Irresistible BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer for Any Gathering
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are a simple appetizer recipe that works for any holiday gathering! With only a few simple ingredients, you get a sticky delicious glaze with savory bacon and tender shrimp. They are ready in less than 30 minutes!
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.
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About These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
When it comes to entertaining, especially during the festive holiday season or any gathering where good food is a must, I’m always on the hunt for appetizers that deliver big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. We all love to impress our guests, but let’s be real, time is a precious commodity. That’s why this BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe has become a true favorite – it’s a total flavor bomb that comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Growing up, the go-to holiday appetizer I frequently encountered was bacon-wrapped water chestnuts. While I’ve always been a huge fan of bacon, water chestnuts never quite hit the mark for me. The texture just didn’t quite mesh with the crispy, salty goodness of bacon.
Why Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Are a Game-Changer
This recipe takes the beloved concept of bacon-wrapped delights and elevates it significantly by pairing crispy bacon with tender, juicy shrimp. The delicate sweetness of shrimp is perfectly complemented by the smoky, savory notes of bacon, creating an irresistible combination that’s far superior to its water chestnut predecessor (in my humble opinion, of course!). But why stop at just plain bacon-wrapped shrimp when you can take them to a whole new level with a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet BBQ glaze?
The Magic of Head Country BBQ Sauce
When I talk about BBQ sauce, there’s one brand that consistently comes to mind: Head Country. For those new to my culinary adventures, Head Country Bar-B-Q is my absolute go-to for all things BBQ sauces and seasonings. Simply put, their sauces are incredibly good – rich, bold, and perfectly balanced with sweet and savory notes. It all started with their original sauce, which is a true classic, and they’ve since expanded into a delightful variety of flavors that I adore.
For this particular BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe, I decided to venture beyond their classic Original sauce (though it would be fantastic here too!) and opted for the Head Country Bar-B-Q Apple Habanero Sauce. This sauce brings a unique profile with the crisp, sweet flavor of apples perfectly balanced by a subtle hint of habanero heat. It’s a lighter, more vibrant sauce that makes it incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with chicken, pork, and especially delicate shrimp. The fruity sweetness cuts through the richness of the bacon, while the mild spice adds an exciting kick without overpowering the dish.
This simple, quick, and always-a-winner recipe combines the juicy shrimp and savory bacon with that irresistible sticky glaze. The result is a bite-sized “flavor bomb” that’s impossible to resist. Seriously, you might want to consider making a double batch, because these disappear fast!
Key Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish relies on a few high-quality, simple ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting them:
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp are your best friend here! Smaller varieties are simply too fiddly and difficult to wrap neatly with bacon. Going with jumbo (or even colossal) shrimp ensures a substantial bite and makes the wrapping process much easier. When purchasing, look for raw shrimp, either fresh or frozen. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. It’s crucial to clean and devein them thoroughly, following the instructions below, and leave the tails on for a convenient handle and an appealing presentation.
Selecting Your Bacon
Bacon: I highly recommend using thick-cut bacon. Its robust flavor stands up well to the BBQ sauce and shrimp, and it crisps up beautifully without disappearing. While regular-cut bacon can certainly be used, be mindful that it will cook faster, so keep a closer eye on it to prevent overcooking. You’ll want to cut each strip in half width-wise to get the right size for wrapping individual shrimp.
The Star of the Show: BBQ Sauce
BBQ Sauce: This is where the magic happens! As mentioned, my top choice is Head Country Bar-B-Q Apple Habanero Sauce for its unique blend of sweet and spicy. However, feel free to use any Head Country BBQ sauce flavor you love, or even your favorite brand if you prefer. A classic smoky or a tangy vinegar-based sauce would also pair wonderfully. The key is to use a good quality sauce that will glaze well and add depth of flavor.
Simple Seasonings and Fresh Garnish
Spices: A simple seasoning of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and bacon before they’re wrapped and glazed. This allows the BBQ sauce to truly shine.
Parsley: If you know me, you know I believe in the power of garnish! It’s that small extra touch that makes a dish feel special, especially when serving guests. Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a welcome hint of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens up the rich appetizer. Don’t skip this easy step – it truly sets the dish apart.
Essential Equipment
The beauty of this BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe isn’t just in its flavor, but also in its simplicity regarding kitchen tools. You won’t need any fancy gadgets. To ensure perfectly crispy bacon and evenly cooked shrimp, a baking rack placed inside a rimmed half sheet baking pan is essential. The rack allows air to circulate around the shrimp, promoting even cooking and preventing the bacon from getting soggy in its own grease. That’s really all you need!
Of course, you’ll also want to have a bottle of your chosen BBQ sauce handy, such as the delicious Head Country Bar-B-Q Apple Habanero Sauce, which you can find through their website or at most local grocery stores.
How to Make BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Step-by-Step
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, ensuring a delicious result with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for perfectly glazed, crispy, and tender BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp:
Prepare and Wrap the Shrimp
First, preheat your oven to 375˚F (190°C). While the oven heats, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and place a wire baking rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Next, meticulously prepare your shrimp. Remove the shells from the shrimp, making sure to leave the tails on for presentation and easy handling. If any shrimp aren’t already deveined, take a moment to do so. Once cleaned, pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels; this helps the seasonings and bacon adhere better. Season them lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing gently to ensure an even coat.
