Amazing bacon wrapped shrimp: 1 secret tip

If you’ve ever hosted a gathering, you know the pressure to produce an appetizer that is both easy and utterly show-stopping. I hear you! That’s why I perfected this Ultimate Easy Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp recipe. Seriously, these deliver everything we want: unbelievably juicy shrimp wrapped in perfectly crispy bacon, all coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. When I bring this out, it vanishes immediately—it’s a true crowd pleaser, whether it’s for a huge party or just answering that weeknight craving for something special. You don’t need fancy techniques, just a few simple ingredients treated right, and you’ll have the best appetizer around!

Why This Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe is Your New Go-To Appetizer

I’ve tested a million ways to make shrimp appetizers, but this one always wins. Why? Because it nails the texture trifecta: sweet glaze, tender center, and shatteringly crisp bacon. This recipe is the secret weapon for any host; it’s what everyone asks for when they come over, making it the definition of crowd pleaser recipes. If you need an easy shrimp appetizer that tastes like five-star cooking but takes minutes, this is it! Trust me, skip the fussy dipping sauces; the brown sugar glaze does all the heavy lifting.

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Achieving Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Every Time

Listen up, because getting that bacon crispy without overcooking the shrimp is non-negotiable! My number one tip here is using thin-cut bacon—it cooks through faster and gets crispier during the short bake time. Second, never skip the wire rack! Placing the crispy bacon wrapped shrimp on a rack allows air to circulate underneath, preventing that sad, soggy bottom layer. The oven method is quick, but those two steps are what guarantee bacon perfection.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Here is exactly what you need to grab before you start mixing. Don’t skip the prep notes on the ingredients—they make a huge difference later! For this sweet and savory magic, we are using large shrimp that have been fully peeled and deveined. I always grab thin-cut bacon and cut those strips in half crosswise because thick bacon just takes too long; we want fast, crispy results for this glazed bacon shrimp recipe.

The absolute must-do step, which I noted in the instructions, is soaking your toothpicks! Make sure you do that right away so they don’t catch fire in the oven. You’ll combine brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon, and some garlic powder for that incredible glaze you see everyone raving about.

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of black pepper
• Toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Step-by-Step Instructions

This process moves fast once you get going, which is why this dish is so perfect for impromptu gatherings! We want everything hot and ready to go before the shrimp hits the rack. First things first: get your oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) and line that baking sheet with foil, making sure you set your wire rack right on top. That rack is our best friend for achieving that all-around crispiness we talked about.

Preparing the Sweet and Savory Glaze for Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Mixing the glaze is so satisfying because you can immediately smell that sweet and savory punch coming together. I whisk the brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon, and seasonings right in a small bowl. This glaze is what elevates this from just bacon-wrapped seafood to a true glazed bacon shrimp recipe. It perfectly cuts through the saltiness of the bacon. Honestly, you just whisk until it looks smooth!

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Wrapping and Baking Your Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Here’s where technique matters! Take your time after mixing the glaze to pat those shrimp absolutely bone-dry—seriously, use a few paper towels. Wet shrimp means soggy bacon, and we won’t stand for that when making oven baked bacon shrimp. Wrap each one tightly with a half-strip of bacon and secure it with a water-soaked toothpick. Brush half your glaze over the top and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Then, pull them out, brush with the remaining glaze, and pop them back in for 3 to 5 more minutes. Watch closely those last few minutes so that glaze caramelizes beautifully without burning!

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Expert Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Even though this is one of my easiest recipes, a few insider tricks can take your bacon wrapped shrimp from great to legendary. If you’re short on time or need them extra flashy for best appetizers for gatherings, try the quick broil finish! After the second glaze application, switch your oven to broil for the final minute or two. You have to stand right there and watch them—seriously, step away from your phone—because that sugary glaze can go from perfect to burnt in 15 seconds flat.

Also, remember to size up! While you can technically wrap cocktail shrimp, I strongly recommend using large or jumbo sizes (21/25 count). Bigger shrimp hold up better to the bacon wrapper, and frankly, they are easier to handle and secure with those toothpicks. This ensures every single bite is satisfying.

Variations: Beyond Basic Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

While the simple glazed version is a total winner, sometimes you need a little extra razzle-dazzle when those party invites pile up! That’s when we bring out the stuffing. If you’re looking to make these next level famous, you have to try the stuffed bacon wrapped shrimp variation. It adds heat, creaminess, and another layer of texture that folks absolutely go wild for.

My favorite way to go big is by making Jalapeño and Cheese Stuffed Shrimp before wrapping them in bacon. You just slice open a jalapeño, scoop out the seeds (be careful!), stuff it with a little cream cheese mixture, and then wrap that whole delicious package in bacon. It takes a few extra minutes of prep, but when you bring out those shiny, spicy bites, you’ll understand why some people swear by it. You can see one of the famous stuffed versions floating around Pinterest right here if you want inspiration!

