Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a savory and irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or special occasions. Juicy shrimp are wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon and brushed with a flavorful glaze, creating a bite-sized treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory: The combination of shrimp and bacon is elevated with a flavorful glaze.
- Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients with minimal prep time.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main dish.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for entertaining and always a hit at parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
- Bacon slices, cut in half
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Toothpicks (soaked in water if grilling or broiling)
Optional Glaze:
- Maple syrup or honey
- Soy sauce
- Dijon mustard
Directions
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Preheat oven or grill:
- For oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- For grill: Preheat to medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Wrap the shrimp:
- Wrap each shrimp with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
- Optional glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Brush over the bacon-wrapped shrimp for added sweetness and flavor.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Bake or grill:
- Oven: Arrange shrimp on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are opaque.
- Grill: Place shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through.
- Optional broiling step:
- For extra crispiness, broil the shrimp for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
Serve:
- Arrange on a platter and serve warm with dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, or honey mustard.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer (approximately 24 pieces)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy bacon-wrapped shrimp: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Herb-infused: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, thyme, or cilantro before serving.
- Cheesy twist: Add a small slice of pepper jack or cream cheese between the shrimp and bacon.
- Pineapple shrimp: Place a small piece of pineapple between the shrimp and bacon for a tropical flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp, as pre-cooked shrimp can overcook and become rubbery.
2. How do I prevent the bacon from overcooking?
Use thin-cut bacon and bake or grill at a moderate temperature. Par-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping if needed.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the shrimp and bacon ahead of time and refrigerate. Cook just before serving.
4. What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) are ideal for wrapping and cooking evenly.
5. Can I bake these without a wire rack?
Yes, but a wire rack allows air to circulate, helping the bacon crisp up more evenly.
6. Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but turkey bacon may not crisp as well as pork bacon. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
7. What if I don’t have toothpicks?
Place the shrimp seam-side down on the baking sheet to help the bacon stay in place while cooking.
8. Can I air-fry bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Yes, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
9. Can I freeze uncooked bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Yes, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
10. What pairs well with bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the savory flavor of crispy bacon with the tender juiciness of shrimp. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a special snack, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. Customize it with your favorite seasonings and glazes, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bacon-wrapped shrimp 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are the ultimate appetizer for any gathering. Juicy shrimp are seasoned and wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, then baked or grilled to perfection. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table!
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), or preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Wrap the Shrimp:
- Wrap each shrimp with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- For Baking:
- Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through.
- For Grilling:
- Place the shrimp directly on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and shrimp are pink and opaque.
- For Baking:
- Serve:
- Remove toothpicks (if used), garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon for quicker cooking and crispier results.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey before cooking for a sweet and savory flavor twist.
- You can marinate the shrimp in olive oil and seasonings for up to 30 minutes for even more flavor.