Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp 🥓🦐

If you love crispy bacon and juicy shrimp, this Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe is the perfect combination of two irresistible ingredients. Tender shrimp are wrapped in smoky bacon and cooked until the bacon is golden and crispy while the shrimp stay juicy and flavorful inside.

This easy bacon wrapped shrimp recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve as an appetizer at a party, holiday gathering, family dinner, or game-day celebration.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can make crispy, savory, juicy shrimp that everyone will want to grab from the serving platter.

Why You’ll Love Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

There are plenty of reasons this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser:

  • Crispy, smoky bacon
  • Juicy and tender shrimp
  • Simple ingredients
  • Easy preparation
  • Perfect appetizer or dinner
  • Great for parties and holidays
  • Delicious with dipping sauces
  • Easy to customize
  • Ready without complicated cooking techniques
  • Perfect for seafood lovers

The combination of crispy bacon and tender shrimp creates an amazing contrast of textures. The bacon becomes golden and savory while the shrimp cook inside the bacon and absorb its delicious flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 slices bacon, cut in half
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Dipping Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

How to Make Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if needed.

Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels. This is an important step because excess moisture can prevent the shrimp and bacon from becoming nicely browned.

Place the shrimp in a bowl and add olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Toss gently until the shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Cut each bacon slice in half.

Using half a slice for each shrimp makes it easier for the bacon to wrap around the shrimp without creating an overly thick layer.

For the best crispy texture, choose bacon that isn’t extremely thick.

Step 3: Wrap the Shrimp

Take one seasoned shrimp and wrap it with a piece of bacon.

Place the wrapped shrimp seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Try not to overlap the shrimp on the baking sheet so the heat can circulate around each piece.

Step 4: Bake the Shrimp

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Bake the bacon wrapped shrimp for approximately 12–15 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking if needed.

The bacon should become golden and crispy, while the shrimp should be pink and opaque.

If you want extra-crispy bacon, you can briefly broil the shrimp at the end while watching them carefully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the shrimp from the oven and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

These crispy bacon wrapped shrimp are best enjoyed while the bacon is still hot and crisp.

What Makes Bacon Wrapped Shrimp So Delicious?

The magic of this recipe comes from the combination of flavors and textures.

Shrimp have a naturally mild, slightly sweet flavor, while bacon adds smoky, salty richness.

The garlic and smoked paprika add additional savory flavor, while fresh parsley gives the finished dish a bright, fresh touch.

Every bite combines juicy shrimp with crispy bacon, making this recipe incredibly satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Use Large Shrimp

Large shrimp are ideal because they take enough time to cook while the bacon becomes crispy.

Very small shrimp may cook too quickly before the bacon reaches the desired texture.

Pat the Shrimp Dry

Dry shrimp help the seasoning stick and prevent excess moisture from interfering with browning.

Don’t Wrap the Bacon Too Thickly

A half slice of bacon is usually enough for one large shrimp.

Too much bacon can make it difficult to achieve an evenly crispy exterior.

Use a Baking Rack

For even crispiness, place a wire rack over your baking sheet and arrange the wrapped shrimp on top.

This allows hot air to circulate around the bacon.

Watch the Shrimp Closely

Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them toward the end of cooking.

The goal is crispy bacon and tender shrimp without overcooking the seafood.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used.

Thaw the shrimp completely before preparing the recipe. Drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels.

Using thawed shrimp helps ensure even cooking and better browning.

What Kind of Bacon Is Best?

Regular-cut bacon works especially well for this recipe because it can become crispy while the shrimp cook.

Thick-cut bacon can also be used, but it may require additional cooking time to reach the desired crispness.

If necessary, partially cook the bacon first, then wrap it around the shrimp before finishing the recipe.

What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

These shrimp can be served as an appetizer or turned into a complete dinner.

Rice

Serve bacon wrapped shrimp over steamed white rice or brown rice for an easy meal.

Salad

A fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich bacon.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.

Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes make a comforting side dish.

