Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Shrimp

Prepare to hear “OMG!” from everyone who tries these delectable shrimp. They truly are that good! Despite the impressive presentation, rest assured, they aren’t overly spicy, especially when enhanced with a brush of sweet chili sauce. The pickled jalapeños offer a delightful balance of tang and mild heat, making them appealing to a wide range of palates.

Don’t let the idea of gourmet appetizers intimidate you. This recipe is surprisingly simple, designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. With an assembly time of approximately 10 minutes and a quick stovetop cook time of another 10 minutes, you can have these savory bites ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish. We’ve even included step-by-step instructions with pictures below to guide you through the process, ensuring a perfect result every time.

While they shine as a standout appetizer for a low-carb game-day tapas menu, their versatility extends far beyond. Transform this delightful dish into a sophisticated main course by serving the creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy bacon-wrapped shrimp over a bed of cheesy grits. This preparation, reminiscent of the popular “Voodoo Shrimp” dish found at establishments like Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, offers a truly satisfying and memorable meal. For a low-carb twist, we highly recommend pairing them with our cheesy cauliflower grits, a pairing that promises flavor without compromise.

The combination of plump, succulent shrimp, rich cream cheese, zesty jalapeños, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of textures and tastes. Each bite offers a burst of savory goodness, balanced by the sweet and tangy notes of the chili sauce. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or simply looking for an elevated weeknight treat, these stuffed bacon-wrapped shrimp are guaranteed to be a hit.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

Crafting these sensational stuffed bacon-wrapped shrimp requires just a handful of quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitution ideas to tailor the recipe to your preferences:

• Jumbo Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo-sized shrimp (16-20 count per pound or larger), peeled and deveined, with the tails left on. The larger size provides ample space for stuffing and the tail acts as a convenient handle for guests. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp work equally well.
• Thin-Sliced Bacon: The key to crispy bacon without overcooking the shrimp is using thin-sliced bacon. Each slice will be cut in half, ensuring optimal coverage and quick crisping. Avoid thick-cut bacon, which may require longer cooking times and could lead to rubbery shrimp.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for easy spreading. A quick 10-second microwave zap will achieve the perfect consistency. For a dairy-free or lighter option, you can experiment with plant-based cream cheese alternatives, though the flavor profile may vary.
• Pickled Jalapeños: We recommend using jarred, sliced pickled jalapeños. These are typically milder and sweeter than fresh jalapeños, offering a pleasant tang rather than overwhelming heat. You can adjust the quantity based on your desired spice level. If you prefer more heat, finely dice a small piece of fresh jalapeño (removing seeds and membranes for less spice). Alternatively, for a completely non-spicy version, omit the jalapeños or substitute with pimento peppers for a touch of color and sweetness.
• Sweet Red Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a crucial sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements the rich and spicy filling. You’ll typically find it in the ethnic or condiment aisles of larger grocery stores. It’s characterized by sun-ripened whole chili peppers blended with garlic. If you’re in a pinch, a homemade substitute can be created by combining honey with a touch of your favorite hot sauce. Leftover sweet red chili sauce is fantastic for making a creamy poke sauce or as a dip for spring rolls.
• Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil is used for pan-frying, ensuring the bacon gets perfectly crispy and the shrimp cooks evenly.

Tips for Ingredient Selection:

• Shrimp Quality: Look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild, fresh scent. Avoid any with a strong “fishy” odor.
• Bacon Flavor: While plain thin-sliced bacon is perfect, you can experiment with flavored bacons like applewood smoked for an added depth of flavor.
• Customizing Heat: If you love a spicy kick, add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese filling, or use fresh, finely minced jalapeños (with seeds).

