The New Year is almost here — why not celebrate with sweet-and-salty bacon-wrapped shrimp glazed in a brown sugar bourbon sauce?
This isn’t your ordinary bacon-wrapped shrimp. I gave these a festive twist with a buttery brown sugar and bourbon glaze — perfect for the in-between holidays when indulgence is encouraged and everything feels a little more special.
These bites make an excellent New Year’s Eve appetizer, but they also pair beautifully with a grilled steak or can stand alone as a main dish over a crisp salad or a serving of Carolina Gold rice.
The glaze is light rather than heavy — most of the bourbon cooks away, leaving a delicate, flavorful coating that complements the smoky bacon and tender shrimp. If serving as an appetizer, offer toothpicks so guests can enjoy them without sticky fingers.
Other easy appetizers you might like:
- White Wine Sausage Bites with Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Smoked Salmon Dip
📖 Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze
Sweet, smoky, and salty shrimp bites finished with a buttery brown sugar bourbon glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra-large shrimp (about 26), peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 6 pieces thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds
Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup — the rim will keep the glaze from spilling into the oven.
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Wrap each shrimp with a third of a bacon slice, dip it in the glaze, and arrange on the pan with the cut ends tucked underneath so the bacon stays secure.
- Bake for 6 minutes, flip the shrimp, then bake another 4 minutes or until the bacon is browned and edges are crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
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