Recipe Background
Christmas Shrimp blends bourbon, bacon, and shrimp for a festive sharing dish.
Christmas Shrimp brings a seasonal twist to the table, perfect for gatherings when you want a bit of indulgence. Bourbon and brown sugar create a caramelized glaze that melds beautifully with the crispy bacon and shrimp. The aroma alone is enough to gather folks around, a savory-sweet scent that fills the kitchen and teases what’s to come. It’s a dish that speaks to sharing, where each piece is both a treat and a gesture of warmth.
Bacon-wrapped shrimp satisfies with a crisp yet juicy bite. The paprika adds a subtle hint of warmth, complementing the sweetness without overpowering it. Arranging the shrimp seam-side down on the rack ensures even cooking, letting the bacon crisp up while the shrimp remains tender. This small detail makes each bite consistently delicious—no chewy surprises.
Gather friends or family, and these shrimp will disappear as quickly as they’re served. The finishing touch of chives adds color and a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness, making each bite fresh. Whether passed around as an appetizer or paired with festive cocktails, this dish creates a shared moment of delight.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 12 pieces of bacon cut in half
- 1 tablespoon chives chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cover a baking sheet with foil and place a cooling rack on top of it.
- In a small bowl, whisk the butter, the bourbon, the brown sugar, the paprika, the onion powder, and the pepper together.
- Wrap each piece of the shrimp with a piece of the bacon.
- Dip the wrapped shrimp into the butter mixture, then place them seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the wrapping and dipping process with the remaining shrimp.
- Brush the remaining butter mixture over the shrimp.
- Bake the shrimp until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F and the bacon is cooked and golden, about 18-20 minutes.
- Serve the shrimp garnished with the chives.
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