Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Crispy, sweet, and perfectly caramelized bacon wrapped water chestnuts baked in a brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire glaze. A nostalgic holiday appetizer that always disappears fast.
Ingredients
- 1 –2 cans sliced water chestnuts whole chestnuts also work and are more traditional
- 1 lb thin-cut bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the sliced water chestnuts completely dry
- Cut each slice of bacon into thirds. Wrap a piece of bacon around each water chestnut and secure with a toothpick.
- Place on the prepared rack and bake for 10 minutes without glaze to help the bacon begin crisping.
- While they bake, mix together the brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Remove the chestnuts from the oven and brush each one generously with the glaze.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the glaze is caramelized.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Sliced water chestnuts create a higher bacon-to-chestnut ratio, while whole water chestnuts give a more traditional bite.
Add extra glaze halfway through baking if you want extra caramelization.
Turkey bacon can be used but may not crisp as well—bake a little longer if needed.
Warm leftover glaze makes a delicious dipping sauce.