Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

I don't recommend using pre-cooked shrimp as they'll likely become overcooked and rubbery during the baking time needed to cook the bacon. Raw shrimp cooks perfectly in the time it takes for the bacon to become crisp, resulting in juicy, tender shrimp.

What's the best way to tell when the shrimp are done cooking?

Perfectly cooked shrimp will be pink all over with no gray or translucent spots. They should have a slight curve to them (like a "C" shape), but if they've curled into a tight ring, they may be overcooked. The bacon should be crisp and the glaze caramelized.

Can I make this recipe without the sugar for a less sweet version?

Absolutely! You can reduce the brown sugar or replace it with a savory alternative like a spice rub. However, the sugar does help with caramelization and balances the spicy chipotle wonderfully, so I'd suggest trying it as written first.

Can I grill these instead of baking them?

Yes, these work beautifully on the grill! Prepare them the same way, then grill over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with the glaze throughout cooking. Just watch carefully as the sugar can burn quickly on direct heat.

Easy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe

Name: Easy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp (about 20, cleaned, peeled, and deveined); 7 thick pieces of bacon (cut into thirds); 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tablespoon chipotle powder (add more if desired)

This irresistible bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizer combines succulent shrimp with savory bacon, all glazed in a sweet and spicy chipotle-brown sugar butter that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an impressive yet simple appetizer that disappears from the plate almost as quickly as you can serve it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Show-Stopping Flavor: The combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Quick and Simple: With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have an elegant appetizer ready in half an hour.
Perfect for Entertaining: These bacon-wrapped beauties look impressive but require very little effort, making them ideal for everything from holiday parties to game day gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even seafood skeptics can’t resist the allure of bacon! This appetizer consistently wins over everyone who tries it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp work best here – they’re easier to wrap and create a better meat-to-bacon ratio. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined with tails on for easy handling.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is essential as it provides structure and won’t overcook before the shrimp is done. The robust flavor stands up beautifully to the sweetness in the glaze.
Butter: Salted butter creates the base for our glaze, adding richness and helping everything caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Brown Sugar: This adds that irresistible sweet element that balances the savory bacon and spicy chipotle. It also helps create that beautiful caramelization.
Chipotle Powder: Brings a perfect smoky heat that elevates this dish from good to unforgettable. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Honey Garlic: Replace the brown sugar with honey and add 2 minced garlic cloves
Maple Bourbon: Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar and add a splash of bourbon to the glaze
Teriyaki Style: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and replace brown sugar with pineapple juice reduction
Cajun Kick: Swap the chipotle for Cajun seasoning for a different spice profile

Serving Options

Thread 3-4 wrapped shrimp onto skewers for an elegant presentation
Serve with lime wedges for a fresh, citrusy finish
Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions before serving

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with foil and preheat your oven to 400°F. The foil makes cleanup incredibly easy, especially since the sugar mixture will caramelize and could otherwise stick.

Step 2: Wrap the Shrimp

Cut each slice of thick bacon into thirds. Wrap each piece of shrimp with one bacon third, securing with a toothpick. Arrange them on the baking sheet with a little space between each one.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and chipotle powder until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.

Step 4: First Brush

Generously brush about two-thirds of the butter mixture onto the wrapped shrimp, making sure to coat all sides. The first coating will soak in and flavor the shrimp as it cooks.

Step 5: Bake

Place the shrimp in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The bacon will start to cook and the sugar will begin to caramelize.

Step 6: Final Glaze and Broil

Remove the shrimp from the oven and switch to broil. Give the remaining butter mixture a quick stir and brush the shrimp one more time. This second coating creates that amazing sticky, caramelized finish.

Step 7: Broil to Perfection

Broil for just 1-2 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and the bacon has crisped up. Watch carefully during this step—the difference between caramelized and burned can happen in seconds!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Bacon Cuts: Try to cut your bacon pieces as evenly as possible so they all cook at the same rate.
Pat Shrimp Dry: Before wrapping, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the bacon stick better and prevents excess moisture.
Toothpick Technique: Insert the toothpick near the tail and through the thickest part of the shrimp for the most secure hold.
Bacon Selection: Choose bacon with a good meat-to-fat ratio. Too lean and it won’t crisp properly; too fatty and it may cause flare-ups under the broiler.
Rack Option: For even crispier results, place the wrapped shrimp on a wire rack over your foil-lined baking sheet so heat circulates around them.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These bacon-wrapped shrimp are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

A zesty avocado-lime dipping sauce
Skewered alongside pineapple chunks for a tropical twist
Atop a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a heartier presentation
Alongside a crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette

Party Presentation

For an impressive appetizer spread, arrange the shrimp on a platter with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and small bowls of additional dipping sauces. The colorful presentation will have guests reaching for seconds before they’ve finished their first!

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead

You can wrap the shrimp in bacon and secure with toothpicks up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, then make the glaze and continue with baking just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bacon won’t stay as crisp, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the bacon soggy.

Freezing

While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of both the shrimp and bacon will suffer. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

I don’t recommend using pre-cooked shrimp as they’ll likely become overcooked and rubbery during the baking time needed to cook the bacon. Raw shrimp cooks perfectly in the time it takes for the bacon to become crisp, resulting in juicy, tender shrimp.
What’s the best way to tell when the shrimp are done cooking?

Perfectly cooked shrimp will be pink all over with no gray or translucent spots. They should have a slight curve to them (like a “C” shape), but if they’ve curled into a tight ring, they may be overcooked. The bacon should be crisp and the glaze caramelized.
Can I make this recipe without the sugar for a less sweet version?

Absolutely! You can reduce the brown sugar or replace it with a savory alternative like a spice rub. However, the sugar does help with caramelization and balances the spicy chipotle wonderfully, so I’d suggest trying it as written first.
Can I grill these instead of baking them?

Yes, these work beautifully on the grill! Prepare them the same way, then grill over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with the glaze throughout cooking. Just watch carefully as the sugar can burn quickly on direct heat.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe has become my go-to for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, and that sweet-spicy glaze creates the perfect bite that never fails to delight. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to something special, give these a try – they’re proof that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most impressive results!