Pappadeaux Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Imagine the delicious aroma of bacon mingling with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. Ok…stop, right?!

This Pappadeaux-inspired bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe is a such a great fusion of flavors, with each bite offering a crispy, juicy explosion of taste.

You’re going to love how the smoky bacon complements the shrimp’s natural flavor, making it a go-to dish for gatherings or a special weeknight treat.

An important trick to perfecting this recipe is to use wooden skewers to keep shrimp secure while cooking, ensuring they remain perfectly cooked and juicy.

How to Make Pappadeaux Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 large Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 6 slices Bacon (halved)
• 12 pieces Jalapeño (seeded, 1/2-inch squares)
• 12 pieces Cheese (cubed)
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1/4 cup White Wine
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Make sure your workspace is ready; this helps everything run smoothly!

Step 2:

In a small bowl, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

Set this spice blend aside for your shrimp preparation.

Step 3:

Cut a slit along the back of each shrimp without cutting completely through.

Insert a piece of cheese and a jalapeño square into each slit.

Step 4:

Wrap each shrimp with a half piece of bacon.

Use a toothpick to secure the bacon if needed.

Step 5:

Place the shrimp on skewers and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Step 6:

While the shrimp bake, heat butter and white wine in a skillet until the butter melts.

Drizzle this sauce over the cooked shrimp before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Shrimp

Use large shrimp to ensure they stay juicy inside and balance well with the bacon.

Bigger shrimp helps hold the fillings better too!

Bacon Wrapping

Use thin bacon slices so they cook and crisp quickly without overcooking the shrimp.

This tip ensures both are perfectly cooked and delicious.

Spice Level

To reduce spice, remove more seeds from the jalapeños, or substitute with milder peppers.

Tailoring the spice ensures everyone enjoys the dish just how they like it.

Cooking Method

Try grilling the skewers for a charred flavor if you prefer a smoky taste.

Simply adjust the cooking time slightly to suit your grill.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a side of rice or salad to complement the savory shrimp.

Adding these sides makes a complete and fulfilling meal.

Happy cooking!

What to Serve with Pappadeaux Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Spicy Guacamole

You can pair the savory flavors with something fresh and zesty like spicy guacamole.

The creaminess of avocados mixed with some jalapenos adds a wonderful contrast to the shrimp.

Bring in some tortilla chips for a little crunch alongside this refreshing side dish.

Cilantro Lime Rice

For a bright and fragrant twist, cilantro lime rice is your go-to side.

The subtle hint of lime and fresh cilantro pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and shrimp.

This rice is light, letting the shrimp shine without overwhelming it.

Cheesy Grits

No Southern-inspired dish is complete without some cheesy grits!

The creamy texture and rich flavor profile make it a comfort food staple that complements the shrimp superbly.

Add a touch of spice to your grits for a little extra kick.

Grilled Fruit Kabobs

Try something a bit more unusual like grilled fruit kabobs.

The caramelized sweetness from grilled pineapple or mango makes an excellent contrast to the savory shrimp.

This side is vibrant and adds a pop of color to your plate.

Lemon Herb Salad

A lemon herb salad can bring a refreshing contrast with its tangy and herby notes.

While being light and flavorful, it provides a crisp texture against the bacon’s smokiness.

You can toss in some arugula, spinach, and a simple lemon vinaigrette for an invigorating side dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Seasonings

Instead of the usual garlic powder and smoked paprika, try adding some Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

Lemon pepper can add a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with shrimp.

Alternative Wraps

If you want to switch things up, turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative.

Thin prosciutto can also bring a delightful, savory touch while keeping the dish elegant.

Cheese Options

Consider stuffing the shrimp with a slice of pepper jack cheese for some heat.

Cream cheese or goat cheese can add a creamy texture and a rich flavor profile.

Vegetarian Twist

Use smoked tofu instead of shrimp for a vegetarian variation.

Wrap slices of zucchini or eggplant, seasoned with your choice of spices, in bacon for a unique appetizer.

These changes can make your shrimp experience even more exciting and tailored to your tastes!

How to Store Leftover Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

After you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal, you might find yourself with some leftovers.

You’ll want to keep them fresh and ready for another tasty bite!

Cool Down Quickly

Make sure your leftover bacon-wrapped shrimp cools down to room temperature before you store them.

Leaving hot food in the fridge can cause condensation and affect the shrimp’s texture.

Use an Airtight Container

Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and moisture.

Avoid loosely covered dishes or wrapping them directly with plastic.

An airtight container will keep them safe from any unwanted odors in the fridge.

Refrigerate Promptly

Once stored, pop the container right into the refrigerator.

Don’t forget that freshness is key, so store your leftovers within two hours of cooking.

In the fridge, your shrimp should be good for up to three days!

Enjoy your leftovers soon for the best taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preparing the Bacon

You might find it tempting to wrap the bacon directly around the shrimp without pre-cooking it, but this can lead to uneven cooking.

Pre-cooking the bacon, whether in the microwave or oven, helps achieve that crispy texture without overcooking the shrimp.

Make sure the bacon is pliable when you start wrapping the shrimp, so you don’t have to fight with it.

Oversized Shrimp or Bacon

Selecting shrimp that are too large or bacon that is too thick can make the balance of flavors go awry.

Choose medium to large-sized shrimp and standard-cut bacon for a harmonious bite.

If the bacon is too thick, consider thinning it with a rolling pin to ensure it crisps up perfectly.

Overcrowding the Pan

It’s easy to want to cook everything at once, but overcrowding is a rookie mistake.

Make sure each shrimp has its own space in the pan or air fryer so they cook evenly and the bacon crisps nicely.

Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than the desired crisp frying.