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Ultimate Game Day & Party Appetizer: Dorothy’s BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Searching for that perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next tailgate, holiday gathering, or casual get-together? Look no further! Dorothy’s BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts offer an irresistible symphony of sweet, salty, smoky, and crunchy flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. These delightful bites are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for any festive occasion. Prepare to be amazed by this unique appetizer that perfectly balances texture and taste, guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Dorothy's BBQ Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts - An Affair from the Heart

The Heart of the Party: Tailgating & Holiday Gatherings

There’s nothing quite like the vibrant atmosphere of a game day tailgate. The aroma of delicious food wafting through the air, the camaraderie, and the shared excitement create an unforgettable experience. While summer barbecues are fantastic, there’s a special place in our hearts for those cooler months filled with football and festive holidays. This recipe for bacon-wrapped water chestnuts perfectly captures that spirit, making it an essential addition to your game day menu. Imagine the buzz as your friends and family savor these crispy, flavorful morsels, whether you’re at a lively Lincoln Nebraska Husker tailgate or hosting an elegant holiday soiree.

What makes these appetizers truly exceptional is their adaptability. They can be baked to perfection in your oven, or for an added layer of smoky flavor, cooked on your grill or smoker. This flexibility makes them ideal for any setting, from a bustling parking lot party to a cozy indoor watch party. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Simply discard the foil and toothpicks, and your dishes are done. This convenience is a game-changer when entertaining, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your guests and less time scrubbing pans.

The delightful crunch of water chestnuts, enveloped in savory, crisp bacon, then generously coated in a homemade tangy barbecue sauce, creates an appetizer that transcends expectations. The secret ingredient that elevates this barbecue sauce to extraordinary levels is Nebraska’s very own Dorothy Lynch Dressing. Beyond their incredible taste, these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts can be prepared in advance, freeing up your valuable time on the day of your event. This make-ahead capability makes them an absolute favorite for hosts and hostesses looking to impress without the stress.

This recipe is proudly sponsored by Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment. All opinions and my genuine love for their Nebraska-Made Home Style Dressing & Condiment are entirely my own.

Effortless Elegance: Easy Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Despite their sophisticated flavor profile, these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are remarkably simple to prepare. The process involves two main components: crafting the exceptional homemade barbecue sauce and assembling the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts. First, you’ll combine all the barbecue sauce ingredients and allow them to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld and deepen. This step is crucial for developing the rich, tangy-sweet glaze that will coat your appetizers. Next, you’ll simply wrap each whole water chestnut with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick, and then bake them until the bacon is delightfully crispy. The final touch involves basting the appetizers with the glorious homemade BBQ sauce and returning them to the oven for a few more minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize into a sticky, irresistible coating. The result is a piping hot, gourmet-level appetizer with minimal effort.

If you’re a fan of the savory, smoky goodness of bacon in your appetizers, you’re in for a treat with this recipe. It joins the ranks of other beloved bacon-centric starters like a creamy Sauerkraut Bacon and Swiss Cheese Ball, elegant Bacon and Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus, and surprisingly addictive Bacon-Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts. Each offers a unique twist on the classic bacon appetizer, ensuring there’s something to please every palate.

The Secret Sauce: Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible transformation that happens when you make barbecue sauce from scratch. While store-bought sauces certainly have their place, there’s an unparalleled depth of flavor and freshness that only a homemade sauce can provide. And the best part? Crafting this barbecue sauce is far from difficult. You likely already have most of the basic pantry staples on hand, making it a convenient and rewarding culinary endeavor.

The true magic in this particular BBQ sauce lies in the inclusion of Dorothy Lynch Dressing. Traditionally, many homemade BBQ sauces rely heavily on ketchup as a base. However, by replacing or supplementing ketchup with Dorothy Lynch, we unlock a completely new dimension of flavor. Its unique sweet and tangy profile, combined with its inherent tomato base, provides the perfect foundation for a rich, complex, and utterly addictive barbecue sauce. This seemingly simple swap is a genuine game-changer, infusing the sauce with a distinctive taste that will set your appetizers apart.

Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment: A Culinary Game Changer

You might be wondering, why turn a condiment into another condiment? The simple truth is that Dorothy Lynch Dressing possesses an extraordinary ability to enhance and elevate countless sauces, marinades, and seasonings. Its unique sweet and tangy profile lends itself beautifully to a wide array of culinary applications, making it a versatile powerhouse in the kitchen. I’ve personally discovered its transformative power in various dishes, from creating savory homemade taco seasoning and taco sauce to crafting zesty pizza sauce. It even makes an incredible ham glaze, adds depth to glazed cranberry meatballs, and, of course, is the star of the infamous Sloppy Dorothy Recipe, which quickly became one of my most popular recipes. The unparalleled flavor it brings to these dishes is truly remarkable, proving its versatility far beyond just a salad dressing.