Pasta

Serve the shrimp alongside creamy pasta, garlic butter pasta, or a simple Parmesan pasta.

Best Dipping Sauces

Bacon wrapped shrimp are delicious on their own, but dipping sauces can make them even better.

Honey Hot Sauce

Combine honey with your favorite hot sauce for a sweet and spicy dip.

Garlic Aioli

A creamy garlic aioli pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.

Lemon Butter

Melted butter mixed with fresh lemon juice makes a simple and flavorful dipping sauce.

Creamy Cajun Sauce

For a spicy option, serve the shrimp with a creamy Cajun-inspired dipping sauce.

Easy Variations

Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Add a small amount of brown sugar to the seasoning for a sweet and smoky version.

The sugar caramelizes during cooking and creates an irresistible glaze.

Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the shrimp seasoning.

Garlic Butter Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Brush the shrimp with melted garlic butter before wrapping them in bacon.

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Brush the wrapped shrimp with your favorite barbecue sauce during the final minutes of cooking.

Honey Garlic Bacon Shrimp

Combine honey and garlic for a sweet-savory glaze.

Brush it over the shrimp near the end of cooking to prevent excessive browning.

Can I Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

Yes, bacon wrapped shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer.

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.

Cook at approximately 400°F (200°C) until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through, turning halfway if needed.

Because air fryer models vary, start checking early to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.

Can I Grill Bacon Wrapped Shrimp?

Absolutely.

Bacon wrapped shrimp can be cooked on a grill over medium heat. Use skewers if desired to make them easier to turn.

Keep a close eye on the grill because bacon fat can cause flare-ups.

Cook until the bacon is crisp and the shrimp are fully cooked.

How to Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Allow leftovers to cool and place them in an airtight container.

Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within a couple of days for the best quality.

When reheating, an oven or air fryer can help restore some of the bacon’s crispness better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does bacon wrapped shrimp take to cook?

Cooking time depends on shrimp size and the cooking method. In a 425°F oven, large bacon wrapped shrimp generally take around 12–15 minutes.

Should I precook the bacon?

You don’t always need to, especially when using regular-cut bacon. However, partially cooking thicker bacon first can help it become crispy without overcooking the shrimp.

How do I keep the bacon crispy?

Use a wire rack over a baking sheet and avoid overcrowding the shrimp. You can also briefly broil them at the end while watching carefully.

Can I prepare bacon wrapped shrimp ahead of time?

Yes. You can wrap and season the shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

For the best texture, cook them shortly before serving.

Can I make them spicy?

Yes! Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, or hot sauce to give the shrimp a spicy kick.

Why This Is the Perfect Party Appetizer

If you’re looking for an appetizer that looks impressive but doesn’t require complicated preparation, bacon wrapped shrimp are an excellent choice.

They can be prepared with just a few ingredients, arranged on a platter, and served with several dipping sauces.

The combination of crispy bacon and juicy shrimp makes them easy to eat and perfect for gatherings.

They’re especially delicious for holiday dinners, game days, family parties, cookouts, and casual entertaining.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp combine everything you want in an easy appetizer or dinner: juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, garlic, smoky seasoning, and plenty of savory flavor.

They’re simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for almost any occasion.

Serve them with honey hot sauce, garlic aioli, lemon butter, or your favorite dipping sauce. You can also pair them with rice, vegetables, potatoes, or pasta to create a complete meal.

If you love easy shrimp recipes, bacon wrapped appetizers, crispy shrimp, seafood appetizers, and quick dinner ideas, save this recipe and give it a try!

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Seafood
Cuisine: American

SEO Keywords

Primary Keyword: Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Secondary Keywords: bacon wrapped shrimp recipe, bacon wrapped shrimp, crispy shrimp recipe, easy shrimp appetizer, bacon wrapped seafood, shrimp appetizer recipe, oven baked shrimp, easy seafood appetizer, bacon shrimp recipe, juicy shrimp recipe, party appetizers, easy shrimp dinner.

Meta Description

Make these Crispy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with juicy seasoned shrimp wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until golden and delicious. An easy appetizer or dinner!