Barbecued Chestnuts in Bacon is a delightful dish that combines the smoky richness of bacon with the crisp texture of water chestnuts, glazed in a sweet and tangy ketchup-brown sugar sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer, ready in just under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients:
- 12 water chestnuts
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 197.6
- Fat: 10.3g
- Saturated Fat: 3.4g
- Cholesterol: 15.4mg
- Sodium: 524.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.1g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugars: 17.9g
- Protein: 3.5g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Glaze:
Start by combining the ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix them thoroughly until well blended. This sauce will add a sweet and savory flavor to the bacon-wrapped chestnuts. -
Prepare the Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts:
Take each slice of bacon and cut it into three equal parts. Stretch each piece of bacon gently using the back of a knife to lengthen it slightly. This helps ensure even wrapping around the water chestnuts. -
Assemble and Wrap:
Wrap each water chestnut with a piece of bacon and secure it with a cocktail stick. This step ensures that the bacon stays wrapped around the chestnuts during grilling. -
Coat with Glaze:
Dip each bacon-wrapped water chestnut into the prepared ketchup-brown sugar mixture, ensuring it is coated evenly. Thread these wrapped chestnuts onto long skewers for easy handling on the grill. -
Grill the Chestnuts:
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewered chestnuts over medium coals for 5-8 minutes, turning them 2-3 times during cooking. Baste the chestnuts with the remaining ketchup glaze while grilling to enhance the flavors and ensure the bacon gets crispy and browned. -
Serve:
Once the bacon is crispy and browned to your liking, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve the Barbecued Chestnuts in Bacon immediately while they are hot and flavorful.
Tips and Variations:
- Variation: You can add a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the ketchup glaze for a spicy twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the bacon-wrapped chestnuts ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to grill. This makes it easier to entertain guests without the last-minute prep.
- Presentation: Serve these skewers on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a vibrant touch.
Enjoy this savory-sweet treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special snack at home. The combination of crispy bacon and tender water chestnuts, glazed with a homemade sauce, creates a burst of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.