Easy Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

These delicious water chestnuts wrapped in bacon are by far the most requested appetizer at any Holiday gathering. Made with just two ingredients, these little bite sized snacks will have everyone asking for more.

I have been obsessed with bacon wrapped water chestnuts since I tried them for the first time almost ten years ago. My husband introduced me to this water chestnut appetizer when we were dating, and I have loved them ever since.

Three reasons why this bacon wrapped water chestnuts recipe is your next go-to appetizer for the Holidays…

First of all, who doesn’t love food wrapped in bacon, am I right? Bacon wrapped appetizers are some of the easiest things to make. You can practically wrap anything in bacon and it will turn out amazing.

Second, the fact that this Holiday recipe only calls for two ingredients will help you save time and money! A can of water chestnuts costs anywhere between $1-$2 depending on where you get it from. A pack of bacon costs on average $5, which keeps this water chestnut recipe under $10!!!

And lastly, bacon wrapped water chestnuts are a great make-ahead-recipe! When you are tight on time, this Holiday appetizer going to be your go-to recipe. Prep time takes just a few minutes and you can store your uncooked bacon wrapped water chestnuts in an air tight container over night, so they are ready for baking whenever you’re ready.

Best bacon to use for this recipe

Traditional bacon is best for these water chestnuts. You are welcome to choose between hickory-smoked or applewood smoked bacon. We tried using thick-cut bacon once in the past, but honestly, it was a bit overwhelming. I don’t suggest using thick-cut bacon because it can be a little tricky to wrap your water chestnuts.

Make sure you buy the right type of water chestnuts

When you are buying your ingredients for the bacon wrapped water chestnuts, make sure that you are buying WHOLE WATER CHESTNUTS. Most stores will have two options, whole and sliced. Buying sliced water chestnuts isn’t the end of the world, but it will be a little tricky to get them wrapped when you don’t have the whole chestnut.

Optional topping for your bacon wrapped water chestnuts recipe

If you are looking to go a little above and beyond, you can try sprinkling a little bit of brown sugar over the water chestnuts wrapped in bacon before baking. My husband tried this a few times, and it turned out so delicious. Personally, I like to keep this Holiday appetizer recipe simple and low sugar, so I typically don’t add the brown sugar. But if you are inclined to do so, you will not regret it!

Lay your bacon slices on a chopping board and slice in half down the middle

Once you have sliced your bacon in half, set aside and get your water chestnuts ready by opening each can and draining the water out.

Lay a single piece of bacon flat onto your chopping board

Place a water chestnut in the middle of the bacon slice

Carefully roll the bacon over the chestnut, covering it completely

Using a single toothpick, pierce the bacon and water chestnut, securing it.

Place all your bacon wrapped water chestnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400 degrees (F) for 20 minutes on one side. Turn them and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Make ahead tips for these easy bacon wrapped water chestnuts

You can prep your water chestnuts wrapped in bacon and freeze for another day. Simply stick your baking sheet in the freezer until your bacon wrapped water chestnuts are fully frozen.

When you are ready to  make them, thaw them out at room temperature and bake according to instructions. Your raw bacon wrapped water chestnuts will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Storing your cooked bacon wrapped water chestnuts

Cooked bacon wrapped water chestnut appetizers will be good for up to 2 hours when left out on a platter. You can also keep them warm inside a slow cooker kept on a warm setting while your guests enjoy them.

If you happen to have left over water chestnuts, store them in an air tight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze your cooked bacon wrapped water chestnuts for up to 3 months.