Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been experimenting with bacon wrapped shrimp recipes for years, and I’m excited to share my findings about the ideal baking temperature. If you’re looking to create this mouthwatering appetizer, you’ve come to the right place!
The Ideal Temperature: 450°F is Your Sweet Spot
After countless tests in my kitchen I’ve found that 450°F is the perfect temperature for baking bacon wrapped shrimp. Here’s why
- Bacon gets deliciously crispy
- Shrimp stays juicy and tender
- Cooking time is quick (10-15 minutes)
- Even browning throughout
Temperature Breakdown: What Happens at Different Heat Levels
I’ve tested various temperatures, and here’s what I discovered:
| Temperature | Results |
|---|---|
| 350°F | Too slow, shrimp overcooks while waiting for bacon to crisp |
| 400°F | Decent results, but bacon stays slightly limp |
| 450°F | Perfect balance! |
| 500°F+ | Risk of burnt bacon and rubbery shrimp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 450°F
- Pat shrimp dry
- Cut bacon strips in half
- Line baking sheet with foil
- Place wire rack on top
-
Assembly (10 minutes)
- Wrap each shrimp with half slice bacon
- Secure with toothpick
- Place on wire rack
- Don’t overcrowd!
-
Baking (10-15 minutes):
- Pop in preheated oven
- Rotate pan halfway through
- Check at 10 minutes
- Look for crispy bacon and pink shrimp
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
Listen up! These tips gonna make your bacon wrapped shrimp next-level amazing:
- Pre-chill wrapped shrimp for 20-30 mins (helps bacon stick better)
- Use thin-sliced bacon (wraps easier, cooks faster)
- Pat shrimp super dry before wrapping
- Keep those tails on for easier handling
- Season before wrapping (I love paprika and black pepper)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Y’all, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Skipping the preheat step
- Using thick-cut bacon (takes forever to crisp)
- Overcrowding the pan
- Forgetting to use a wire rack
- Not patting shrimp dry
Flavor Variations to Try
Wanna mix it up? Here’s some tasty variations I’ve tried:
- Brush with maple syrup for sweet-and-salty
- Add jalapeño slices for heat
- Sprinkle with brown sugar
- Drizzle with teriyaki sauce
- Dust with Cajun seasoning
Storage and Reheating
TBH, these are best fresh outta the oven. But if you must store them:
- Keep in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes
- Avoid microwave (makes bacon soggy)
Perfect Pairings
These little guys go great with:
- Ranch dipping sauce
- Guacamole
- Teriyaki sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs
The Bottom Line
Look, I know there’s lots of different opinions out there about the perfect temp for bacon wrapped shrimp. But after making these like a bazillion times, I’m telling ya – 450°F is where it’s at! You get that perfect combo of crispy bacon and juicy shrimp every single time.
Remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect. Just follow these guidelines, and you’ll end up with a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Got any questions? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to hear how your bacon wrapped shrimp turned out. Happy cooking, y’all!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
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- ▢ 30 jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, and thawed
- ▢ 15 slices thin bacon cut in half
- ▢ 1/4 cup brown sugar
- ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the shrimp and bacon: Take 30 peeled, deveined, and thawed shrimp and wrap each one with half a strip of bacon. Secure with a toothpick to hold the bacon in place.
- Season the shrimp: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon paprika. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped shrimp, coating all sides.
- Bake: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Place the pan on the bottom oven rack and bake for 5 minutes, or until the bacon starts to crisp up.
- Broil for extra crispiness: Move the baking sheet to the middle oven rack and broil for 2 minutes on each side, watching closely to prevent burning. The shrimp should be pink, and the bacon should be crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm.
- Peel and Devein Like a Pro: Got fresh shrimp with the shells still on? No sweat. To peel, crack the shell open along the soft underside, pull it off, and boom—done. To devein, take a toothpick and poke under the dark vein running along the back. Give it a pull, and it should slide right out. If it breaks, just poke a little further down and pull again. Lightwork.
- Cook the Bacon First: Raw bacon takes longer to cook than shrimp, so give it a head start! Partially cook the bacon strips before wrapping them around the shrimp.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space is key! Whether you’re baking or broiling, leave a little room between each shrimp. Overcrowding equals trapped steam, which means floppy bacon.
- Watch Closely: Shrimp cook ridiculously fast, so keep an eye on them. As soon as the bacon is crispy and the shrimp turn pink, they’re done.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
If you try this easy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe or any other of my recipes on Meal Planning blueprints, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
How to make Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
I Can’t Get Enough Of This Appetizer Recipe | Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
FAQ
What temperature do you cook bacon wrapped shrimp in the oven?
- Wrap shrimp with 1/2 slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick. …
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Line a jelly roll pan with extra heavy duty foil, and place baking rack in the pan. …
- Bake in the preheated oven until bacon is crisp and shrimp are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
What temperature should shrimp be baked at?
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Devein the shrimp, remove the tail and completely pat dry.
- Add shrimp to the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Baked at 425°F for 7-9 minutes or until pink.
- Enjoy.
How long to grill shrimp wrapped in bacon?
Place the bacon wrapped shrimp carefully on the grates and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until the bacon is charred and crispy and the shrimp is cooked through. Remove to a plate, and remove the toothpicks if you’re feeling generous.