“`html
If you’re looking to wow your guests with something both irresistible and easy to prepare, this Easy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Juicy shrimp embrace crispy, smoky bacon, all glazed with a sweet and smoky chipotle butter that delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Whether it’s for a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this appetizer brings boldness, elegance, and simplicity to your table with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together effortlessly yet brilliantly to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an important role: shrimp offers tender seafood sweetness, bacon adds crispy smokiness, and the brown sugar chipotle butter glaze ties everything with a sweet and spicy kick.
- 1 lb shrimp (about 20 cleaned, peeled, and deveined): The star of the dish, providing succulent, juicy bites.
- 7 thick pieces of bacon (cut into thirds): Adds crunch and smoky richness that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted): Forms the base for the glaze, delivering lusciousness and helping everything caramelize beautifully.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Offers sweetness that balances the smoky bacon and spicy chipotle notes.
- 1/2 tablespoon chipotle powder (more if desired): Gives a smoky, mildly spicy punch that elevates the glaze to the next level.
How to Make Easy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with foil to catch drips and make cleanup a breeze. Then preheat your oven to 400°F—this temperature ensures the bacon crisps up nicely while the shrimp cooks through without drying out.
Step 2: Wrap the Shrimp with Bacon
Take each peeled and deveined shrimp and carefully wrap it with a third of a bacon slice. Secure it with a toothpick so the bacon stays put as it bakes. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet for consistent cooking.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, brown sugar, and chipotle powder until smooth. This luscious glaze is going to take the bacon-wrapped shrimp from tasty to unforgettable.
Step 4: Brush on the Glaze
Generously brush about two-thirds of the butter glaze over each shrimp, making sure to coat every bite. This step infuses sweetness and spice while helping the bacon caramelize into crispy perfection.
Step 5: Bake
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the shrimp to cook through and the bacon to start crisping up beautifully with the glaze melding all those flavors together.
Step 6: Broil with a Final Glaze
Take the shrimp out and switch your oven to broil. Give the remaining glaze a quick stir and brush it over the shrimp one more time. This extra coating amps up the flavor and helps create a bubbly, sticky finish.
Step 7: Broil Until Bubbly
Broil the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes, carefully watching so they don’t burn. The result should be bubbly, caramelized glaze and perfectly crisped bacon that snaps with every bite.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the toothpicks and plate your Easy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe. These beauties are ready to impress and disappear fast at any gathering.
How to Serve Easy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a lively, fresh green pop that contrasts with the rich bacon and shrimp. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top can also brighten the smoky, sweet flavors, making each bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, tangy coleslaw, or even a zesty corn salsa to balance the richness. For a heartier approach, serve alongside some creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad for freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these shrimp on a stylish wooden platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. You can also thread multiple bacon-wrapped shrimp onto skewers for a fun finger-food option. Individual mini serving plates with a small dipping sauce of chipotle mayo or garlic aioli elevate the presentation for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Easy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, retaining most of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the wrapped shrimp before cooking by placing them on a tray in a single layer until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time to ensure thorough heating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep the bacon nice and crispy, as microwaves tend to soften it.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will still taste delicious but may crisp up quicker, so keep a close watch while cooking to avoid burning.
What if I don’t have chipotle powder? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. Adjust amounts to your heat preference.
Is this recipe suitable for large parties?
Definitely. The recipe is easily scalable, just multiply the ingredients based on the number of guests and bake in batches if needed.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your chipotle powder and any additional sauces or marinades for gluten content.
How do I prevent the bacon from shrinking too much and unraveling?
Using thick-cut bacon helps reduce excessive shrinkage, and securing each shrimp with a toothpick keeps everything tightly wrapped as it cooks.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about this Easy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe—it’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavors that make you want to reach for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe will become your go-to appetizer for all occasions. Don’t wait—grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delightful bite with friends and family!
“`
Print
Easy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizer combines succulent shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with a sweet and smoky chipotle brown sugar butter sauce. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for parties or casual gatherings, offering a delightful mix of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors that cook quickly in the oven.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Bacon
- 1 lb shrimp (about 20 cleaned, peeled, and deveined)
- 7 thick pieces of bacon (cut into thirds)
Glaze
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon chipotle powder (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drips and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the shrimp and bacon.
- Wrap the Shrimp with Bacon: Take each peeled and deveined shrimp and wrap it tightly with one-third of a slice of thick bacon. Secure each wrapped shrimp with a toothpick to hold the bacon in place during cooking. Arrange the wrapped shrimp evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted salted butter, brown sugar, and chipotle powder. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, creating a sweet and smoky glaze.
- Brush the Shrimp: Using a brush, generously coat each bacon-wrapped shrimp with about two-thirds of the butter mixture, making sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
- Bake the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the bacon to render its fat and start to crisp up while the shrimp cook through.
- Switch to Broil: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and change the oven setting to broil. Stir the reserved butter mixture to recombine any separated ingredients.
- Final Glaze and Broil: Brush the shrimp with the remaining glaze mixture once more, then place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully and broil until the glaze bubbles and the bacon reaches a crispy and caramelized finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving (optional), arrange the shrimp on a platter, and enjoy this delicious, smoky, sweet, and spicy appetizer fresh and warm.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a better balance of bacon to shrimp ratio and crispiness.
- Adjust chipotle powder to your preferred spice level or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder version.
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry to help the bacon stick better and cook evenly.
- To speed up cooking, you can precook the bacon slightly before wrapping the shrimp; however, wrapping raw bacon as in this recipe gives better flavor and texture.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy handling at parties.