Serving Suggestions for Your Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

These simple seafood bites shine all on their own, but presentation really makes them sing when you’re serving them up for big party food ideas. Since they have that sweet brown sugar glaze, they pair beautifully with something bright on the side. I love setting them out with small wedges of fresh lemon or lime; a quick squeeze cuts the richness perfectly!

For a platter, arrange them neatly around a small bowl of slightly tangy coleslaw or serve them alongside a fresh green salad, like my favorite spinach and mandarin orange selection. They also make a fantastic addition to any holiday appetizer spread—just make sure you have lots of cocktail napkins ready!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

I hope you have leftovers, because that means you made a huge batch! If you do manage to keep a few of these amazing quick weeknight shrimp around, store them in an airtight container in the fridge; they usually last about three days. Now, reheating is where we have to be smart! Please don’t grab the microwave; it turns amazing crispy bacon into chewy frustration.

To get that bacon crisp back, you’ll want to use either a toaster oven or the regular oven set to about 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. If you have an air fryer, definitely use that! Just a few minutes at 325°F will bring them right back to life. They taste almost as good the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

I know you might still have a few little questions buzzing around, because I certainly did when I was first perfecting these babies! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re aiming for that perfect combination of juicy seafood and crispy pork. Here are the top things folks always ask me about making the absolute best bacon wrapped shrimp.

Can I cook bacon wrapped shrimp in the air fryer?

Oh, absolutely, you can! The air fryer is fantastic for getting that super crispy texture we love without turning on the big oven, which is great when you’re looking for quick weeknight shrimp. For the air fryer, I recommend setting the temperature slightly lower, around 375°F, and cooking them in batches so you don’t overcrowd the basket. They usually only take about 10 to 12 minutes total, so keep a really close eye on them after the first 7 minutes to see when they look perfectly browned!

What kind of shrimp works best for bacon wrapped shrimp?

For this recipe, use large or jumbo shrimp—that’s my firm rule for the best results! Smaller shrimp will get completely dwarfed by the bacon, and the bacon might end up taking longer to crisp up than the shrimp needs to cook, which results in overdone seafood. Also, this is crucial: make sure they are peeled *and* deveined before you start wrapping. You want that clean bite, and nobody wants to find a tough little vein in their perfectly glazed bacon shrimp recipe bite!

How do I prevent the bacon from falling off the shrimp?

This is the biggest fear, right? You don’t want to end up with a pile of naked shrimp and crispy bacon bits scattered on your baking sheet! The secret to mastering how to make bacon wrapped shrimp is the wrapping technique and the toothpick prep. First, wrap it tight! It should look like a little bacon cocoon around the middle of the shrimp. Second, make absolutely sure your toothpicks are soaked for at least 10 minutes beforehand. If they are dry, they can sometimes splinter or even ignite under the broiler, and we definitely don’t want that!

Nutritional Estimates for Glazed Bacon Shrimp Recipe

I always get questions about the numbers, especially since we’re coating these beauties in bacon and a brown sugar glaze! While this recipe comes out tasting incredibly rich, using lean protein like shrimp keeps it relatively friendly. Please remember, these numbers are just my best guess based on the ingredients I use, so your actual nutritional breakdown might shift a tiny bit based on specific cuts of bacon or natural variations in ingredients.

If you’re watching macros or just curious about what’s in that indulgent bite, here’s a quick breakdown for a standard serving size of about four pieces of the glazed bacon shrimp recipe:

• Serving Size: 4 shrimp pieces
• Calories: 180
• Fat: 10g (with 4g saturated fat)
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 14g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 350mg

See? Not bad at all for something that tastes this decadent! It’s a perfect example of how bacon wrapped shrimp can fit into a balanced meal plan when portioned correctly. Now go ahead and make a big batch!

Ultimate Easy Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp (Oven Baked)

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Make this ultimate easy glazed bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe for an impressive appetizer or quick weeknight meal. You get juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. This recipe is a true crowd pleaser for any gathering.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Oven Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of black pepper
• Toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels. This step helps the bacon crisp up.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and pepper to create the glaze.
4. Take one piece of shrimp and wrap it tightly with one half-strip of bacon. Secure the bacon with a soaked toothpick. Repeat with all shrimp.
5. Place the wrapped shrimp on the prepared wire rack.
6. Brush about half of the glaze mixture evenly over the tops of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bacon starts to look crisp.
8. Remove the pan from the oven. Brush the remaining glaze over the shrimp.
9. Return the shrimp to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the bacon is fully crisp and the shrimp is cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Notes

• For extra crispy bacon, you can briefly broil the shrimp for the last minute of cooking, watching constantly so they do not burn.
• If you prefer a spicier glaze, add 1/4 teaspoon of chipotle powder to the glaze mixture.
• Use medium or large shrimp for the best results when wrapping with bacon.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 shrimp pieces
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 8
• Sodium: 350
• Fat: 10
• Saturated Fat: 4
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 9
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 14
• Cholesterol: 110