Irresistible BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: The Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer

Welcome to your new favorite appetizer recipe! These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to elegant holiday feasts. Imagine succulent, tender shrimp enveloped in crispy, savory bacon, all glazed with a sticky, irresistible BBQ sauce. Best of all, this delightful dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice when you need a show-stopping appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.

About These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

There’s something truly special about a killer appetizer, especially during the holiday season or for any festive occasion. As a host, or when asked to bring a dish to a party, I always gravitate towards recipes that offer a huge flavor payoff without demanding hours of preparation. I’m sure many of you can relate to that sentiment – time is precious, but quality is non-negotiable!

Growing up, I remember bacon-wrapped water chestnuts making a regular appearance at holiday gatherings. While I’ve always been a fan of bacon, water chestnuts simply weren’t my cup of tea. I appreciated the effort, but longed for something a bit more, shall we say, universally appealing.

The Irresistible Combination of Shrimp and Bacon

This is where BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp truly shines. It takes the classic concept of bacon-wrapped goodness and elevates it significantly by pairing the crispy, salty bacon with juicy, delicate shrimp. But we don’t stop there! To truly make this appetizer a “flavor bomb,” we introduce a layer of incredible BBQ sauce.

And when I talk about BBQ sauce, there’s only one name that consistently comes to mind: Head Country Bar-B-Q. For those who are just joining us on the blog, Head Country has been my trusted partner for all things BBQ sauces and seasonings for a long time. Their sauces are, frankly, just undeniably good. They started with a philosophy of creating a sauce that is delicious, bold, and rich in flavor, achieving an ideal balance of sweet and savory notes. From that foundational original sauce, they’ve expanded their range to include a variety of incredible flavors that I absolutely adore.

For this particular recipe, I decided to venture beyond their classic Original sauce (which, don’t get me wrong, would be fantastic here too!) and chose their Head Country Bar-B-Q Apple Habanero Sauce. This sauce offers a unique profile: the crisp, sweet essence of apples beautifully complemented by a subtle kick of habanero heat. Its lighter consistency makes it incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with chicken, pork, and especially seafood like shrimp.

The Apple Habanero sauce forms an exquisite glaze, perfectly marrying the succulent sweetness of the shrimp with the rich, salty crunch of the bacon. The result is a simple, quick, and consistently winning recipe that guarantees rave reviews. Seriously, these little bites are so addictive that no one will be able to stop at just one! I highly recommend making a double batch to ensure there’s enough for everyone to enjoy.

Key Ingredients for Perfect BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Crafting these delicious BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp requires just a few high-quality ingredients. Choosing the right ones will make all the difference in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Jumbo Shrimp: The star of our show! I strongly recommend using jumbo shrimp (typically 16-20 count per pound). Smaller shrimp can be fiddly and difficult to wrap neatly with bacon, and they might overcook before the bacon is crispy. Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that have been peeled and deveined, leaving the tails on for presentation and easy handling. If buying shell-on, be sure to clean them thoroughly as outlined in the instructions.
• Spices: Simplicity is key here. A sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is all you need to season the shrimp. Kosher salt provides a clean, briny flavor, and fresh pepper adds a subtle kick that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• BBQ Sauce: This is where the magic happens! While I used the Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce for its delightful sweet-and-spicy balance, feel free to use your favorite Head Country flavor or any high-quality BBQ sauce you prefer. A classic smoky or sweet BBQ sauce would also work beautifully, offering a different but equally delicious flavor profile. The sauce provides the sticky glaze and deepens the overall taste.
• Bacon: The savory wrapper! I prefer using thick-cut bacon for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon renders slowly, allowing the shrimp to cook through perfectly while achieving a wonderfully crisp texture. It also provides a more substantial, flavorful bite. If you use regular-cut bacon, simply keep a closer eye on it during baking and broiling, as it will crisp up faster. Cut each strip in half widthwise to ensure enough length to wrap around the jumbo shrimp.
• Fresh Parsley: A finishing touch that makes a big difference! If you’ve followed my recipes before, you know I’m a big proponent of garnishes. A quick chop of fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color, a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor, and a welcome contrast to the rich bacon and BBQ sauce. It elevates the presentation, especially when serving a group, but is an optional addition if you’re short on time.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

One of the best things about making these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is how little specialized equipment you need. Chances are, you already have most, if not all, of these items in your kitchen. However, having the right tools can make the process even smoother and ensure the best results:

• Baking Rack: This is crucial for achieving crispy bacon. A wire rack placed inside a baking sheet allows air to circulate around the shrimp and bacon, ensuring even cooking and crisping on all sides. It also helps excess bacon fat drip away, preventing the shrimp from becoming greasy.
• Rimmed Half Sheet Baking Pan: You’ll need this to hold the baking rack and catch any drips from the bacon. Lining it with aluminum foil makes cleanup incredibly easy. A sturdy, rimmed pan prevents any juices from spilling into your oven.
• Aluminum Foil: For lining your baking sheet. This isn’t strictly necessary but is highly recommended for quick and easy cleanup after baking the bacon.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: A light spray on the baking rack prevents the bacon and shrimp from sticking, especially as the BBQ sauce caramelizes.
• Pastry Brush or Basting Brush: Essential for evenly coating the shrimp with BBQ sauce. This ensures every bite gets that sticky, flavorful glaze.
• Head Country Bar-B-Q Apple Habanero Sauce: Of course, you’ll need your chosen bottle of delicious BBQ sauce! You can find it on their website or at many local grocery stores.

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

Making these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is surprisingly straightforward, and with a few simple steps, you’ll have a platter of delectable appetizers ready in no time. Follow these instructions for perfect results every time.

Prepare and Wrap the Shrimp with Bacon

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, then place a wire baking rack on top of the foil. Lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Clean the Shrimp: If your shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, now is the time to do it. Remove the shells from the shrimp, but make sure to leave the tails on – they provide a convenient handle for eating and look great for presentation. If necessary, devein any shrimp that require it by making a shallow cut along the back and removing the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
3. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the cleaned and dried shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Wrap with Bacon: Take each jumbo shrimp and wrap it tightly with half a slice of bacon, starting from one end and spiraling towards the tail. The natural stickiness of the bacon and the shrimp usually holds the bacon in place, eliminating the need for toothpicks. Place each bacon-wrapped shrimp seam-side down on the prepared baking rack. This helps prevent the bacon from unraveling during baking. Repeat this process until all shrimp are wrapped.
5. First Glaze: Generously brush each bacon-wrapped shrimp with your chosen Head Country BBQ sauce. Ensure a good, even coat.

Bake to Perfection

1. Bake: Transfer the baking sheet with the shrimp to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes. During this time, the shrimp will cook through, and the bacon will begin to render its fat and crisp up.
2. Second Glaze: Carefully remove the shrimp from the oven. At this point, the bacon will be partially cooked and the sauce slightly caramelized. Brush the shrimp with another generous layer of BBQ sauce. This second application helps build that thick, sticky glaze and boosts the flavor.

Broil for Ultimate Crispiness

1. Broil: Return the shrimp to the oven and turn on your broiler to High. Broil for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a very close eye on them. Broiling is a quick process, and you want the bacon to become perfectly crispy and the BBQ sauce to caramelize and become sticky, but you don’t want to burn it. Remove immediately once the bacon is crisp and the glaze is bubbly.
2. Serve: Once out of the oven, transfer the hot BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra Head Country BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Other yummy BBQ-inspired snack foods: Hearty BBQ Charcuterie Board | BBQ Bacon Crack Fries | Dry Rub Wings | Skillet Southwestern BBQ Chicken Dip

Can I Prepare BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Ahead of Time?

While these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are incredibly quick and easy to make, they are undoubtedly at their absolute best when served fresh out of the oven, with the bacon perfectly crisp and the shrimp juicy and tender. Therefore, I generally don’t recommend fully cooking them far in advance.

However, if you’re looking to minimize your prep time right before a party, you can do some of the preliminary work ahead:

• Shrimp Preparation: You can peel, devein, and season the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Bacon Wrapping: You can even wrap the seasoned shrimp with bacon a few hours before baking. Arrange them on your prepared baking rack and keep them loosely covered in the refrigerator. This way, when your guests arrive, all you need to do is brush with sauce and pop them in the oven!

This approach allows you to get a head start on the prep without sacrificing the quality and ideal texture of the freshly cooked appetizer. The total cooking time is so short that baking them just before serving is truly the superior method for that irresistible crisp and tenderness.

Spice Level Unpacked

When using the Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce, these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp offer a fantastic balance of sweet and spicy. It’s not an overwhelming heat; rather, you’ll experience a delightful warmth that complements the flavors without burning your palate. Each bite delivers the crisp, sweet notes of apple upfront, followed by a gentle, pleasant habanero kick that makes them incredibly addictive.

If you or your guests prefer no heat at all, don’t worry! Head Country offers a wide variety of delicious BBQ sauces, and you can easily substitute the Apple Habanero with any of their other fantastic flavors. Their Original or Hickory Smoke flavors would also create an amazing, rich glaze without any spice.

