These bacon wrapped shrimp are big prawns that have been wrapped in bacon and brushed with a sweet and savory glaze. They are then cooked to perfection on a grill. One simple but classy option for a starter or main dish that your family and friends will love!
Everything tastes better with bacon! For dinner, my family always asks for bacon green beans and bacon mac and cheese. When you wrap shrimp in bacon, you get tasty little bites that are great for any event.
When I’m looking for a meal option that’s sure to impress, I turn to bacon wrapped shrimp. The smoky bacon pairs so well with the tender shrimp and sweet and savory glaze. You can bring these shrimp to a party as a snack or make a meal out of them, along with a starch and a vegetable.
Check out my recipes for bacon-wrapped chicken, bacon-wrapped asparagus, and bacon-wrapped meatloaf to see what else you can wrap in bacon. There are so many fantastic ways to enjoy bacon!.
Bacon wrapped shrimp is a delicious appetizer that is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any party or gathering. The combination of the sweet brininess of the shrimp with the smoky, salty flavor of the bacon is hard to beat. But what should you serve alongside these tasty morsels?
Having the right side dishes can take your bacon wrapped shrimp from an appetizer to a full meal. The key is finding sides that complement and balance the flavors of the shrimp without overpowering them. After testing out countless pairings, I’ve rounded up 45 of the very best sides to serve with bacon wrapped shrimp.
Refreshing Sides That Cut Through Richness
One of the keys to pairing sides with bacon wrapped shrimp is having something to help cut through the richness. The bacon and any sauce or glaze used can quickly make the shrimp heavy. Bright fresh sides are the perfect contrast.
Mango Pico de Gallo
A fruity pico de gallo with mango is a tasty way to brighten up your bacon wrapped shrimp. The sweet mango balances beautifully with the tart tomato and spicy onion and jalapeño. The fresh flavors cut through the smoky bacon perfectly.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad with orzo or fusilli is a great make-ahead side dish The pesto dressing provides a herby, bright flavor that pairs nicely with the shrimp. Add some chopped fresh tomatoes for extra color and acidity to help cut the richness.
Red Cabbage Slaw
A vinegar-based slaw with red cabbage is an easy side that offers a sweet-tangy crunch. The vinegar dressing cuts through the richness well. Amp up the flavor with spices like cayenne or Herbes de Provence.
Vietnamese Noodle Salad
For a refreshing Southeast Asian twist, this rice noodle salad is a fantastic pairing. It has bright, tangy flavors from seasoned rice vinegar along with lots of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. Plus, the cool vermicelli noodles contrast the hot shrimp beautifully.
Savory Sides That Complement Bacon
You can never go wrong pairing bacon with other savory flavors. These sides echo the smoky, salty flavors of the bacon wrapped shrimp.
Cheesy Grits
Creamy, cheesy grits are a classic comfort food side from the Southern U.S. that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. The cheddar cheese picks up the smoky notes from the bacon. For extra richness, stir in a pat of butter.
Sauteed Green Beans
For a simple veggie pairing, quickly sauté green beans in olive oil with minced garlic and lemon. The bright, fresh green beans balance the shrimp well without competing flavors.
Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon wrapped shrimp and jalapeño poppers are a match made in appetizer heaven. The hot, cheesy poppers complement the shrimp beautifully. Plus you get more bacon! For a budget-friendly version, use cream cheese instead of cheddar.
Creamed Spinach
This rich, delicious side features spinach in a creamy cheese sauce with Parmesan. It can be made ahead and complements the shrimp’s flavors nicely. For a dip, thin the sauce with milk or cream.
Cheesy Skillet Potatoes
Crispy, cheesy potatoes are an easy, savory side that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. Cook halved small red potatoes in bacon fat for maximum flavor. Crumbled bacon and cheddar or Parmesan cheese finish it off.
Starchy Sides to Make It a Meal
While the shrimp appetizers themselves are protein-packed, adding some carbohydrates creates a satisfying, balanced meal. Here are some excellent starchy sides to consider.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Fresh cilantro and lime juice give this rice a brightness that offsets the rich shrimp. For an authentic Mexican flair, add a pinch of ground cumin. Serve the shrimp over the rice or alongside it.
