Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Bites

Bacon wrapped shrimp brings together smoky savory bacon and juicy sweet shrimp for an appetizer everyone remembers. Whenever friends come over for game night or a casual gathering, this dish disappears first. Its crispy bacon shell and perfectly cooked shrimp make it a favorite for celebrations and cozy nights in.

It is always a hit at parties and disappears fast. I started making these for my family s holidays but now we find excuses to whip up a batch even for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Choose the biggest you can find for a stunning presentation and meaty bite If you use smaller ones adjust the bacon size
• Bacon: Look for regular cut not thick cut so it crisps up perfectly Thin cut crisps too much and may not hold the shrimp
• Olive oil: Provides just enough moisture and helps seasonings stick Go for a robust and fresh bottle for the best flavor
• Garlic powder: Layers on subtle flavor and aroma
• Smoked paprika: Delivers depth and smokiness Spanish smoked paprika is lovely here if you have it
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the taste
• Salt: Seasons both the bacon and shrimp Use a flaky sea salt for extra pop
• Brown sugar: Sprinkling a touch before baking adds caramel notes and beautiful color Optional but delicious
• Lemon wedges: Brightens every bite Squeeze over just before serving
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for color and a fresh herby finish Optional but makes it look festive

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Shrimp:

Make sure your shrimp are peeled deveined and patted dry with paper towels for best browning and flavor absorption

Season the Shrimp:

In a mixing bowl toss shrimp with olive oil garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper Coat evenly so every piece is well seasoned

Wrap with Bacon:

Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each shrimp Secure with a toothpick If you like a sweet finish sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar over each wrapped shrimp

Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Place shrimp on a lined baking sheet with a little space between each to ensure bacon crisps on all sides

Bake to Crisp Perfection:

Slide the tray into a hot oven Bake at four hundred degrees for around fifteen to twenty minutes Flip each one halfway through so every side gets sizzling and crispy

Finish and Serve:

Remove shrimp from the oven Let cool slightly Pull out toothpicks if you prefer Scatter chopped parsley and serve right away with lemon wedges for zesty freshness

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My niece always asks to help wrap the shrimp and bacon even at six years old she knows this snack gets snapped up fast at family parties

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge They stay fresh for up to two days If you want to make them ahead wrap the shrimp but wait to bake until closer to serving time When ready reheat gently on a baking sheet so the bacon reheats and stays crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey bacon can stand in for pork bacon if you prefer something leaner You can also use jumbo prawns for an even more substantial bite For seasoning sweet paprika is a fine swap if you do not have smoked paprika

Serving Suggestions

Serve these right from the oven with fresh lemon wedges on a party platter For something extra offer a dipping sauce made from honey mustard or a tangy sriracha mayo They also pair beautifully with a simple green salad or as a topper on creamy grits for a coastal main dish

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A Little Context

Wrapping shrimp in cured meat is a classic Spanish tapas tradition Often called gambas con tocino this technique also appears throughout Southern cuisines in the US The combination of bacon and shrimp celebrates the best of land and sea and always brings a little celebration to your table

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you prevent bacon from unwrapping during cooking?

Secure each bacon strip with a toothpick before baking to keep it tightly wrapped around the shrimp.

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp hold up well in the oven, ensuring juicy centers and even cooking.

→ Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of cayenne for spice or substituting Italian herbs for a flavor variation.

→ How do I achieve extra crisp bacon?

Arrange shrimp so they do not touch and consider broiling the final minute for extra crispness.

→ Is marinating the shrimp necessary?

Marinating isn't required, but tossing shrimp in olive oil and spices just before wrapping infuses ample flavor.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the shrimp and bacon in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake for convenience.