Name: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined); 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

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The tantalizing aroma of crispy bacon wafting through the kitchen is hard to resist, especially when it’s enveloping perfectly succulent shrimp. Just imagine the popping sound of the bacon crisping up in the oven, the rich, savory scent mingling with hints of sweet brown sugar and a little kick of spice. These bacon-wrapped shrimp are a snack experience that dances joyously on the palate, with every bite showcasing smoky, salty goodness paired with tender shrimp.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Growing up, my family had a favorite go-to for gatherings – bacon-wrapped delights. Whether it was Saturday movie nights or family reunions, these mouthwatering treats never failed to bring smiles and compliments. So when I decided to whip up a batch of bacon-wrapped shrimp, I was immediately transported back to those warm, delightful memories. With football season in full swing, the timing could not be more perfect for serving this crowd-pleasing appetizer. Trust me, these are a guaranteed hit you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and another 15 in the oven, you can have these on the table in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with a sweet, smoky flavor that’s absolutely addictive.
Eye-Catching Appeal: They’re not just delicious; these shrimp look fancy and are sure to impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you want to treat yourself to a tasty snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: With minor tweaks, you could make these gluten-free or dairy-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined): Look for high-quality shrimp, preferably fresh or sustainably sourced. Thaw them properly in the fridge if frozen.
1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds): Bacon adds that crispy, smoky contrast to the sweet shrimp. If you want a leaner option, turkey bacon can work, though the texture will differ.
4 tablespoons butter (melted): This adds a rich flavor to the shrimp. You can substitute with olive oil for a lighter touch.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed brings brightness and balances the richness of the bacon. If you don’t have fresh, bottled is fine.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
½ teaspoon black pepper: A little zing to complement our sweet and smoky mix.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds just enough heat to play nicely with the sweetness.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle garlic flavor enhances the overall taste without overwhelming the shrimp.
⅓ cup brown sugar: The sweetness of brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating an incredible glaze.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking tray with foil for easy cleanup, then lightly grease it with cooking spray. This ensures that your bacon-wrapped shrimp won’t stick and allows the fat to render, enhancing crispiness.

Marinate the Shrimp: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. This marinade will infuse the shrimp with savory goodness. Pour the marinade over the thawed shrimp and let them soak for 15 minutes while your oven warms up. You’ll notice the shrimp absorbing the flavors as they sit.

Wrap the Shrimp: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it securely around each marinated shrimp, ensuring that it overlaps slightly. At this point, you’ll want to secure the bacon with a toothpick and arrange them on the prepared baking tray, allowing space between each one. This helps the bacon crisp up nicely and prevents sticking.

Sweeten the Deal: Once all the shrimp are wrapped and placed on the tray, sprinkle half of the brown sugar evenly over them. The sugar will melt and caramelize during baking, adding a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon.

First Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 7–8 minutes. They’ll start to sizzle and smell amazing. You know it’s time to unwind those tasty morsels when they’re bubbling around the edges.

Flip & Finish Baking: After the initial bake, carefully flip each shrimp over using tongs. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top of each piece, letting it coat the freshly exposed bacon. Return to the oven and bake for another 7–8 minutes or until the shrimp look pink and the bacon is beautifully crispy. The melted brown sugar will create a glaze that will have guests clamoring for more!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about 3 days. If you plan on freezing, wrap each piece individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag—these can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You might notice that the bacon isn’t as crispy upon reheating, but a quick broil for a minute or two at the end can help refresh that delightful texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the shrimp have enough space on your baking tray to ensure even cooking and crisping.
Keep It Room Temperature: Let your shrimp sit out about 15 minutes before marinating; they’ll absorb flavors better this way.
Watch Closely When Baking: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your shrimp in the last few minutes to avoid burning the bacon.
Try Different Spices: Feel free to experiment! A dash of smoked paprika or a sweet chili sauce can add a unique twist.
Prep Ahead: You can wrap the shrimp and store them in the refrigerator up to a day in advance, making entertaining a breeze.

As these bacon-wrapped shrimp come out of the oven, you’ll be left with a platter of irresistible treats that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! The savory, sweet combination paired with that crispy texture is sure to become a favorite in your home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and flavors; after all, a little creativity in the kitchen leads to the most delightful discoveries. Enjoy each and every bite, and share the happiness they bring with those around you!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! While jumbo shrimp offer substantial bites, smaller shrimp will work just as well. Keep in mind that they may require slightly less baking time. Just ensure your bacon is still properly cooked and crisp!

Can I make these bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead of time?

You sure can! You can prepare the shrimp and wrap them with bacon ahead of time, even the night before. Cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake; it makes last-minute entertaining simple!

What dipping sauces pair well with bacon-wrapped shrimp?

Consider a zesty cocktail sauce or a creamy garlic aioli to compliment the flavors wonderfully. A drizzle of sriracha or sweet chili sauce can also kick things up a notch if you’re feeling adventurous.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and curl slightly. The bacon should be crispy at the same time. If you’re unsure, a quick kitchen thermometer can help; shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 120°F.