The Best & Easiest Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe

What are Water Chestnuts? Are they nuts?

What Ingredients are used to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts?

Bacon wrapped chestnuts use simple ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. The sauce is made with a combination of ketchup, sweet brown sugar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

Whole water chestnuts are wrapped in cut smoky bacon strips, then secured with a tooth pick. the wrapped water chestnuts are then coated in the sauce mixture.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts – Overview

You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make homemade bacon wrapped water chestnuts!

The process for making the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts was very simple. Combine ketchup with brown sugar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce then the water chestnuts are wrapped in (halved) bacon slices and secured with toothpicks.  

I dropped each bacon wrapped chestnut into the sauce mixture in the mixing bowl and gently folded them into the sauce so that each little one was completely covered.  I then cooked them in the oven on a broiler pan (no need to drain the bacon grease) and when they were done…

I almost have no words for how amazing they taste!

Serve immediately. The magic to these delicious little bites is in the sauce.  A scrumptious combination of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder give each bite a wonderful sweet and smoky flavour.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Personally, I feel that bacon wrapped water chestnuts are best when cooked in the oven so that the bacon becomes more crip, however if you prefer, you can try other another cooking method, such as in a slow cooker or an instant pot.

If you do choose to cook them with these methods, you may need to finish them off in the oven under the broiler in order to get the right crispness for the bacon.

To make in a slow cooker:

Layer the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, or until the bacon is cooked to your liking.

To make in an Instant Pot:

Place the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Recipe Variations

There are so many fun ways to put a twist on these Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts!

For a Sweeter Version
If you’re looking to add a little extra sweetness, try mixing some honey into the sauce. It creates a beautiful glaze that pairs perfectly with the savory bacon and gives each bite a lovely caramelized finish.

For a Spicier Version
For a touch of heat, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on the bacon before wrapping it around the water chestnut. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish—perfect for those who love a hint of spice!

Alternative Flavors of Bacon
Experiment with different types of bacon to bring out unique flavors. Applewood smoked bacon adds a rich, smoky depth, while hickory smoked intensifies that flavor even more. Maple bacon provides a subtle sweetness, and pepper bacon offers a bit of spice. For a leaner option, turkey bacon is a great choice! Want to elevate the flavor even further? Try using thinly sliced pancetta or prosciutto for a special twist.

Vegetarian Alternatives
For a vegetarian twist, wrap the water chestnuts in thin strips of eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of bacon. These alternatives give a satisfying texture and pack plenty of flavor, making them perfect for guests who don’t eat meat.

Adding Umami
To add more depth to the sauce, consider a splash of soy sauce for an extra hint of umami. Just remember, a little goes a long way—try about a teaspoon, as the bacon already adds natural saltiness.

Ketchup Alternatives
Not a fan of ketchup? Swap it out for barbecue sauce—Sweet Baby Ray’s is one of my favorites! Or, for an entirely different flavor experience, try using teriyaki sauce. It adds a deliciously sweet and savory combination that’s hard to resist! 😋

Frequently Asked Questions

What should Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts be cooked in?

For this recipe, I recommend using a broiler pan for the best results, as it allows the bacon grease to drain away while cooking, helping the bacon to crisp up nicely. However, if you don’t have a broiler pan, you can use a glass baking dish. Just be sure to carefully spoon out any excess bacon grease halfway through cooking to avoid it from pooling and making the bacon soggy.

Do you rinse canned water chestnuts?

Yes, rinsing the canned water chestnuts is important! Before using them, place the chestnuts in a small strainer and run cold water over them to remove any residue from the can. After rinsing, let them drain for a few minutes to ensure there's no excess moisture before wrapping them with the bacon. This helps the bacon adhere better and prevents splattering during cooking.

Do you have to use water chestnuts?

While water chestnuts give this recipe a delightful crunch, you can definitely substitute them if needed. Button mushrooms or small pearl onions make great alternatives, though they’ll have a softer texture. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the substitute, so check them periodically to ensure the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.

Storage, Make-Ahead, and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts (though they’re usually devoured in no time!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating Instructions
To reheat, the best method is to use the oven to bring back that crispiness! Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon is nice and crispy again.

Make-Ahead Preparation
Need to prep ahead of time? No problem! You can prepare Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts a day in advance. Follow the recipe steps, but instead of baking them, place the wrapped water chestnuts and sauce in a mixing bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. For best results, remove them from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking to bring them closer to room temperature—this helps them cook more evenly.

Freezing Uncooked Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Freezing uncooked bacon-wrapped water chestnuts is another great way to prep ahead! After wrapping, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to cook, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Should Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts be served Warm or Cold?

Bacon wrapped water chestnuts are best when served warm, but they're fine at room temperature. If you'd like to keep them warm when serving for a special occasion, you could try putting them in a small crock pot to keep them warm.

In all honesty though, these have been so popular when I've served them that they're usually devoured by everyone before they have a chance to cool down! ❤️😂 

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

These tasty little appetizers are so versatile and can be paired with a variety of other dishes, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving them for a holiday like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, or just putting together a fun spread for a casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit.

If you’re looking for more ideas to complement your Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts, I recommend browsing through my appetizers section, where you’ll find plenty of other delicious options. Planning a game day? Check out the game day snacks for some irresistible, easy-to-eat bites. And, if you’re hosting a holiday event, don’t forget to explore my holiday recipes for more crowd-pleasing ideas.

No matter how you serve them, Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are sure to be the star of your appetizer table!