Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Name: Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 pieces
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Ingredients: 24 jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined with tails on; 12 slices bacon (thin-cut preferred), cut in half crosswise; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon salt; 24 wooden toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes; For garnish:; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped; Lemon wedges for serving

These Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp combine succulent jumbo shrimp with perfectly crisp bacon for an irresistible appetizer that balances savory, smoky, and seafood flavors. Each large shrimp is wrapped in a strip of bacon that crisps beautifully in the oven while the shrimp remains tender and juicy. A touch of maple and cayenne in the glaze creates a sweet-spicy finish that caramelizes during cooking, adding depth and complexity. Whether served at cocktail parties, game day gatherings, or holiday celebrations, these bacon-wrapped treasures disappear quickly and always earn rave reviews. The combination of textures—crispy bacon exterior and tender shrimp interior—makes each bite a perfect harmony of flavor and mouthfeel.

How to Make Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Strategic Bacon Pre-Cooking

Partial cooking ensures synchronized doneness of bacon and shrimp.

Perfect Wrapping Technique

Proper overlap and securing method for ideal bacon coverage.

Elevated Cooking Setup

Wire rack placement ensures even air circulation for maximum crispness.

Two-Stage Cooking Approach

Baking followed by brief broiling creates optimal texture contrast.

Baking Tips

Use jumbo or extra-large shrimp for the best bacon-to-shrimp ratio.

Thin-cut bacon works best as it crisps more quickly and wraps more easily around the shrimp.

Partially cooking the bacon before wrapping ensures the bacon and shrimp finish cooking at the same time.

Soaking the toothpicks prevents them from burning in the oven.

For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.

These can be prepared up to 6 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

24 jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined with tails on

12 slices bacon (thin-cut preferred), cut in half crosswise

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

24 wooden toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine maple syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a glaze.

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in the bowl with the glaze and toss gently to coat evenly.

Partially cook the bacon: place bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover with another paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes until bacon is partially cooked but still pliable. This step ensures the bacon will crisp up in the oven without overcooking the shrimp.

Wrap each shrimp with a half slice of bacon, starting at the head and working toward the tail, leaving the tail exposed.

Secure each bacon-wrapped shrimp with a soaked toothpick, threading it through so the shrimp maintains a C-shape.

Arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they're not touching.

Brush any remaining glaze over the bacon-wrapped shrimp.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the shrimp are pink and opaque, turning halfway through cooking time.

For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.

Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped chives, and serve with lemon wedges.

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Ingredients

Instructions