Ready in: 50 minutes · Serves: 10 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days in the fridge.
Quick Answer
Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts are a delightful holiday snack that combines sweet chestnuts with crispy bacon for an irresistible treat.
Introduction: With the holidays approaching and the air in New York City turning crisp, it's time to gather with loved ones and share delightful bites that warm both the heart and the stomach. One of my all-time favorite dishes to prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings is Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts. These little morsels strike a perfect balance between sweet and savory, and the combination of crunchy, nutty chestnuts wrapped in salty, crispy bacon is simply irresistible. Each bite offers a wonderful contrast of textures that I always look forward to at holiday dinners.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will please any palate.
- Crunchy, nutty chestnuts enveloped in crispy bacon create an irresistible texture.
- Easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and simply reheated for convenience.
- Add a festive touch to your holiday table with a delightful rosemary garnish.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make the delicious Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts:
Chestnuts
- 1 pound of whole, peeled chestnuts
Bacon
- 1 pound of thin-cut bacon
Seasoning
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create these mouthwatering Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when the chestnuts go in, they roast evenly and absorb the delicious flavors of the bacon.
Step 2: Chestnut Seasoning
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set it aside to let the flavors meld. The warmth of the paprika and the sweetness of the brown sugar elevate the chestnuts beautifully.
Step 3: Bacon Wrapping
Take a piece of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap each half around a chestnut, ensuring the nut is fully encased. Use a toothpick to secure it. I like to work quickly here; the aroma of the raw bacon is already making my mouth water!
Step 4: Coating
Once all the chestnuts are wrapped, roll them in the seasoned brown sugar mixture. This will create a caramelized crust as they bake, adding a delightful sweetness to each bite.
Step 5: Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and arrange the chestnuts, seam-side down, ensuring they're not too crowded (give them some room to breathe!). Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. While they bake, your kitchen will fill with that mouthwatering aroma-it's pure magic.
Step 6: Finish & Garnish
Once they're golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using thick-cut bacon: Thin-cut bacon crisps up better and allows for a more even wrapping around the chestnut, ensuring the flavors blend seamlessly.
- Not pre-cooking the bacon: If the bacon is too raw, it may not crisp up while baking, leading to an unpleasant texture.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Give each chestnut enough space on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- If you're using frozen chestnuts, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before wrapping with bacon to avoid excess moisture.
- Experiment with adding chopped nuts into the mixture for extra crunch or swapping out bacon for prosciutto for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Don't skip the rosemary garnish-it enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Variations:
- Substitute bacon with prosciutto for a different flavor.
- Add chopped nuts to the seasoning mix for extra texture.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique sweetness.
How to Serve:
- Serve warm as an appetizer at holiday gatherings.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary for a festive presentation.
- Pair with a selection of cheeses for a delightful cheese board addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chestnuts wrapped in bacon and store them in the fridge before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: It's not recommended to freeze these; they are best enjoyed fresh.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Perfecting this recipe highlighted the beauty of simplicity. The natural sweetness of the chestnuts combined with the savory bacon creates a delightful dish. Each batch brings joy and reminds me that sometimes it's the simplest recipes that make the holidays special. I also learned that the right bacon thickness and proper spacing during baking are crucial for achieving that perfect crisp.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 20 pieces · Serving Size: 4 pieces
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~220 calories · 8g protein · 10g carbs · 18g fat
Recipe by:
Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set it aside.
- Take a piece of bacon, cut it in half, and wrap each half around a chestnut securing it with a toothpick.
- Roll the bacon-wrapped chestnuts in the seasoned brown sugar mixture.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until crispy.
- Once out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes and garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.
Notes
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chestnuts for this recipe? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture before wrapping with bacon.
- How long do the Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts last? They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
- What type of bacon is best for this recipe? Thin-cut bacon is recommended as it crisps up better and allows for an even wrap around the chestnuts.
- Can I add any other ingredients to the chestnuts? Yes, you can experiment by adding chopped nuts or swapping bacon for prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
- What is the best way to ensure my chestnuts are crispy? Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet and ensure the bacon is not too raw prior to wrapping, as this can affect the final texture.