To give you a better idea of the spice level, even little ones like Babycakes (my son) have enjoyed these, which tells you they’re not overly spicy. It’s truly a mild warmth designed to enhance, not overpower, the dish.

What to Serve with BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Whenever I whip up a batch of these glorious BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, it’s usually for a party or a festive gathering, which means they’re often part of a larger spread of delicious appetizers. These shrimp are versatile enough to pair with a wide array of other dishes, ensuring your guests have plenty of options to nibble on alongside a refreshing cocktail or two.

Here are some of my top recommendations for what to serve alongside this flavor-packed appetizer, suitable for any time of the year:

• Cheesy Dips: A party isn’t truly complete without something gooey and cheesy! My absolute favorite on the site (shhh, don’t tell the others!) is this Spinach and Artichoke Goat Cheese Dip. Its creamy texture and tangy goat cheese perfectly complement the richness of the bacon and shrimp.
• More Shrimp, Different Style: If your guests are big seafood lovers, why not add another shrimp option? These New Orleans BBQ Shrimp offer a completely different flavor profile with their buttery, peppery sauce, adding variety to your appetizer selection.
• Double the Bacon Fun: For those who can’t get enough bacon, consider making Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates. The sweet dates, salty bacon, and creamy filling create an addictive combination that’s always a hit.
• Veggie-Forward Heat: Whether you choose a spicy BBQ sauce for your shrimp or not, I’m always looking for another dish with a bit of a kick. These Baked Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a fantastic option. They satisfy that craving for heat and crunch while also being a great way to sneak in some vegetables!
• Classic Chips and Dip: You can never go wrong with a classic. I usually ensure there’s a fresh, cold dip like this vibrant Citrus Guacamole served with a selection of crispy tortilla chips. It provides a refreshing contrast to the savory, warm appetizers.
• Light & Fresh Sides: To balance the richness, consider a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or some fresh fruit skewers. The freshness cuts through the savory elements beautifully.

Love shrimp? After enjoying these, you might want to try our lightened-up Bang Bang Shrimp recipe next for another delicious seafood adventure!

Storage and Reheating Tips

While these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are undeniably best served immediately, it’s good to know how to properly store and reheat any leftovers, should you be so lucky to have them!

• Storing: Once the cooked shrimp have cooled completely to room temperature (this is important to prevent condensation and sogginess), transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the quality of the shrimp and bacon tends to diminish significantly.
• Reheating: You have a couple of options for reheating.
  • Microwave (Quickest): For a super quick reheat, you can use the microwave. However, be aware that this method often results in less crispy bacon and can sometimes make the shrimp a little rubbery. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
  • Broiler (Best for Crispiness): My preferred method for reheating is under the broiler. Place the shrimp back on a baking rack over a rimmed baking sheet (you might want to line it with fresh foil). Pop them under a preheated broiler for just a few minutes, watching them *very* closely, until the bacon crisps up again and the shrimp are warmed through. This method helps restore some of that desirable crisp texture.
  • Oven/Toaster Oven: You can also reheat them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon is crispy again.

No matter how you reheat them, they might not be quite as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still be a delicious bite!

Finally, if you make this BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I absolutely love hearing when you all try my recipes, and I make sure to take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions below too, if you have them!

Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I genuinely love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It truly means the world to me!

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are the ultimate easy appetizer! Featuring savory bacon, juicy shrimp, and a delightful BBQ glaze, they’re a guaranteed winner for any party or gathering. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, everyone will want the recipe!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 18 minutes mins

Total Time: 28 minutes mins

5 from 2 votes

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Equipment

• Wusthof Knife Set
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
• Half Sheet Pan
• Wire Baking Rack
• Pastry Brush

Ingredients

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp about 18 count, peeled and deveined with tails on
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup Head Country Apple Habanero BBQ Sauce or your favorite Head Country BBQ Sauce flavor
• 9 slices thick-cut bacon cut in half widthwise
• Garnish: chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a baking rack inside. Lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
• Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined, leaving tails on. Pat them very dry with paper towels.
• Season shrimp evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Wrap each shrimp with half a slice of thick-cut bacon. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking rack. This technique helps secure the bacon without the need for toothpicks. Repeat with remaining shrimp and bacon.
• Generously brush each bacon-wrapped shrimp with Head Country BBQ sauce. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush again with the remaining BBQ sauce.
• Turn on the broiler to High. Return the shrimp to the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching constantly, until the bacon crisps up and the BBQ sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with additional BBQ sauce for dipping.

Cuisine: American

Category: Appetizer