Cheesy Polenta
Creamy soft polenta takes well to the rich, full flavors of bacon wrapped shrimp. Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar, Parmesan or pepper jack for even more richness.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
What better side for bacon and shrimp than creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes? For extra indulgence, use heavy cream and butter with the potatoes.
Buttery Egg Noodles
Wide egg noodles tossed in butter provide an easy, comforting base for the shrimp. If you want something lighter, try lemony angel hair pasta instead.
Baked Beans
Baked beans with bacon is a match made in comfort food heaven. Navy, pinto or cannellini beans in a smoky tomato or molasses sauce pair perfectly with the shrimp.
Fresh Vegetable Sides
Don’t forget your greens! Serve your shrimp with a vegetable side for a healthy, balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Sauteed broccolini with garlic and lemon
- Grilled asparagus spears
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon bits
- Steamed broccoli drizzled with olive oil
- Simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing
Fun Drink Pairings
Bacon wrapped shrimp deserves a fun, tasty beverage alongside it! Here are some drinks that complement the flavors well:
Michelada
For a Mexican-inspired pairing, serve Micheladas. They are made with beer, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and other flavorings. Go as spicy or mild as you’d like.
Moscow Mule
The classic Moscow Mule cocktail with vodka, ginger beer and lime has the ideal refreshing yet savory notes to go with shrimp. Make a big batch in a copper mug for a pretty presentation.
Margaritas
A margarita is another excellent beverage choice with Mexican flair. The tang of the lime juice balances the rich shrimp beautifully. Try a spicy mango-habanero margarita for a real kick.
Rosé Wine
A glass of chilled, dry rosé wine is a classic pairing with seafood. The light fruitiness won’t overpower the shrimp. For white wine lovers, a Sauvignon Blanc also pairs nicely.
Sweet Endings
Looking for the perfect little something sweet after your meal? Here are some easy desserts that complement the flavors of bacon wrapped shrimp:
- Fresh fruit kabobs with a honey glaze
- Skillet brownie with vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate dipped bacon for the adults
- S’mores dip with graham crackers for dipping
Tips for Serving Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
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Choose the largest shrimp you can find. Go for colossal (under 15 per pound) or extra jumbo (16-20 per pound). The bacon is easier to wrap around bigger shrimp.
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Leave the tails on the shrimp for a nice presentation, but remove the shells before wrapping.
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Use regular sliced bacon, not thick cut. Thick cut won’t crisp up fast enough.
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Soak wooden skewers in water first if using them to hold the bacon on.
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Bake the shrimp on a wire rack over a sheet pan so the bacon crisps on all sides.
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Brush the shrimp with sauce halfway through cooking for maximum flavor.
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These can be served warm or at room temperature, making them great for parties and potlucks.
With so many fantastic sides to choose from, you can serve up bacon wrapped shrimp as an appetizer or go all out with a full meal. Whip up a few different sides and let your guests build their own plates. The flavor combinations are endless!
Tips For The Perfect Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Choose the largest shrimp that you can afford. It’s easier to wrap bigger shrimp in bacon, and the bacon will keep them from cooking too much. Big shrimp (less than 15 per pound) are what I like to use, but extra jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound) will also work.
- For a nicer look, I like to leave the tails on my shrimp.
- As an appetizer, you can serve the shrimp with the toothpicks still in place. If you want to serve them as a main course, take the toothpicks out.
- This will make the bacon on the bottom of the shrimp crispier. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Putting aluminum foil under your shrimp will make cleaning up easier.
Do not use thick bacon because it will take too long to cook all the way through.
Bacon wrapped shrimp stay good in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To cook shrimp that tastes good, make sure it doesn’t get too too done and season it. For this bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe, the shrimp can be broil-cooked for just the right amount of time to make them soft instead of tough. Another way to season the shrimp is with a sauce made of maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Ingredients
You will need big shrimp, bacon, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make bacon wrapped shrimp. You might want some parsley to garnish the shrimp.
