: a perfect blend of juicy shrimp, seasoned to perfection, embraced by crisp, smoky bacon, and bathed in a sweet, buttery glaze that caramelizes beautifully. They’re an explosion of flavor in every bite, with a delightful crunch that instantly uplifts your snacking experience. If you think you’ve experienced yummy before, just wait until you try these!
I still remember the first time I served bacon wrapped shrimp at a gathering. It was a chilly fall evening, and the golden leaves crunched beneath our feet. People gathered around, drawn in by the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. As the first batch came out of the oven, I couldn’t help but feel giddy as guests rushed to grab the crispy morsels. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a bustling gathering of friends, these little bites are sure to make any occasion feel special. So, let’s get ready to make your gatherings memorable with this recipe!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip up these delicious bites in just 30 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and spicy glaze adds depth to the smoky bacon and fresh shrimp.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These cute little bundles are perfect for impressing your guests!
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, game days, or a fun appetizer any night of the week!
- Diet-Friendly Options: These bites can easily be adapted to cater to different dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed): Fresh shrimp make a world of difference. If you can’t find jumbo shrimp, large shrimp work too. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
- 1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds): Regular or thick-cut bacon both deliver great flavor. You can also try turkey bacon for a leaner option, though the texture will differ.
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted): This helps the shrimp stay juicy and contributes to that irresistible glaze. Olive oil can be a substitute for dairy-free options.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and elevates the shrimp’s natural flavors. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch!
- ½ teaspoon salt: Always a good idea to season your shrimp to enhance flavor. Adjust to taste, especially if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a hint of spice. Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: This adds an aromatic element that pairs beautifully with shrimp and bacon.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar induces caramelization, creating that delicious sweet finish. If you prefer less sweetness, granulated sugar provides a lighter alternative.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a large rimmed baking tray, line it with foil for easy cleanup, and give it a light spritz with cooking spray. This step helps the shrimp release easily after cooking, making serving a breeze.
Marinate the Shrimp: In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to create a zesty marinade. Toss the thawed shrimp in this mixture and let them soak up the flavors for about 15 minutes while your oven heats up. This not only infuses them with flavor but also ensures they stay juicy.
Wrap the Shrimp: Grab a piece of bacon, wrap it snugly around each marinated shrimp, and secure it with a toothpick. Place these delightful bundles onto your prepared baking tray. Repeat until you have wrapped all the shrimp. Make sure not to overcrowd the tray for even cooking!
Sprinkle with Sugar: Now it’s time to layer on the flavor! Sprinkle half of your brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped shrimp. This helps create that beautiful caramelization that will have everyone clamoring for more.
First Bake: Transfer the baking tray to the oven and bake for about 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the shrimp to begin turning pink and the bacon to start to crisp up at the edges. This initial bake is crucial for aiding the cooking process!
Flip and Finish Baking: Carefully flip each shrimp over using tongs, and then sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top. Return them to the oven for another 7-8 minutes. Watch closely until the bacon is nicely crisped and the shrimp are completely pink. The aroma will fill your kitchen and drive everyone wild!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover bacon wrapped shrimp, let them cool completely and keep them at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them to retain their crispy goodness. Just a heads up, while they’ll still taste delicious after freezing, the texture may be slightly different.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid undercooking the shrimp; they should be opaque and firm when done. Feel free to use a food thermometer – shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Ensure your bacon is not too thick; otherwise, it may not crisp up properly around the shrimp.
- For additional flavor, consider marinating the shrimp overnight.
- If you find some shrimp have cooked faster than others, remove those first to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Garnish with chopped herbs like parsley or chives beforehand to elevate the dish when serving.
There’s something so enjoyable about experimenting with flavors in your own kitchen. With these flavorful bacon wrapped shrimp, you have the perfect opportunity to create an appetizer that is not only easy but also uniquely your own. You might want to try adding different spices or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual family dinner, these bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on them, and aim for that lovely pink color with crispy bacon, no matter the size.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the bacon-wrapped shrimp and marinate them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes them even more flavorful too!
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely use an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are just cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
What can I serve with bacon wrapped shrimp?
These tasty bites are perfect on their own or served with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, or a zesty cocktail sauce for an extra punch of flavor!
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Recipe Card
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Wrapped Shrimp features juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon with a sweet and spicy glaze. It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that will delight your guests at any event.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed)
- 1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking tray with foil and cooking spray.
- Whisk melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Marinade shrimp for 15 minutes.
- Wrap each marinated shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place on the prepared tray.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the shrimp.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until shrimp turn pink and bacon starts to crisp.
- Flip shrimp, sprinkle with remaining brown sugar, and bake for another 7-8 minutes until fully cooked.
Notes
Use regular or thick-cut bacon for added flavor; feel free to substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
For more intense flavor, marinate shrimp overnight before wrapping.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
