Indulge in these irresistible bacon‑wrapped garlic‑butter shrimp—each bite offers succulent shrimp enveloped in crispy, smoky bacon and infused with aromatic garlic and parsley. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for entertaining, and guaranteed to vanish off the tray at any gathering.
This dish brings a gourmet touch to your appetizer spread with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or cooking for two, this savory, protein-packed delight hits all the right notes: crunchy, tender, buttery, and utterly crave-worthy. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish that elevates every bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
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12 slices of bacon, halved
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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⅛ teaspoon salt
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top.
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In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt.
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Wrap each shrimp with a half‑slice of bacon, securing loosely with a toothpick. Arrange on the rack.
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Brush each bacon‑wrapped shrimp generously with garlic‑butter mixture.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crisp and shrimp are pink.
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Optional: broil on high for 1–2 minutes to intensify crispiness.
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Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: ~85 kcal per shrimp | Servings: 4 (6 shrimp each)
A Flavor-Packed Favorite: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Bacon-wrapped shrimp is the perfect harmony of land and sea—crispy, smoky bacon wrapped around tender, juicy shrimp. This crowd-pleasing appetizer elevates even the simplest gathering into something memorable. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, backyard BBQ, or a cozy dinner at home, this dish brings a restaurant-level flavor experience to your table with minimal effort.
What makes bacon-wrapped shrimp so appealing is the balance of texture and flavor. The savory crunch of bacon complements the soft, meaty bite of shrimp. Then there’s the garlic butter glaze—rich, aromatic, and utterly addictive. It’s a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Stands Out
This dish is more than just an appetizer—it’s a statement. In a world of dips and chips, bacon-wrapped shrimp shows intention. It’s bold, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need complicated ingredients or tools—just fresh shrimp, good bacon, and some flavorful seasonings.
Another key point? It’s incredibly versatile. You can tweak the flavor to match your event, diet, or even the season. Spicy versions can feature jalapeño or cayenne. For a sweet-savory twist, brush them with a touch of maple syrup or honey during the final minutes of baking. You can even grill them for that smoky char flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
What’s special about this recipe is its universal appeal. It’s ideal for:
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Holiday Appetizers: Bacon-wrapped shrimp looks stunning on a holiday platter and holds up well at room temperature.
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Game Day Snacks: These are a touchdown at Super Bowl parties or casual sports nights.
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BBQ Side or Starter: Pair with grilled vegetables or corn on the cob to complete a summer cookout menu.
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Romantic Dinners: Want to impress your date? These shrimp serve beautifully as a starter for a cozy dinner at home.
No matter the setting, this dish adds a sense of indulgence without being fussy.
Healthier Than You Think
Although bacon may not seem like a “healthy” choice at first glance, this recipe can be easily adjusted for those following low-carb, keto, or paleo lifestyles. Shrimp is naturally high in protein and low in fat. By choosing high-quality bacon—such as nitrate-free, uncured varieties—you can reduce unnecessary additives.
Additionally, baking the shrimp rather than pan-frying keeps the grease level low, while still allowing the bacon to crisp up beautifully. Add fresh herbs and garlic for an antioxidant boost, and you’ve got a dish that’s both flavorful and mindful.
Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
If you want to nail this dish every time, here are a few key tips:
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Use Large Shrimp: They should be big enough to wrap without overcooking while the bacon crisps. Medium-sized shrimp can become rubbery.
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Partially Cook the Bacon First (optional): This ensures it’s crispy without overcooking the shrimp.
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Use a Rack: Baking the shrimp on a rack over a foil-lined pan helps the bacon get crispy on all sides.
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Don’t Overload the Garlic Butter: A light coating is enough to flavor each bite. Too much will make the shrimp soggy.
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Secure with Toothpicks: These keep the bacon wrapped tightly and make for easy serving.
Creative Variations to Try
This dish is fantastic as is, but you can easily experiment with flavors:
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Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or brush with sriracha honey.
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Herb-Forward: Try rosemary or thyme in the garlic butter for an earthy finish.
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Asian-Inspired: Use a sesame-soy glaze instead of garlic butter, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
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Maple-Balsamic Glaze: For a sweet-savory twist that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe can act as a base for all sorts of culinary adventures.
Pairing Suggestions
To round out the menu, consider serving your bacon-wrapped shrimp with complementary flavors and textures:
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Dipping Sauces: Garlic aioli, spicy mayo, cocktail sauce, or a mango salsa.
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Fresh Greens: A simple arugula or mixed green salad balances the richness of the shrimp and bacon.
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Bubbly Beverages: Sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco contrast nicely with the saltiness. Beer lovers might enjoy a hoppy IPA or light lager.
For a full dinner, serve over creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy polenta, or even atop a rice pilaf or cauliflower rice for low-carb diners.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These shrimp can be prepped a few hours in advance. Just assemble, brush with butter, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is a game-changer when entertaining—less stress in the kitchen, more time with guests.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Kid and Family-Friendly Option
Believe it or not, even picky eaters may enjoy this dish. The flavors are familiar—bacon and shrimp are both widely loved, especially when served bite-sized. Kids may not go for the garlic butter, but a mild version without spice can work well.
To make it more fun, serve on skewers or mini forks. It adds a playful touch that appeals to little hands and makes it easy for everyone to grab and go.
A Restaurant-Worthy Dish at Home
There’s something deeply satisfying about making a dish at home that looks and tastes like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant. Bacon-wrapped shrimp fits that category perfectly. The glossy finish from the butter, the crisp bacon edges, and the elegant presentation all scream sophistication—but no culinary degree required.
And let’s face it, there’s a simple pleasure in watching people light up after taking their first bite.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Appetizer for Any Season
Bacon-wrapped garlic-butter shrimp is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It brings together high-impact flavors with very little prep time, making it a perfect choice for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With just a handful of ingredients, you get bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and endless customization options.
From weekend dinners to festive holiday spreads, this dish delivers every time. Make it once, and it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just treating yourself, bacon-wrapped shrimp is a celebration on a plate.