Bacon-wrapped shrimp are a fun and tasty treat! The crispy bacon and juicy shrimp make for a perfect combination that everyone loves. Quick to make, they also look great on a plate!
These little bites are always a hit at parties, and I can’t resist grabbing a few too many! They’re super easy to whip up, so don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best results. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp work too. Just thaw and pat them dry. I’ve found that wild-caught shrimp have a better flavor compared to farmed ones.
Bacon: I prefer thick-cut bacon for this recipe, as it crisps up beautifully and has great flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, but it might not get as crispy.
Cream Cheese: This is optional but adds creaminess. If you’d like a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cream cheese. Plus, you can skip it entirely for a lighter version!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute. I usually add a pinch more for that extra kick!
How Do I Get the Bacon Crispy While Keeping the Shrimp Juicy?
Achieving that perfect balance of crispy bacon and juicy shrimp can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Start by preheating your oven well; a hot oven helps crisp the bacon quicker.
- Wrap the shrimp tightly with bacon to ensure it stays in place and none of the shrimp is exposed.
- Brushing the bacon with olive oil or melted butter creates a golden, crunchy texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Turn the shrimp halfway through cooking to allow even crisping on both sides.
Feel free to enjoy these tasty bites as is or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce!
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
For the Creamy Filling (Optional):
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Time Needed to Make This Dish:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to get these delicious bites ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to keep things tidy.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
If you’re using cream cheese, mix it in a bowl with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well blended. This creamy filling adds a nice flavor inside the wraps!
3. Prep the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. If you decided on the cream cheese filling, spread a small amount on the shrimp’s flesh. This will make each bite extra creamy and delicious!
4. Wrap the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to wrap! Take each shrimp and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. You can secure it with a toothpick or thread it onto a soaked wooden skewer, which keeps everything in place when cooking.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the bacon get beautifully crispy as it cooks!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. It’s a good idea to turn the shrimp halfway through cooking so they crisp up evenly on both sides. Look for the bacon to be crispy and the shrimp to turn pink!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the shrimp from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a bit of color. Serve these delicious bites immediately—everyone will love them!
Enjoy your crispy, savory bacon wrapped around juicy shrimp—perfect for appetizers or casual snacking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before wrapping them with bacon. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! You can simply secure the bacon-wrapped shrimp with toothpicks instead. If you don’t have toothpicks, you can place them tightly on the baking sheet without any skewers; they’ll hold together well during cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like a little kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some chili powder or hot sauce on the shrimp before baking for added heat!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture. Enjoy!
