Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Name: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed); 1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds); 4 tablespoons butter (melted); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ⅓ cup brown sugar

Published by:Jennifer December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

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Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crisp, smoky bite of bacon wrapped shrimp, where tender, juicy shrimp meet crunchy bacon in a sweet and savory marriage of flavors. The aroma fills the kitchen as these delightful morsels roast in the oven, the scent of bacon beckoning you closer. With a beautiful golden finish and the promise of deliciousness in every bite, they’re perfect for any gathering or simply as a satisfying snack with friends.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

I still remember the first time I made bacon wrapped shrimp for my family during a summer barbecue. The amazing combination of flavors had everyone raving, and I loved how quick and easy it was to whip up. Now, these little bites of joy are my go-to appetizer, and I can’t help but feel excited as I prepare them for special occasions or even just a cozy night in. Let’s get the oven preheated because you’ll want to try making these sweet and spicy delights for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings.
Irresistible Flavor: The mix of buttery, sweet brown sugar with a hint of spice gives a burst of flavor with every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These vibrant bites look impressive and taste gourmet, yet they are so easy to make!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game days, or even as a snack during movie night.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free if you use clean bacon, plus easily adaptable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed): Choose large shrimp for a satisfying bite; if frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking for even flavor and texture.
1 lb sliced bacon (cut into thirds): Regular or thick-cut bacon works great here. The fat from the bacon adds richness, but turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option.
4 tablespoons butter (melted): This adds a lovely richness to the shrimp but can be swapped for olive oil if you prefer a lighter option.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors; bottled juice will do in a pinch but may lack freshness.
½ teaspoon salt: Helps to enhance all the flavors; adjust to taste if you’re watching your sodium intake.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives a nice kick; you can use more if you like it spicier.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle heat—you can skip this for a milder version or increase it for extra zing!
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: This enhances the savory notes; fresh minced garlic can be used as well if you prefer.
⅓ cup brown sugar: The sweetness balances the savory bacon; light or dark brown sugar works wonderfully here.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F and lining a large rimmed baking tray with foil. This not only aids in easy cleanup but gives you that perfectly crispy finish. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray for extra non-stick assurance.

Marinate the Shrimp: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder until well blended. Pour this marinade over the shrimp and let them soak in all those glorious flavors for about 15 minutes while your oven heats up.

Wrap and Secure: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around one marinated shrimp, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange each shrimp on the prepared baking tray, gleefully wrapping all your shrimp until they are ready for the oven. It’s like little presents waiting to be unwrapped!

Sweeten It Up: Once your shrimp are arranged, sprinkle half of the brown sugar evenly over the bacon-wrapped treats. This sugars will caramelize beautifully, creating that irresistible glaze.

Bake and Flip: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake those beauties for 7-8 minutes. Once you see the edges of the bacon starting to crisp, flip each shrimp over and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar on top for an extra crunchy finish. Return them to the oven for another 7-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the bacon looks delightfully crispy.

Storing & Reheating

For storage, let your bacon wrapped shrimp cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, individually wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat the oven to 350°F, place them on a baking sheet, and reheating for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Be mindful that the texture of the bacon may change a bit, but they will still taste fantastic.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t crowd the baking tray! This allows for better air circulation and crispiness. Use two trays if needed.
The shrimp should be dried thoroughly before marinating to help the bacon crisp up better.
Feel free to switch up the seasonings based on your preferences; smoked paprika or a pinch of chili powder would work nicely too!
Ensuring your bacon is not overly thick helps the shrimp cook evenly while keeping it crispy.
Want to prepare ahead? Assemble your bacon-wrapped shrimp and store them in the fridge before baking!

It’s hard to resist the allure of bacon wrapped shrimp! These lovely bites are packed with flavor, seamlessly combining sweetness and spice into a luxurious appetizer that puts smiles on faces. Don’t hesitate to mix up the seasonings, and let your creativity shine! Enjoy every crispy, savory morsel, whether at a gathering or as a personal treat!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. This will help the bacon crisp up nicely.

What kind of bacon is best?

Thick-cut bacon is excellent for wrapping shrimp since it holds its shape better while cooking. Regular sliced bacon works as well, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the bacon wrapped shrimp, secure them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you can pop them in the oven right before serving.

How do I make these spicy?

To amp up the heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or incorporating a dash of hot sauce into the marinade. A sprinkle of chili flakes on top before serving can also kick things up a notch!