Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

If there’s one appetizer guaranteed to disappear within minutes at any gathering, it’s Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp. This crave-worthy dish is all about the perfect contrast: plump, tender shrimp hugged in a crispy bacon blanket, glazed with just the right blend of heat and sticky-sweet caramelization. It’s outrageously easy to make, surprisingly fancy-looking, and absolutely bursting with flavor—one bite, and everyone will be begging you for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how just a few pantry staples combine in the Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp. Every ingredient brings its own character to the party—bold, vibrant, or subtle—and together they create a showstopping bite with loads of wow-factor.

• Large shrimp (1 lb, 16–20 count): Pick big, juicy shrimp for the best texture and easy wrapping; make sure they’re peeled and deveined, but keep the tails on for a touch of flair.
• Bacon (8–10 slices, halved): Standard or thin-cut bacon crisps up beautifully and delivers that classic smoky-salty punch.
• Brown sugar (2 tbsp): This brings rich, molasses-y sweetness and helps create that irresistible glazed finish.
• Honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp): Adds sticky gloss and intensifies the sweet notes in your glaze; maple syrup gives a woodsy touch, honey is slightly floral.
• Sriracha or hot sauce (1 tbsp, adjust to taste): This is where the “spicy” kicks in; feel free to amp it up or down depending on your tolerance!
• Smoked paprika (½ tsp): For a pop of bold color and a subtle smoky depth that echoes the bacon.
• Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp, optional): If you’re a heat-seeker, a little sprinkle adds a welcome zing.
• Toothpicks: Essential for keeping your bacon wraps snug and ensuring easy serving.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Kick things off by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a wire rack, pop it on a foil-lined baking sheet—this lets hot air circulate so the bacon crisps evenly, and the foil makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have a rack, the foil-lined pan alone works just fine too.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp and Bacon

Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel—this helps the bacon stick and roast up beautifully. Take each half slice of bacon and wrap it firmly around a shrimp, spiraling from the thick head end toward the tail. Secure with a toothpick so everything stays in place while baking. Before moving on, line them up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for perfect crisping.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

Grab a small bowl and stir together the brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous. This glossy, fiery-sweet mixture is exactly what takes Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp from tasty to totally irresistible.

Step 4: Brush with Glaze

Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon-wrapped shrimp with your sweet and spicy glaze. This not only brings major flavor, it helps the bacon caramelize and get that signature sticky sheen—those little brushstrokes make all the difference!

Step 5: Bake the Shrimp

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, turning each shrimp halfway through and brushing again with more glaze. You want the bacon ultra crisp and the shrimp just cooked through—opaque, tender, and bursting with juiciness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything looks gloriously caramelized, take your Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp out and let them cool slightly. Slide them onto a serving platter (leave the toothpicks in for easy grabbing!), then finish with fresh herbs, a zesty squirt of lime, or even a last drizzle of glaze to make every bite pop.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Garnishes

Amp up the color and flavor of your Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with a tumble of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. A shower of sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add real punch too. And for an extra flourish, a squeeze of lime brings the whole dish together fabulously.

Side Dishes

These shrimp are delicious all on their own, but they play beautifully with crisp salads, creamy slaws, or fluffy rice. I love to pair them with cool cucumber salad or roasted sweet potatoes—the sweet and spicy combo just sings!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond a basic platter: Serve Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp skewered upright in a pineapple half for tropical drama, or perch them atop mini salads in shot glasses for a playful, party-ready twist. They make a fantastic taco or slider filling, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The bacon may soften a bit, but the flavors are still bold and satisfying—perfect for a quick snack or next-day lunch.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, arrange cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag to stash away for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw in the fridge and reheat following the tips below.

Reheating

To bring back that lovely texture, reheat Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the bacon sizzles and crisps up again. A quick turn under the broiler is great for restoring crispiness—just watch carefully to avoid burning the sweet glaze!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before wrapping to make sure the bacon crisps up nicely and the glaze sticks beautifully.

What’s the best bacon to use for Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp?

Regular or thin-cut bacon is ideal; thick-cut takes too long to cook and might overpower the shrimp. The thinner slices get deliciously golden and crisp in no time.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

Definitely! Simply set your grill to medium-high, oil the grates, and cook your Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, brushing with glaze for extra flavor. Keep an eye out so the sugar doesn’t burn.

How spicy will these shrimp be?

You’re in control of the heat: add more sriracha and cayenne for a fiery kick, or dial it back for guests who prefer just a subtle warmth. The balance of sweet and spicy is totally customizable!

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes! Assemble and wrap the shrimp with bacon and secure with toothpicks the day before, then glaze and bake just before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your guests or simply crave an unforgettable treat, this Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp recipe is a must-try. You’ll fall for the flawless blend of flavors and the big smiles it brings to the table. Dive in and make it the star of your next gathering!

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