Essential Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

For a comprehensive list of all ingredients and detailed instructions, please refer to the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this amazing appetizer:

To Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce:

Dorothy Lynch Dressing: The star of our sauce! I specifically recommend the Home Style variety for its classic, balanced flavor that forms the perfect base for our barbecue sauce.
Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that enhances the overall complexity of the sauce. Light brown sugar or coconut sugar can also be used for a slightly different sweet note.
Honey: Essential for that lovely sticky, glossy texture and an additional layer of natural sweetness.
Soy sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is my preference to control the saltiness, but regular soy sauce works well too. For a gluten-free option, tamari is an excellent substitute.
Sriracha: A touch of sriracha provides a welcome kick of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, or omit it entirely for a milder sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient is key for adding a rich, savory umami depth that rounds out the sauce’s flavor profile.
Apple cider vinegar: Crucial for balancing the sweetness with a bright, tangy acidity, giving the BBQ sauce its characteristic zing.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the most vibrant and pungent garlic flavor. If fresh isn’t available, jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative.
Cornstarch and water: A simple slurry of cornstarch and water acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your BBQ sauce achieves that desirable, luscious consistency.

For the Water Chestnuts:

Water chestnuts: Be sure to select canned, whole water chestnuts for the best texture and appearance. Avoid sliced varieties, as they won’t wrap as well or provide the same satisfying crunch.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon strips, each cut into thirds, are ideal. The thicker cut ensures a substantial, smoky flavor and crisps up beautifully around the water chestnuts.

Keep reading to uncover even more helpful tips and tricks, practical ingredient substitutions, and answers to frequently asked questions about mastering this delightful recipe for bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.

How to Make This Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnut Appetizer

This savory and sweet recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated steps. Follow these simple instructions to create an appetizer that will disappear in minutes:

Prepare Your Homemade BBQ Sauce:

Combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients (reserving the cornstarch and water) in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously. Continue to cook for another couple of minutes until the sauce visibly thickens to a glossy, pourable consistency.

Prepare the Water Chestnuts:

First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a sturdy cookie sheet or baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Set this prepared baking sheet aside.

Carefully drain the liquid from the canned water chestnuts. It’s important to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the bacon crisp up more effectively.

Take one piece of your cut bacon and neatly wrap it around a single water chestnut. Secure this little bundle firmly with a wooden toothpick. Repeat this process for all remaining water chestnuts and bacon.

Arrange the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts in a single layer on your prepared foil-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. During this initial bake, the bacon will start to render its fat and partially cook.

After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously baste each bacon-wrapped water chestnut with your homemade barbecue sauce. Return them to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon reaches a desirable crispy texture and the BBQ sauce has beautifully caramelized, creating a sweet and sticky glaze.

For serving, pour any remaining BBQ sauce into a small bowl, perfect for dipping. Allow the appetizers to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They can be deliciously reheated in the microwave, air fryer, or oven for a quick snack.

Love It? Pin It!

Don’t let this fantastic recipe for bacon-wrapped water chestnuts slip away! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it for your next gathering!

What is Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment?

Dorothy Lynch dressing has a rich history, originating in the 1940s at the humble Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. Dorothy herself crafted this homemade dressing for the restaurant, and it quickly became a local sensation. Patrons would even bring their own bottles to be refilled with this now-famous concoction. Today, the legendary dressing is produced in a sprawling 64,000 square foot facility in Duncan, Nebraska, a town with a population of just 351. Dorothy Lynch is available in two popular varieties: Home Style and Light & Lean. Importantly, Dorothy Lynch contains no MSG, cholesterol, or trans fats, and it is also certified gluten-free, making it a conscious choice for many households.

Dispelling Misconceptions about Dorothy Lynch Dressing

Due to its distinct orange-pink hue, many people might mistakenly assume that Dorothy Lynch dressing tastes similar to traditional French dressing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While most French dressings are oil-based, Dorothy Lynch is uniquely characterized by its rich, tomato-based foundation. It boasts a thick, creamy texture and a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. It truly tastes homemade – a testament to its authentic origins. For those of us from Nebraska, like myself, its flavor evokes a comforting sense of home and tradition, bringing a touch of local culinary heritage to every dish it graces.

Flexible Substitutions for Your Recipe

When it comes to cooking, feel empowered to get creative and adapt recipes to suit your personal tastes, dietary needs, and what you have on hand. Remember, a recipe is a guide, and making it your own is part of the fun!

