Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a vintage party appetiser featuring sweet and savoury flavours for an easy, crowd-pleasing bite.

These Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a classic vintage party nibble that never goes out of style. Each crunchy water chestnut is briefly marinated, lightly coated in brown sugar, and wrapped in smoky bacon before baking until caramelised and crisp.

They’re incredibly simple to make, easy to prepare ahead of time, and always one of the first platters to disappear at gatherings, whether it’s Christmas, game night, or any celebration.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a wire rack: Baking the wrapped chestnuts on a rack allows the bacon to crisp evenly and prevents them from sitting in rendered fat.
• Don’t skip the marinade: Even a short soak adds a savoury base that balances the sweetness. Stir once or twice to ensure all the chestnuts absorb flavour.
• Light sugar coating: A gentle roll is enough. Too much sugar can cause burning before the bacon finishes cooking.
• Check early: All ovens vary, so start checking at the 20–25 minute mark. Look for deep golden, crisp bacon.
• Make ahead: You can assemble these up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.
• Easy cleanup: Line the pan beneath the rack with foil to catch drips and caramelised sugar.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Water chestnuts: Use whole canned water chestnuts for the best texture. If you can only find sliced, stack two slices together before wrapping.
• Soy sauce: Regular soy sauce works well, but you can substitute low-sodium if preferred.
• Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work. Dark will give a deeper caramel flavour.
• Bacon: Standard-cut bacon is ideal. Thick-cut bacon won’t crisp as well and may take longer to cook.
• Toothpicks: Essential for keeping everything secure. If using coloured toothpicks, make sure they’re oven-safe.

Looking for More Holiday Appetisers?

Check out more of my favourite holiday party recipes!

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Looking for a delicious and easy Christmas appetizer? This detailed Christmas charcuterie board recipe is perfect for your holiday party!

These Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms with Goat Cheese are a tasty holiday appetizer that will impress your guests.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Yields: 24 Servings | Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating) | Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 (32 oz) cans whole water chestnuts, drained
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 to 1½ cups packed brown sugar
• 48 slices bacon (about 1.2 kg / 2½ lb), cut in half crosswise
• Toothpicks, for securing

Directions

1. Place the drained water chestnuts in a large bowl or shallow dish. Pour over the soy sauce and marinate for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.

1. Drain the water chestnuts and roll each one lightly in brown sugar.
2. Wrap each chestnut with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Arrange on the prepared rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and caramelised.
4. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly on paper towels before serving warm.