Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts (aka Rumaki) are everyone’s favorite appetizer! Crunchy water chestnuts wrapped in crispy bacon and sweetened with a delicious combination of brown sugar, honey, and winter spices… they’re the perfect blend of savory and sweet and the BEST addition to any appetizer menu!

We all know that everything’s better with bacon, and these Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are the perfect example. They’ve been one of my favorite appetizers for as long as I can remember… and this version is the absolute BEST.

This recipe, also known as Rumaki, combines the crunchiness of whole water chestnuts with the crispiness of perfectly cooked bacon. But it’s really the brown sugar rub that’s the star of the show. There’s something about combining brown sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that takes it to the next level… and it couldn’t be more perfect for the holidays!

Unlike most other recipes, which are made with a combination of brown sugar and ketchup, this recipe comes together with a generous drizzle of honey just before serving.

The end result is a delicious combination of savory and sweet and the BEST Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts ever!

What you need for this recipe

The ingredient list for this recipe is short, and many are things you’re likely to have on hand. For the bacon, be sure to get full length (not center cut) because you’ll need the length to wrap around the water chestnuts. And speaking of the water chestnuts, you can either buy them whole or sliced. I used whole in this recipe, so be sure to double check the can!

1 pound bacon
2 cans whole water chestnuts
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup honey

How to make Rumaki

Prepare the bacon – Cut each piece of bacon in half crosswise. Lay them flat on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Prepare the brown sugar rub – In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Season the bacon – Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture onto each strip of bacon and gently press to coat.

Roll up the water chestnuts – Place a water chestnut on one end of each strip of bacon. Roll the bacon tightly around each water chestnut and secure with a toothpick.

Bake – Bake at 400° F for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy.

Drizzle – Drizzle generously with honey before serving.

Recipe variations

There are countless variations on this recipe… some using ketchup or bbq sauce… but these are a few variations on this specific method:

Cut the water chestnuts in half before rolling
Substitute small chunks of uncooked chicken breast for the water chestnuts
Substitute uncooked shrimp for the water chestnuts
Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon (adjust cooking time accordingly)
Double the brown sugar mixture for extra flavor
Add additional seasonings, such as ginger or allspice

More appetizers you’ll love

Appetizers are our absolute favorite… and these are some more recipes to try at your next party or get together!