Now for the wrapping! Take one half-slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around the body of each seasoned shrimp. Position the shrimp seam-side down on your prepared baking rack. This clever trick eliminates the need for toothpicks to secure the bacon, as the weight of the shrimp helps hold the bacon in place as it cooks. Repeat this process with the remaining shrimp and bacon.
Once all your shrimp are wrapped, generously brush each one with your chosen BBQ sauce. Don’t be shy – a good coating now will build that beautiful glaze!
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet with the shrimp into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. During this time, the shrimp will cook through, and the bacon will begin to render its fat and partially crisp up.
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the shrimp from the oven. At this stage, you’ll apply another generous layer of BBQ sauce. This second brushing is key to creating that irresistible sticky, caramelized glaze that makes these appetizers so addictive.
The Broil for Crispy Bacon
Return the baking sheet to the oven and switch your oven to the ‘Broil’ setting on High. Broil for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on the shrimp during this step, as broiler temperatures vary greatly, and things can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly! The goal here is to get that bacon wonderfully crisp and the BBQ glaze nicely caramelized without overcooking the shrimp. Once the bacon is golden brown and crispy, remove the shrimp from the oven immediately.
Garnish your finished BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with freshly chopped parsley. Serve them hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if your guests desire an extra flavor boost. These are best enjoyed immediately!
Other yummy BBQ-inspired snack foods: Hearty BBQ Charcuterie Board | BBQ Bacon Crack Fries | Dry Rub Wings | Skillet Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
While this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, I generally don’t recommend making BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp entirely ahead of time. They truly are best when served fresh out of the oven, when the bacon is at its crispiest, the shrimp are perfectly tender, and the glaze is wonderfully sticky. However, you can do some prep work to save time: peel and devein the shrimp, and cut the bacon strips in half. Store these separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply wrap, glaze, bake, and broil!
How Spicy Are These with Apple Habanero Sauce?
The Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce offers a fantastic balance of sweet and a gentle heat. The spice from the habanero is present but not overwhelming, providing a delightful warmth in every bite without searing your palate. It’s designed to complement, not dominate, the flavors of the shrimp and bacon. If you or your guests prefer no heat at all, you can easily substitute it with another Head Country flavor like their Original or Hickory Smoke, or any other mild BBQ sauce you enjoy. I even served these to “Babycakes” (my little one, for those who don’t know!), and he loved them, so rest assured, they are not *that* spicy!
What to Serve with BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine as part of a larger spread. Whenever I prepare them for a party or get-together, I like to offer a variety of appetizers to complement their savory-sweet profile. Here are some of my favorite pairings, perfect for any time of year:
- You simply must have something cheesy at a party! My absolute favorite cheesy dip on the site (don’t tell the other recipes!) is this spinach and artichoke goat cheese dip. It’s creamy, tangy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- For a different take on shrimp, add these vibrant New Orleans BBQ Shrimp to the mix. They offer a rich, buttery, and slightly spicy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the glazed bacon-wrapped version.
- Double down on the bacon goodness by making these elegant and addictive stuffed bacon wrapped dates. The sweetness of the dates with the salty bacon is a classic combination.
- Whether you stick with the Apple Habanero sauce or opt for a milder BBQ, I always appreciate a dish with a little extra kick. These baked crispy buffalo cauliflower bites are a fantastic option – they’re spicy, crunchy, and a delicious way to sneak in some vegetables.
- Finally, you can never go wrong with chips and dip. A fresh, vibrant cold dip like this citrus guacamole with your favorite tortilla chips is always a hit, offering a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the richer appetizers.
Love shrimp? Give our lightened up bang bang shrimp recipe a try next for another fantastic seafood appetizer!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage: If you happen to have any leftover BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp (a rare occurrence!), allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While they are best fresh, proper storage ensures they remain enjoyable later.
Reheating: For the best results when reheating, I highly recommend avoiding the microwave, as it can make the bacon chewy and the shrimp rubbery. Instead, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for just a few minutes until they are warmed through and the bacon crisps up again. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Finally, if you make this BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
equipment
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Wusthof Knife Set
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Half Sheet Pan
ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp about 18, shell on, deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce or any flavor of Head Country BBQ Sauce you love!
- 9 slices bacon thin cut cut in half
- Garnish: chopped parsley
instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a baking rack inside. Spray the rack lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
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Remove the shells from the shrimp, but leave the tails on. If needed, devein any shrimp that need it.
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Season shrimp with salt and pepper, tossing to coat.
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Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon. Place seam side down on the prepared baking rack. By placing them seam side down, there’s no need for toothpicks to secure the bacon to the shrimp! Repeat with remaining shrimp and bacon.
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Brush each shrimp with BBQ sauce generously. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush with remaining BBQ sauce.
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Turn on the broiler to High and return shrimp to the oven. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the bacon crisps up.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with additional BBQ sauce for dipping, if desired.