If you have ever dreamed of combining the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon with succulent shrimp and a sweet-spicy glaze, then this Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been craving. This appetizer is not only stunning on the plate but perfectly balances the savory richness of bacon with the zing of pepper jelly, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just jazzing up a weeknight meal, these little bites deliver maximum flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredient list. Each component plays a key role in building those layers of taste and texture—from the crispy bacon wrapping to the luscious glaze that ties everything together.
- Bacon strips: Use thick-cut bacon for the best balance of chew and crispiness when wrapped around shrimp.
- Extra large shrimp (26/30 count): The perfect size for wrapping and delivering a satisfying bite every time.
- Confetti Pepper Jelly: This adds a beautiful, sweet-spicy glaze with flecks of pepper that brighten every bite.
- Butter: Helps melt the pepper jelly smoothly for a glossy finish and richer flavor.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Shrimp and Oven
Start by thawing your shrimp gently under cool running water if they’re frozen, then peel and pat them completely dry. Dry shrimp will ensure the bacon sticks well and crisps up nicely. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the middle to promote even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Station
For easy cleanup and perfect bacon texture, line a large baking sheet with foil. Place a wire cooling rack over the foil—this lets air circulate under the bacon and shrimp, helping them crisp on all sides instead of steaming.
Step 3: Partially Cook the Bacon
Lay out the bacon strips on the wire rack without overlapping. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake the bacon for about 13 minutes; the goal is to have it soft but starting to cook through so that it’s flexible enough to wrap around shrimp without tearing.
Step 4: Prepare the Pepper Jelly Glaze
While the bacon cools slightly, combine the pepper jelly and butter in a small bowl. Microwave just until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth. Stir well to blend flavors that will glaze the shrimp beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Shrimp
Cut each partially cooked bacon strip in half, then wrap a piece snugly around each shrimp. Use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place, making it convenient to handle and cook evenly.
Step 6: Glaze and Bake the Shrimp
Brush the pepper jelly glaze over each bacon-wrapped shrimp, coating both sides for maximum flavor. Arrange the shrimp back on the wire rack, then bake them for about 8 minutes, watching carefully so the bacon crisps to perfection without burning.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the shrimp to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the smoky and sweet flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair these flavorful bites with a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or even a light rice pilaf to create a well-rounded meal that highlights the star of the show—the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve your Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe on a stylish platter lined with lettuce leaves or kale. Consider adding cocktail sticks and small ramekins of extra pepper jelly or a cooling ranch dip for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their crispiness and fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but uncooked shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. This makes a convenient ready-to-cook appetizer for future occasions.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out the shrimp or bacon.
FAQs
Can I use precooked bacon?
Using precooked bacon is not recommended for this Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe because it won’t hold well when wrapping the shrimp, and you might end up with overcooked bacon after baking.
What can I substitute for pepper jelly?
If you don’t have pepper jelly, try mixing some apricot preserves with a touch of finely chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to mimic the sweet and spicy flavor.
How do I prevent bacon from shrinking too much?
Partially cooking the bacon as directed helps reduce excessive shrinking since some fat is already rendered; avoid fully cooking beforehand to keep it pliable for wrapping.
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky char to the shrimp and bacon, but be careful to cook over medium heat and turn frequently to prevent flare-ups.
How do I make sure shrimp don’t overcook?
Because shrimp cook very quickly, wrapping them in bacon provides a buffer, but watch carefully during baking; they’re done once the bacon crisps and shrimp turn opaque and curl slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite in my kitchen owing to its perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, all wrapped around tender shrimp. It’s the kind of dish that sparks joy and invites compliments every time you serve it. So go ahead, treat yourself and your guests to these delectable bites—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 20 shrimp (serving size for 4-6 people as appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Bacon Wrapped Shrimp that combines smoky bacon with juicy shrimp, glazed in a sweet and spicy pepper jelly sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these shrimp are easy to prepare, oven-baked to perfection, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Bacon
- 10 strips bacon
- 20 extra large shrimp (26/30 count size, peeled and deveined)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup Jennifer’s Kitchen Confetti Pepper Jelly
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prep Shrimp and Preheat Oven: Thaw shrimp under cool running water if frozen, peel and pat them dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the baking sheet to allow airflow for even cooking.
- Partially Cook Bacon: Lay whole bacon strips on the wire rack without overlapping. Bake in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes until partially cooked and pliable but not crispy, allowing easy wrapping later.
- Make Pepper Jelly Glaze: Remove bacon from the oven and let it cool enough to handle. In a small bowl, combine the pepper jelly and butter, then microwave until the butter is melted. Stir well to blend.
- Wrap Shrimp: Cut each bacon strip in half. Wrap each shrimp with a half-strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick to hold in place.
- Glaze Shrimp: Using the toothpick to hold each shrimp, brush the pepper jelly mixture generously over all sides of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
- Bake Shrimp: Place the glazed shrimp on the wire rack atop the baking sheet. Return the setup to the oven and bake for 8 minutes or until shrimp is cooked through and bacon is crisped to your liking.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the oven and serve the bacon wrapped shrimp warm as a delicious appetizer or party treat.
Notes
- Ensure bacon is only partially cooked before wrapping to keep it pliable and avoid overcooking.
- Adjust cooking times based on your oven’s temperature calibration.
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Jennifer’s Kitchen Confetti Pepper Jelly can be substituted with any sweet-spicy pepper jelly for similar taste.
- Handle toothpicks carefully and remove before eating to avoid injury.
