Spicy Honey Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp make an ideal crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready in under 30 minutes and easy to prepare, plump shrimp are wrapped in bacon and coated with a sticky sweet-and-spicy glaze made from just a few ingredients. Perfect for game day, a barbecue, or cocktail hour—guests will keep coming back for more.
Let’s be honest: anything wrapped in bacon is delicious. If scallops aren’t everyone’s favorite, bacon-wrapped shrimp are a fantastic alternative because shrimp are widely loved. The contrast of crispy bacon and juicy shrimp glazed with a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce is irresistible.
[lwptoc]
Why You Will Love These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast at parties.
- The sweet-and-spicy glaze balances perfectly with crispy bacon and tender shrimp.
- You can assemble them up to three days ahead, then bake before serving.
- They’re adaptable to Paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and SCD diets.
- The recipe scales easily to feed large groups.
Can I Make These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp In Advance?
Yes. Wrap the shrimp in bacon and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The glaze can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready, brush with sauce and bake.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon?
Yes—use whichever bacon you prefer. Turkey or pork bacon both work. Thin slices are easier to wrap and crisp more quickly than thick-cut bacon.
I Don’t Have Shrimp, Can I Use Something Else?
Scallops are a great substitute. Wrap them in bacon and bake at 400°F for about 18 minutes, or until cooked through.
What Size Sheet Pan Should I Use?
Use a sheet pan at least 10 x 15 inches so the shrimp can be spaced in a single layer without touching. Overcrowding prevents the bacon from crisping. Lining the pan with parchment or foil makes cleanup easier.
What’s In the Sweet & Spicy Sauce?
The glaze is simple and balanced. Taste as you go and adjust honey, cayenne, or salt to suit your preference.
- Honey: gives sweetness and stickiness; maple syrup works as a substitute.
- Butter or ghee: use ghee for a Paleo option; unsalted butter prevents the dish from becoming too salty.
- Cayenne pepper: adds heat; chili powder can be used if cayenne isn’t available.
- Paprika: regular or smoked both work well.
- Black pepper: freshly cracked black pepper adds bright, peppery notes.
How Spicy Are These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp?
Two teaspoons of cayenne makes the dish quite spicy. For milder heat—better for kids or spice-averse guests—use one teaspoon.
How To Make These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Prepare shrimp by removing shells and deveining. Leaving the tail tip on makes them easy to pick up.
- Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise into thin strips. Wrap each shrimp with a bacon strip and place seam-side down on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Whisk together melted butter (or ghee), honey, cayenne, paprika, and black pepper. Brush half the glaze over the shrimp.
- Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes, turn the shrimp, brush with remaining sauce, and return to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Broil briefly if using thick-cut bacon to achieve extra crispiness.
- Brush with extra glaze just before serving for added shine and flavor.
Full measurements and step-by-step instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Can I Make These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp In The Air Fryer?
You can, though an oven keeps the glaze on the shrimp as they cook. If using an air fryer, preheat to 370°F for 5 minutes, then cook the shrimp at 370°F for about 6 minutes until shrimp are pink and bacon is cooked. Expect some glaze to drip through the rack.
How To Serve These Bacon Wrapped Shrimp?
Serve warm on a platter for appetizers with toothpicks, let guests pick them up by the tails, or present them alongside cocktails. They also make a satisfying main course with a large salad.
What About Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5 minutes or sear briefly in a skillet over medium-high heat until warmed through.
More shrimp recipes you might enjoy:
- Spicy Ginger & Garlic Shrimp
- Citrus, Fennel, Avocado & Shrimp Salad
- Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Dip
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos
- Dynamite Shrimp Sushi Bowl
- Peach, Jalapeno & Shrimp Ceviche
If you try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments or tag the author on Instagram—she loves seeing your photos!
Hot Honey Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Ingredients
- 15–20 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 8–10 strips bacon
- 1/3 cup melted butter or ghee
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp cayenne powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Cut each bacon strip in half lengthwise to create thin strips.
- Wrap each shrimp with a half strip of bacon and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Whisk together melted butter (or ghee), honey, cayenne, paprika, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Brush half the sauce over the shrimp and bake for 12 minutes.
- Remove the sheet, turn each shrimp, brush with remaining sauce, and bake 5 more minutes or until the bacon is crisp. Broil briefly if needed for extra crispiness.
- Serve warm, brushing with any remaining glaze just before serving.
