Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze stands out as a truly exceptional party appetizer, blending savory, sweet, and spicy notes into one irresistible bite. The unique addition of a vibrant pepper jelly glaze elevates this classic finger food, adding a sophisticated touch of sweetness complemented by a delightful hint of heat that will leave your guests craving more.
Elevate Your Appetizer Game with Pepper Jelly
While bacon-wrapped shrimp on their own are undeniably a tasty treat, coating them in a rich red pepper jelly truly transforms the flavor profile. This simple yet brilliant glaze brings an unexpected depth, marrying the smoky, salty crunch of bacon with the succulent sweetness of shrimp, all underlined by a subtle, piquant kick from the jelly. It’s a harmonious combination that proves how a single ingredient can completely revolutionize a dish. This recipe is designed to impress, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort, making it ideal for entertaining or even a special weeknight meal.
The Magic of Red Pepper Jelly: A Pantry Essential
If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying red pepper jelly, you are truly missing out on one of the most versatile and flavorful condiments available. Often found in the jam and jelly aisle of your local grocery store, red pepper jelly offers a unique sweet-and-spicy profile that is incredibly addictive. It’s a staple in many Southern kitchens for good reason – its vibrant taste pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes. Beyond glazing these exquisite shrimp, pepper jelly can be used to create an incredible salad dressing, adding a sweet and tangy zing to your greens. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to deviled eggs, providing an unexpected burst of flavor that will surprise and delight your palate. Don’t limit its use to just appetizers; consider it a secret weapon for marinades, sandwiches, and even as a spread for cheese boards.
Crafting the Perfect Sweet and Spicy Glaze
Most commercially available pepper jellies lean more towards the sweet side, with just a hint of pepper flavor. To achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and heat for our bacon-wrapped shrimp, we recommend enhancing the jelly with a touch of cayenne pepper. This simple addition introduces a fiery warmth that beautifully complements the inherent sweetness of the jelly and the richness of the bacon. To ensure a smooth, even coating, the pepper jelly is mixed with a little olive oil. This not only helps distribute the glaze evenly but also adds a subtle fruity note that enhances the overall flavor profile. The result is a glossy, irresistible glaze that clings to every piece of shrimp, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
A Quick and Easy Delicacy for Any Occasion
While peeling and deveining fresh shrimp and then meticulously wrapping each one in bacon does require a bit of hands-on time, the preparation process itself is straightforward and rewarding. Beyond this initial step, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze is remarkably quick and easy to cook, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts. These culinary gems offer a wonderful blend of salty, sweet, and spicy notes, creating a flavor experience that is both complex and deeply satisfying. They are designed to be the star of any party, offering an elegant yet approachable finger food that guests will rave about. But don’t relegate them solely to appetizer status! Serve these glazed shrimp alongside a fluffy rice pilaf, a fresh green salad, or some crusty bread, and they transform into a delightful and surprisingly quick main course, perfect for an elevated weeknight dinner.
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Explore More Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Delights
Bacon has a magical ability to elevate almost anything it wraps, adding a layer of salty, smoky goodness that’s hard to beat. If you’re a fan of the incredible combination found in these bacon-wrapped shrimp, you’ll love exploring other creative ways to incorporate bacon into your appetizers and side dishes. Here are some of our other favorite bacon-wrapped creations that are guaranteed to be hits at any gathering or even just a delightful treat for yourself:
- Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites: A holiday favorite transformed into a savory, crispy appetizer.
- Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies: A classic party snack with an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates: Sweet dates, savory bacon, and often a creamy or nutty filling – an explosion of flavors.
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles: A simple yet elegant side dish or appetizer, perfect for spring.
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts: A unique appetizer offering a satisfying crunch within the savory bacon.
- Spicy Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites: For those who love a tropical twist with a hint of heat and the undeniable charm of bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Pepper Jelly Glaze
By Christin Mahrlig
10 minutes
4 minutes
14 minutes
6
Print Recipe
Equipment
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12-inch cast iron pan
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Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
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Small bowl (for mixing glaze)
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Pastry brush (for glazing)
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup red pepper jelly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 pound large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on if desired for presentation
- 1/2 pound bacon, each piece cut in half lengthwise (thin or regular cut bacon recommended)
Instructions
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Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the red pepper jelly, olive oil (or vegetable oil), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the glaze is smooth. Set this flavorful mixture aside.
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Wrap the Shrimp: Take one half-slice of bacon and meticulously wrap it around each peeled and deveined shrimp. Ensure the bacon is snug. Secure the bacon tightly around the shrimp using a toothpick to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
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Initial Cook: Heat a 12-inch cast iron pan (or a large nonstick skillet if a cast iron isn’t available) over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the bacon to start crisping and the shrimp to begin cooking.
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Glaze and Finish: Flip the shrimp over to the other side. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the prepared pepper jelly mixture over the partially cooked shrimp. Continue cooking for about 2 more minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, the shrimp are opaque and pink, and the glaze is beautifully caramelized. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Expert Tips & Notes
Shrimp Freshness: Always choose fresh, high-quality large shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before wrapping.
Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the glaze to match your preferred level of heat. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne. For extra spice, a pinch more can be added.
Serving Suggestions: These shrimp are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy bacon and warm glaze. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a touch of color and freshness.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can peel and devein the shrimp and cut the bacon in advance. You can even wrap the shrimp in bacon and secure them with toothpicks a few hours before cooking. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Alternative Cooking Methods: While a cast iron pan provides excellent searing, you can also bake these shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway and glazing during the last few minutes, or grill them on skewers.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Carbohydrates: 14g |
Protein: 15g |
Fat: 20g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 120mg |
Sodium: 781mg |
Potassium: 177mg |
Fiber: 0.2g |
Sugar: 9g |
Vitamin A: 168IU |
Vitamin C: 2mg |
Calcium: 47mg |
Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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Recipe adapted from Southern Cast Iron magazine, inspiring delicious culinary adventures from the heart of the South.
Discover More Favorite Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp is an incredibly versatile ingredient, beloved for its delicate flavor and quick cooking time. If you enjoyed this bacon-wrapped sensation, you’re sure to find new favorites among our collection of stellar shrimp recipes. From creamy and rich to zesty and bold, these dishes celebrate the amazing versatility of shrimp, perfect for any meal or occasion.
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Experience a taste of the Big Easy with our authentic New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp. These plump shrimp are smothered in a rich, buttery, and incredibly flavorful sauce, perfect for sopping up with plenty of crusty French bread. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of Louisiana cooking.
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