Q: Do you need to soak the wooden toothpicks?

A: You do not have to soak them. I have made this recipe both ways. If you do soak them, the toothpicks stay intact better, but honestly, they turn black either way and still work fine.

Q: Can you make these in an air fryer?

A: Absolutely. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the wrapped water chestnuts in a single layer, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and air fry at 375 degrees for about 12 to 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Check them at the 12-minute mark. Air frying is faster and uses less oven space if you are making a big batch.

Q: How do you keep these warm for a party?

A: Bake them until they are almost done, about 20 minutes. Then transfer them to a slow cooker on low to keep them warm. They will stay crispy longer this way than if you bake them and let them sit at room temperature.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Rumaki Recipe (Pre-Cooked Bacon)

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cans of whole water chestnuts, drained
1 pound of pre-cooked Bacon, cut into half strips
1 & 1/2 cups Ketchup
1 cup Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
Wooden Toothpicks to secure

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F. A preheated oven ensures even cooking and gives the bacon that signature crunch. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil on the bottom for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This is the secret to getting them crispy.
Prepare the Bacon and Water Chestnuts: Warm up the pre-cooked bacon for about 10 seconds in the microwave. This makes it pliable for wrapping. Drain the whole water chestnuts to remove excess liquid. Each chestnut should be dry so the bacon sticks properly. Use kitchen scissors to cut the bacon in half.
Wrap and Secure: Take a half strip of bacon and wrap it around a water chestnut. Secure it with a wooden toothpick and place the wrapped chestnut in a single layer on the wire rack. Having them in a single layer makes it easy to grab them for dipping.
Make the Savory Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. This combination creates a sauce that is savory with a hint of sweetness. If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika.
Coat and Bake: Dip each bacon-wrapped water chestnut into the sauce, ensuring it is fully coated. Arrange them back on the wire rack. Place the rack in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bacon is perfectly golden and crispy.

Author: Susan Buonpane
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 194
Sugar: 37.9 g
Sodium: 629.6 mg
Fat: 1.4 g
Carbohydrates: 45.4 g
Fiber: 0.9 g
Protein: 0.9 g
Cholesterol: 2.3 mg