The first time I made bacon wrapped shrimp for a family gathering, I assumed one tray would be enough. I couldn't have been more wrong. They disappeared so quickly that I barely managed to grab one for myself before the platter was empty.
Since then, these bacon wrapped shrimp have become one of my favorite appetizers for holidays, game days, backyard cookouts, and family celebrations. They're simple to prepare, look impressive on a serving platter, and always earn rave reviews.
The secret is partially cooking the bacon before wrapping the shrimp. That extra step ensures the bacon becomes perfectly crisp while the shrimp stay juicy and tender. If you're planning an appetizer spread, these shrimp fit right in alongside Shrimp Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, Taco Ranch Bites, and a bowl of creamy Crab Dip.
Recipe At A Glance
| Details | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 Minutes |
| Total Time | 35 Minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Dietary | Low Carb, Gluten-Free |
| Best For | Parties, Holidays, Game Day, Entertaining |
🧠 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy bacon and juicy shrimp in every bite
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Perfect for parties and holidays
- Naturally low carb and gluten-free
- Easy enough for beginner cooks
- Great make-ahead appetizer
- Pairs beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces
Whether you're serving them with White Bean Dip, Crab Dip, or Creamiest Whipped Feta Dip with Chili Oil and Fresh Herbs, these bacon wrapped shrimp are always one of the first appetizers to disappear.
🎉 Perfect For
These bacon wrapped shrimp are ideal for:
- Holiday parties
- New Year's Eve celebrations
- Summer cookouts
- Family gatherings
- Potlucks
- Game day spreads
- Backyard barbecues
- Appetizer buffets
Tap a button to see recipes that pair well.
Essential Ingredients
This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating crispy bacon and juicy shrimp.
You'll Need
- 8 slices bacon, halved crosswise
- 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Toothpicks
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil.
Step 2
Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3
Bake for 8 minutes or until the bacon is partially cooked but still pliable. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
⚡ Flash Tip: The bacon should bend easily without breaking.
🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Fully crisp bacon won't wrap around the shrimp.
Step 4
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss until evenly coated.
⚡ Flash Tip: Toss gently so every shrimp gets coated.
🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Overmixing can tear delicate shrimp.
Step 5
Wrap each shrimp with one piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Step 6
Arrange the wrapped shrimp on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
⚡ Flash Tip: Leave space around each shrimp for crispier bacon.
🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Crowding the pan causes steaming instead of roasting.
Step 7
Drizzle any remaining oil and garlic mixture over the shrimp.
Step 8
Bake for 10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 9
Turn the oven to broil and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy.
⚡ Flash Tip: Watch closely during broiling.
🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Bacon can go from crispy to burnt in under a minute.
Step 10
Carefully remove the toothpicks and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
🔥 Why This Recipe Works
The biggest challenge when making bacon wrapped shrimp is that bacon and shrimp cook at different speeds. Shrimp cook quickly, while bacon needs more time to become crisp. Starting with raw bacon often leaves you with undercooked bacon or overcooked shrimp.
This recipe solves that problem by partially cooking the bacon first. Giving the bacon a head start allows it to finish crisping while the shrimp stay juicy and tender.
This recipe works because:
- The bacon gets a head start before wrapping.
- The shrimp stay juicy and tender.
- Garlic adds flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
- The cooking time is short and reliable.
- The ingredients are simple and easy to find.
If you enjoy easy appetizers like (Taco Ranch Bites), (Shrimp Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms), and creamy (Crab Dip), you'll appreciate how effortless this recipe is to prepare.
🦐 Choosing the Best Shrimp for This Recipe
Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they hold up well during baking and provide the perfect bacon-to-shrimp ratio.
Frozen shrimp work perfectly, but they should be completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent proper browning.
Tail-on shrimp are usually preferred because they make a great presentation and are easier to grab from an appetizer platter.
If you're planning a seafood-focused meal, these shrimp pair especially well with Hearty Greek Salad and Mediterranean Chickpea Fattoush Salad.
💡 Recipe Tips
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best bacon-to-shrimp ratio.
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning.
- Do not skip partially cooking the bacon.
- Leave a little space between the shrimp on the baking sheet.
- Watch carefully during the final broiling step.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest bacon texture.
🔄 Delicious Variations
Cajun Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Add Cajun seasoning before wrapping for extra heat and flavor.
Sweet & Smoky
Brush the shrimp with a little honey or maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking.
BBQ Style
Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce immediately after baking.
Spicy Garlic
Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic mixture.
Air Fryer Version
If you enjoy appetizers like (Taco Ranch Bites), try making these in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, checking near the end for doneness.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Leftover shrimp can be chopped and added to salads such as (Hearty Greek Salad) for an easy next-day lunch.
Reheat
Warm in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
Freeze
Freezing is not recommended because the shrimp can become rubbery after thawing.
🛠 Troubleshooting
Bacon Isn't Crispy
Broil for an additional minute while watching carefully.
Shrimp Are Overcooked
Reduce the baking time slightly and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Bacon Keeps Unwrapping
Make sure it was only partially cooked and secure each shrimp firmly with a toothpick.
Garlic Burns
Keep most of the garlic tucked against the shrimp rather than directly exposed to the broiler.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Can I make bacon wrapped shrimp ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp provide the best results.
Do I have to use toothpicks?
They help keep the bacon securely wrapped during baking and are strongly recommended.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 400°F for approximately 8–10 minutes.
What dipping sauces work best?
Cocktail sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, and sweet chili sauce are all excellent choices.
Can I use precooked bacon?
It's not recommended. Precooked bacon can become overly crisp and break apart when wrapped around the shrimp.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but turkey bacon generally won't crisp quite as much as traditional bacon.
Can I make bacon wrapped shrimp the day before?
Absolutely. Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Bacon wrapped shrimp are one of those rare appetizers that feel special without requiring a lot of effort. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy shrimp, and savory garlic flavor makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for everything from casual family dinners to holiday entertaining.
The simple technique of partially cooking the bacon first ensures reliable results every single time. It's a small step that makes a huge difference in both flavor and texture.
Whether you're building a game-day spread with Taco Ranch Bites and Crab Dip, serving them alongside Hearty Greek Salad and Balsamic Grilled Vegetables, or finishing the meal with No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake, these bacon wrapped shrimp are always a hit.
One thing is almost guaranteed—you'll wish you made a double batch. 🍤🥓
Easy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe (Crispy & Juicy Every Time)
Ingredients
This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating crispy bacon and juicy shrimp.
You'll Need
-
- 8 slices bacon, halved crosswise
-
- 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
-
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
-
- ¼ teaspoon salt
-
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
-
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
-
- Toothpicks
Instructions
Step 1 Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil.
Step 2 Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3 Bake for 8 minutes or until the bacon is partially cooked but still pliable. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. ⚡ Flash Tip: The bacon should bend easily without breaking. 🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Fully crisp bacon won’t wrap around the shrimp.
Step 4 In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss until evenly coated. ⚡ Flash Tip: Toss gently so every shrimp gets coated. 🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Overmixing can tear delicate shrimp.
Step 5 Wrap each shrimp with one piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Step 6 Arrange the wrapped shrimp on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. ⚡ Flash Tip: Leave space around each shrimp for crispier bacon. 🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Crowding the pan causes steaming instead of roasting.
Step 7 Drizzle any remaining oil and garlic mixture over the shrimp.
Step 8 Bake for 10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 9 Turn the oven to broil and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the bacon becomes crispy. ⚡ Flash Tip: Watch closely during broiling. 🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Bacon can go from crispy to burnt in under a minute.
Step 10 Carefully remove the toothpicks and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
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