Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Irresistible Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts love a good bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe that combines crispy, savory elements into one delectable bite.

The salty, smoky bacon perfectly hugs each succulent shrimp, creating an irresistible appetizer.

Tender shrimp nestled inside a crisp bacon coating brings out incredible flavors that dance on your palate.

The dish requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum taste with every single bite.

Each morsel promises a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more.

Simple yet elegant, this appetizer works magic for casual gatherings or sophisticated dinner parties.

Prepare to be the star of any meal with these mouthwatering bacon-wrapped shrimp that everyone will absolutely adore.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes in Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

For Shrimp Base:
  • Shrimp: Super fresh seafood star that brings oceanic sweetness and tender texture, choose large or jumbo size for best wrapping results.
  • Olive Oil: Provides silky coating and helps seasonings stick perfectly to shrimp's surface.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky complexity that complements bacon's richness.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers intense aromatic punch without chunky garlic pieces.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice booster for heat lovers, brings zingy warmth.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies all other flavor notes.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle background heat and earthy undertone.
For Wrapping Element:
  • Bacon: Crispy protein wrap that adds irresistible salty crunch and creates magical flavor fusion, select thin-cut bacon for even cooking.
  • Toothpicks: Optional securing tool to keep bacon snugly wrapped during cooking.
Additional Optional Garnishes:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds visual appeal and fresh herbaceous note.
  • Lemon Wedges: Citrusy accent that cuts through richness and brightens overall dish.

Cooking Gear for Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly cooking bacon-wrapped shrimp in the oven.
  • Wire Rack: Optional alternative to baking sheet, helps crisp bacon from all sides.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Bowl: For mixing shrimp with seasonings.
  • Toothpicks: Optional for securing bacon around shrimp.
  • Paper Towels: To pat shrimp dry before seasoning.
  • Grill or Oven: Primary cooking equipment, depending on your preference.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping shrimp during cooking.

Getting Started with Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

  • Preheat Your Cooking Surface

Fire up your oven to 400F or set your grill to medium-high heat for perfect sizzling action.

  • Season and Prep Shrimp

Dry the shrimp thoroughly and coat them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper for a flavor explosion.

  • Wrap and Secure

Lovingly drape each shrimp with a crispy bacon slice, using toothpicks to keep everything snug and tight.

  • Bake or Grill

For oven lovers: Place wrapped shrimp on a lined baking sheet and cook 12-15 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even crispiness.

For grill masters: Place shrimp directly on the grill, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until bacon turns golden and shrimp look perfectly pink.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Pluck out toothpicks, sprinkle with fresh parsley, add a squeeze of lemon, and dive into these irresistible bacon-wrapped delights while they’re hot and heavenly.

Handy Notes for Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

  • Perfect Bacon Crisp Technique: Partially cook bacon before wrapping to ensure it becomes perfectly crispy without overcooking delicate shrimp.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bacon and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare bacon-wrapped shrimp up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate, then cook just before serving to save time during gatherings.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to create mild, medium, or super-spicy versions depending on heat preferences of guests or family members.
  • Low-Carb Serving Suggestion: Serve with cauliflower rice or fresh green salad to keep the dish protein-focused and diet-friendly for keto and low-carb eaters.

How to Share Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these crispy bacon-wrapped shrimp on a large wooden board with small bowls of zesty dipping sauces like spicy remoulade or tangy cocktail sauce.
  • Appetizer Elegance: Serve these bite-sized delights on elegant white appetizer spoons for a sophisticated cocktail party, garnishing with fresh herb sprigs for extra visual appeal.
  • Beach BBQ Star: Pack these shrimp in a portable container for beach gatherings or picnics, keeping them warm in an insulated bag and pairing with a crisp summer salad or grilled corn.
  • Brunch Sensation: Transform this recipe into a weekend brunch centerpiece by serving alongside scrambled eggs, creating a decadent protein-packed morning spread that will impress guests.

Saving Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp for Later

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover bacon-wrapped shrimp in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Always keep them sealed to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make bacon soggy and shrimp rubbery.
  • Smart Preparation Hack: Prepare bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead of time by assembling and storing uncooked version in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows for convenient entertaining and meal planning.
  • Freezing Method: Freeze uncooked bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep well for 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for best results.
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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent bacon-wrapped shrimp deliver a perfect balance of crispy and tender flavors. Coastal cuisine enthusiasts will savor this simple yet elegant appetizer that promises delightful texture and rich taste sensations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
  • 6 bacon slices, cut in half
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or lemon wedges (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Fusion: Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper into a vibrant spice mixture, creating a robust flavor profile.
  2. Preparation Technique: Pat shrimp completely dry and drizzle with olive oil, meticulously coating each piece with the spice blend to maximize flavor penetration and ensure crispy exterior.
  3. Bacon Wrapping: Encase each shrimp with thin-cut bacon, slightly overlapping the strips and securing with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during the cooking process.
  4. Cooking Method: Choose between oven roasting at 400F (200C) or grilling on medium-high heat, arranging shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly on the grill grates with adequate spacing.
  5. Precision Cooking: Roast or grill for 12-15 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform crispiness, monitoring until shrimp turn pink and opaque while bacon develops a golden, crisp texture.
  6. Finishing Touch: Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a zesty lemon squeeze, and serve immediately to preserve the succulent shrimp and crisp bacon experience.

Notes

  • Moisture Matters: Pat shrimp completely dry to guarantee crispy bacon and optimal seasoning absorption, preventing soggy results.
  • Bacon Selection: Choose thin-cut bacon strips for quicker, more even cooking and better wrapping around delicate shrimp.
  • Temperature Precision: Monitor cooking time and heat closely to prevent overcooking shrimp, which can become rubbery and lose delicate texture.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives for lower-fat or vegetarian versions, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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