If thick-cut bacon isn’t available, any standard slice of bacon will work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve your desired crispiness.
Instead of sriracha, feel free to use your favorite hot sauce or whatever spicy condiment you already have in your pantry to add that touch of heat.
No fresh garlic? No problem! Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when preparing these delicious appetizers:

What is the best way to eat canned water chestnuts? Canned water chestnuts are incredibly versatile! Their crisp texture makes them a wonderful addition to a variety of dishes. Beyond this bacon-wrapped recipe, they’re excellent in soups, salads, stir-fries, and stews, providing a unique crunch.
Do you need to rinse water chestnuts before cooking? It’s always a good practice to give canned water chestnuts a quick rinse before using them. They are often packed in a saline solution, and rinsing helps remove some of that excess salt, allowing their natural, subtly sweet flavor to shine through.
How long do you cook water chestnuts for? Canned water chestnuts are already cooked and tender, so the goal isn’t to “cook” them but rather to heat them through and integrate them into your dish. In this recipe, the cooking time is focused on crisping the bacon and caramelizing the sauce around them.
Do you drain canned water chestnuts? Yes, absolutely. Always drain the liquid from canned water chestnuts before adding them to your recipes. This ensures your dish isn’t watered down and that the water chestnuts retain their firm, crisp texture.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results

Enhance your bacon-wrapped water chestnut experience with these helpful tips:

To prevent your wooden toothpicks from burning or charring in the oven, soak them in a small bowl of water for at least 10-15 minutes before using them to secure the bacon.
A good quality pastry brush is your best friend for evenly basting the water chestnuts with the luscious barbecue sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.
Consider making a double batch of the homemade barbecue sauce. You can store the extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, perfect for another meal or as a dipping sauce for other dishes.

More Delicious Recipes to Love

If you’ve fallen in love with the distinct flavor of Dorothy Lynch Dressing, you’ll be thrilled to explore more entree recipes I’ve crafted using this incredible ingredient. Try Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops for a hearty main course, or prepare a batch of Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies for another fantastic appetizer. For breakfast or brunch, Dorothy’s Bacon and Potato Frittata offers a delightful twist. If you’re looking for another crowd-pleasing appetizer that highlights Dorothy Lynch, don’t miss Dorothy’s Hot Taco Dip!

Discover ALL my Dorothy Lynch Recipes here for even more culinary inspiration!

Where Can I Purchase Dorothy Lynch Dressing?

Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment is widely available in most grocery stores throughout Nebraska. You can also find it at select grocery stores located west of the Mississippi River, including popular retailers like Walmart and Hy-Vee. If you’re outside of these regions or prefer the convenience of online shopping, you can easily stock your pantry with Dorothy Lynch by visiting Buy Nebraska! It’s the perfect way to get this beloved dressing delivered right to your door.

To stay updated on new recipes and culinary ideas, make sure to follow Dorothy Lynch on their official website, and connect with them on their social media channels: Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. You’ll find delicious recipes and inspiration all year long!

This easy, yet incredibly flavorful appetizer is absolutely destined to be a smash hit with your crowd. With the satisfying crunch of the water chestnuts, the irresistible smoky richness of the bacon, and the perfect blend of sweet and savory in the barbecue sauce, what’s not to adore? Get ready for a chorus of compliments and empty platters!

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Dorothy's BBQ Bacon wrapped Water Chestnuts on a white serving platter.

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Print Recipe

Dorothy’s BBQ Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Are you looking for the ultimate tailgate or holiday party appetizer? Well, look no further! Sweet, salty, and crunchy, Dorothy’s Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are delicious! We know you won’t be able to eat just one.

Prep Time

10

Cook Time

30

Course:
Appetizers & Snacks

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
BBQ, hot appetizers, tailgating food, water chestnuts

Servings:

6
servings

Calories:

170
kcal

Equipment

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie/Jelly Roll Pan

Ingredients

For the Barbecue Sauce:

1
cup
Dorothy Lynch Dressing
1/2
cup
dark brown sugar
1/2
cup
honey
1
Tablespoon
low sodium soy sauce
1/2
teaspoon
Sriracha
1/2
Tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce
1
Tablespoon
apple cider vinegar
2
cloves
garlic minced
2
Tablespoons
cornstarch
2
Tablespoons
water

For the Water Chestnuts:

2
8 ounce
cans whole water chestnuts
1
12 ounce
package of thick cut bacon each piece cut into thirds

Instructions

Prepare your homemade BBQ sauce:

Add all of the BBQ sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch and water) to a saucepan over medium heat stirring occasionally, cooking for about 15 minutes. Whisk cornstarch and water together and pour into the saucepan. Cook for another couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.

Prepare the water chestnuts:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Line a cookie sheet with foil. Set aside.
Drain the liquid from the water chestnuts and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Wrap a piece of bacon around each water chestnut and secure it with a toothpick.
Place the bacon wrapped water chestnuts on the foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Baste each one with the barbecue sauce and then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the BBQ is caramelized on the outside.
Serve hot with more BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

To cook these water chestnuts on your grill or smoker use the same method and temperature as the oven. For even easier tailgating clean-up, use a disposable aluminum pan.

Nutrition