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

Description

This Easy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Appetizer is a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Succulent shrimp are wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, coated in a sweet and spicy butter glaze, then baked to perfection. This irresistible combination of textures and flavors makes it an unbeatable appetizer for parties or gatherings. Simple to prepare, yet utterly delicious!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Shrimp and Bacon

1 lb shrimp (about 20, cleaned, peeled, and deveined)
7 thick pieces of bacon (cut into thirds)

Glaze

4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon chipotle powder (add more if desired)

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with foil, making cleanup easy and preventing the shrimp from sticking. Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure a crispy finish while baking.
Wrap the Shrimp
Take 1/3 slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each shrimp. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place during cooking. Place the prepared shrimp on the lined baking sheet.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and chipotle powder until fully combined. This sweet and spicy glaze will give the shrimp a rich, caramelized flavor.
Brush Shrimp and Bake
Using a pastry brush, coat each shrimp generously with about 2/3 of the prepared butter glaze. Bake the shrimp for 15 minutes to allow the bacon to partially crisp and the shrimp to cook through.
Broil and Finish
Switch the oven to broil mode. Brush the shrimp with the remaining butter glaze, stirring it beforehand to keep it fully combined. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the bacon is perfectly crispy and the glaze is bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the shrimp from the oven and let them cool slightly. Plate them for serving and enjoy this delicious appetizer while it’s warm.

Notes

For a smoky twist, consider sprinkling a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the butter glaze.
Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and firm, but not rubbery.
Use thick-cut bacon for better flavor and texture balance, but ensure it’s not too fatty, so it crisps up nicely.
Keep the toothpicks in place while serving to hold the bacon securely around the shrimp.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 shrimp
Calories: 145
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg