These Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are one of those appetizers that you may not immediately think of, but you’ll be wondering how you lived without them soon enough. Salty, smoky bacon is wrapped around crisp water chestnuts, then brushed with a sticky homemade BBQ sauce and baked until caramelized and irresistible. They’re simple to make and everyone’s going to be popping them like candy.

The homemade BBQ sauce is quick to throw together and hits all the right notes: tangy, sweet, smoky, and just a little savoury. It thickens nicely in the oven, clinging to the bacon and creating that glossy, sticky finish that’s impossible not to love. Want more great party appetizers? Try my Spanakopita Dip with Crispy Phyllo Topping, French Onion Potato Skins, and Stuffed Mushrooms with Bacon and Boursin.

😍 Why You’ll Love These French Onion Potato Skins

Classic and nostalgic: this is one of those appetizers everyone remembers and secretly hopes shows up at the party.
Perfect texture contrast: crispy, salty bacon on the outside with a cool, crunchy water chestnut inside makes every bite super satisfying.
Sticky and flavour-packed: the homemade BBQ sauce caramelizes in the oven, coating the bacon in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze.
Easy crowd-pleaser: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and guaranteed to disappear.

🥓 Ingredients To Make These Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Bacon: is what gives these little bites their irresistible flavour and that classic party-app energy.
Water chestnuts: are mild, crunchy, and slightly sweet. They stay perfectly crisp even after baking, giving you that signature snap in the centre that makes this appetizer so addictive.
Ketchup: is the base of the BBQ sauce, bringing tangy sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar: cuts through the richness of the bacon and sugar, keeping the sauce balanced instead of cloying.
Molasses: adds colour, depth, and that slow-cooked BBQ vibe.
Worcestershire sauce: is a small but mighty ingredient that adds savoury depth and rounds out the sauce with complexity.

Brown sugar: melts into the sauce and helps it caramelize in the oven.
Garlic powder: adds gentle savoury flavour without overpowering the sauce or competing with the bacon.
Onion powder: reinforces that classic BBQ flavour and adds subtle sweetness in the background.
Smoked paprika: brings a soft smokiness that complements the bacon without overwhelming it.
Mustard powder: adds just a hint of tang and warmth that keeps the sauce interesting.
Salt & pepper: is essential for pulling all the flavours together and making sure nothing tastes flat.

✔ How To Make This Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe

To make these bacon wrapped water chestnuts, start by preparing the BBQ sauce. Add all of the sauce ingredients to a small saucepan and whisk together over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove it from the heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the rest.

Next, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking dish with aluminum foil. Slice each strip of bacon in half. Place one whole water chestnut at the end of each bacon piece, roll it up snugly, and secure it with a wooden toothpick. Arrange the wrapped chestnuts seam-side down on the prepared baking dish, repeating until all of the water chestnuts are used.

Once assembled, generously brush each bacon wrapped water chestnut with the BBQ sauce, making sure to reserve some sauce for later. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the tray, brush the chestnuts with the remaining sauce, then return them to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked.

Finally, remove the tray from the oven and let the bacon wrapped water chestnuts cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with toothpicks and enjoy!

🗒 Variations

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce, or brush on a little hot honey during the last few minutes of baking.
Extra sweet & sticky: Drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup before the final bake for a glossy, caramelized finish.
Smokier flavour: Swap regular smoked paprika for chipotle powder in the sauce for deeper heat and smoke.

🗒 Substitutions

BBQ sauce: Short on time? Use a good-quality store-bought BBQ sauce and warm it slightly before brushing.
Molasses: Swap with maple syrup or honey; the flavour will be lighter but still delicious.

🍴 Leftovers? Lucky you.

If you happen to have leftovers, let the bacon wrapped water chestnuts cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 375°F oven or air fryer until heated through and the bacon is crisp again. While the microwave works in a pinch, it can soften the bacon, so oven or air fryer reheating is best for maintaining that crispy texture.

🤔 FAQ’S

👩🏻‍🍳 Hungry For More? 

If you loved this Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other favourite appetizers you may also love:

• Stuffed Mushrooms with Bacon and Boursin
• Boursin and Roasted Veggie Spread
• Eggplant Meatballs (aka Polpette di Melanzane)
• French Onion Dip
• Spanakopita Dip with Crispy Phyllo Topping
• French Onion Potato Skins

💌 Let’s Stay Connected

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest! If you do make this bacon wrapped water chestnuts recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.