Cranberry Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are the ultimate sweet-savory appetizer that brings a festive twist to a classic party favorite. Crunchy water chestnuts are wrapped in thick-cut bacon, then baked to perfection and coated in a tangy-sweet cranberry chili glaze. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, game day snack, or backyard BBQ, these bite-sized crowd-pleasers are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds thick-cut bacon, slices cut in half

• 2 cans (8 ounces each) whole water chestnuts

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• ½ cup chili sauce

• 1 cup fresh cranberries (whole and halved)

• Toothpicks

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Wrap each water chestnut with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place seam-side down in a baking dish in a single layer.

3. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bacon is cooked and crispy. Carefully drain excess grease.

4. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, brown sugar, chili sauce, and cranberries (a mix of whole and halved).

5. Pour the sauce over the bacon-wrapped chestnuts and return to the oven.

6. Bake for an additional 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Nutrients (Estimated per piece – approx. 30 servings)

• Calories: ~140 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~10g

• Protein: ~3g

• Fat: ~10g

• Saturated Fat: ~3.5g

• Sugar: ~8g

• Sodium: ~250mg

• Fiber: ~0.5g

The Power of Sweet and Savory

The magic of this dish lies in its perfectly balanced sweet-savory combination. Salty, crispy bacon creates a flavorful contrast to the naturally sweet and tangy glaze made with brown sugar, chili sauce, and cranberries. It’s that juxtaposition that makes every bite exciting. The mayonnaise in the glaze adds a creamy base that helps bind all the flavors together, resulting in a sauce that’s tangy, rich, and clingy enough to coat each piece generously. It’s not overly sweet, nor is it too spicy—just an addictive balance that satisfies a wide range of palates.

Crunchy Water Chestnuts: The Unsung Hero

Water chestnuts are a highly underrated ingredient when it comes to texture. Inside every bite, they remain perfectly crisp and juicy—even after baking. Their clean, slightly nutty flavor allows them to serve as the perfect base for the bold toppings and crispy bacon. They act like little edible canvases, soaking up flavor from the glaze while delivering a satisfying crunch in every mouthful. Their refreshing bite balances the richness of the bacon and glaze, making each piece feel light despite its indulgent ingredients.

Bacon-Wrapped Brilliance

There’s something undeniably crowd-pleasing about bacon-wrapped appetizers. Bacon brings smokiness, salt, and a hearty chew that elevates almost anything it touches—and these water chestnuts are no exception. When baked until crispy and golden, the bacon locks in moisture while forming a savory shell around the water chestnuts. Each strip is secured with a toothpick, which not only holds the bite together but makes serving and dipping easy. The toothpicks also make these appetizers ideal for buffets and parties, where guests can grab a piece without the need for plates or forks.

A Glaze That Steals the Show

The cranberry chili glaze is what takes this dish from simple to spectacular. Made with real cranberries—both whole and halved—it delivers a burst of brightness and seasonal flair. The chili sauce adds mild heat and acidity, while brown sugar and mayonnaise create a velvety, sticky consistency that clings to each bacon-wrapped bite. As the glaze bakes onto the appetizers, it caramelizes slightly around the edges, forming a shiny, flavorful coating that’s packed with character. The combination of tart fruit, mellow heat, and brown sugar richness is a flavor bomb in every sense.

Holiday-Worthy and Seasonally Inspired

Thanks to the inclusion of cranberries, these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts feel right at home on any holiday table. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, they bring color, texture, and seasonal flair. The deep red cranberries nestled into the glaze make these appetizers look festive and vibrant. Serve them warm from the oven and watch as your guests keep coming back for more. They also make a great addition to charcuterie boards or appetizer platters, where they provide a savory alternative to traditional cheese and crackers.

Game Day Gold

While they’re undeniably elegant enough for holiday entertaining, these bite-sized treats are also perfect for casual occasions like football watch parties or tailgates. Their bold flavor and hearty ingredients make them a hit with hungry crowds, and the handheld format makes snacking easy and mess-free. Set them out with your favorite dips, sliders, and wings, and they’ll hold their own as a standout appetizer. The combination of crispy bacon and zesty glaze makes them a perfect complement to beer, cocktails, or mocktails.

Easy to Prepare and Make Ahead Friendly

Another reason to love Cranberry Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts is their simplicity. Despite their gourmet flavor, they require minimal prep and only a few steps to assemble. Everything is baked in a single dish, and cleanup is easy with the use of parchment paper or foil. These bites can also be made ahead of time—just wrap and bake the bacon-wrapped chestnuts, refrigerate, then glaze and reheat before serving. The flavors only get better after a short rest, making this a great option for hosts looking to prep in advance.

Customizable for Any Taste

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Want more heat? Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the glaze. Prefer a sweeter finish? Use more brown sugar or even a spoonful of honey. You can swap the chili sauce for sriracha or a pepper jelly for a unique flavor twist. If cranberries aren’t available, try using pomegranate seeds or a berry compote for a similar sweet-tart effect. This recipe is a flexible canvas for your creativity—easily adaptable to seasonal ingredients or specific preferences.

A Great Addition to Any Recipe Collection

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe deserves a place in your collection. It’s approachable, low-maintenance, and highly rewarding. The flavor profile appeals to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer more familiar comfort foods. Best of all, it bridges the gap between simple ingredients and sophisticated presentation. You don’t need complicated techniques or specialty tools to create a dish that looks gourmet and tastes like it came straight from a professional kitchen.

Conclusion

Cranberry Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence—a savory, sweet, crunchy, and juicy treat that brings bold flavor and festive flair to any gathering. With crispy bacon, fresh cranberries, and a sticky, flavorful glaze, every element works in harmony to create an unforgettable appetizer. Whether you’re entertaining guests during the holidays, hosting a game night, or just looking to try something new, these little bites will quickly become a favorite. Easy to make, fun to serve, and impossible to resist, they’re proof that the best appetizers come in small, flavor-packed packages.