Step-by-Step Directions to Deliciousness

Creating these “OMG Shrimp” is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Using a sharp paring knife, carefully make a deep slit along the back of each jumbo shrimp, cutting about three-quarters of the way through to create a pocket. Be sure to stop before reaching the tail, leaving it intact. Don’t worry if you accidentally poke through in a couple of spots; the bacon will expertly hold everything together. This pocket is crucial for holding the creamy filling.
2. Stuff with Cream Cheese: Gently spread about 1 teaspoon of softened cream cheese into the pocket you’ve created in each shrimp. Ensure the cream cheese is truly softened; you can achieve this by microwaving it for about 10 seconds. This makes it pliable and easy to work with.
3. Add Jalapeño: Place a single slice of pickled jalapeño on top of the cream cheese filling within each shrimp. This adds that signature tangy and mildly spicy flavor.
4. Wrap with Bacon: Take half a slice of thin-sliced bacon and carefully wrap it around each stuffed shrimp. Gently stretch the bacon as you go, ensuring it slightly overlaps at the edges for a secure wrap. Continue wrapping until you reach the tail, leaving it exposed for presentation and easy handling.
5. Preheat Skillet and Cook: Add olive oil to a deep skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil should be sufficient to cover about half of the shrimp when they are placed on their side in the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the bacon-wrapped shrimp, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Sear to Perfection: Cook the shrimp for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. Continue cooking until the bacon is beautifully browned and crispy, and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. The internal temperature of cooked shrimp should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. While still warm, brush each piece generously with sweet red chili sauce. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.

Chef’s Tip: Before cooking the entire batch, perform a test run with one or two shrimp. This allows you to confirm the optimal cooking time for your specific stove and skillet, ensuring consistent perfection for the rest.

For an extra touch of elegance and fresh flavor, garnish your platter with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Absolutely! For oven preparation, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack about 10 inches from the heating element (broiler setting is not recommended initially unless you’re finishing with a crisp). Coat a broiling pan or baking sheet with non-stick spray. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked, and the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

Yes, an air fryer is a fantastic option for achieving perfectly crispy bacon and tender shrimp. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the stuffed shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model.

Jumbo or large shrimp (U15 or 16/20 count) are ideal because their larger size provides ample space to create a substantial pocket for the cream cheese and jalapeño filling. Leaving the tail on is also recommended for ease of handling. Fresh shrimp are always preferred for the best flavor and texture, but high-quality frozen shrimp, properly thawed, work wonderfully too.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of jalapeño slices, or even omit them entirely. For a hint of color and sweetness without heat, consider replacing the jalapeños with finely diced pimento peppers or red bell peppers. The sweet chili sauce also helps balance any residual heat, so ensure you brush it on generously!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

For the freshest and most delicious experience, Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. However, a little planning can go a long way:

Make-Ahead Instructions: You can prepare this recipe up to one day in advance of cooking. Assemble the shrimp according to the directions, but do not cook them. Store the prepared shrimp in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove them from the fridge and cook as directed. This is a fantastic strategy for entertaining, allowing you to minimize last-minute stress.

Storage for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one to two days. While the bacon may lose some of its crispiness, the flavors will still be delightful.

Reheating Leftovers: To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. This method helps the bacon regain some of its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Freezing (Not Recommended): We generally do not recommend freezing raw or cooked bacon-wrapped shrimp. Freezing can alter the texture of both the shrimp and the cream cheese, leading to a less desirable outcome upon thawing and reheating. It’s always best to enjoy this dish fresh or make it ahead for short-term refrigeration.

Transforming into a Memorable Meal

While these bacon-wrapped shrimp are undeniably a show-stopping appetizer, they can easily be transformed into a hearty and impressive main course. Simply place them atop one of these flavorful bases to create a truly fantastic meal. We’ve included both traditional and low-carb versions to suit all dietary preferences. Either way, these pairings are special-occasion worthy:

• Cauliflower Grits: For an exquisite low-carb option, serve your shrimp over creamy and spicy Cauliflower Grits. This combination is rich, satisfying, and reminiscent of a gourmet Southern dish.
• Traditional Grits: If carbs aren’t a concern, classic buttery and cheesy grits provide a comforting and delicious base.
• Vegetable Rice Pilaf: A light and aromatic Vegetable Rice Pilaf offers a wonderful contrast to the richness of the shrimp and bacon.
• Cauliflower Rice Pilaf: For a grain-free alternative, our Cauliflower Rice Pilaf provides a similar texture and flavor profile to traditional pilaf but with significantly fewer carbs.
• Roasted Cauliflower Rice: Simple and healthy, Roasted Cauliflower Rice is an excellent accompaniment, allowing the shrimp to be the star.
• Pasta with Your Favorite Sauce: Elevate a simple pasta dish by topping it with these flavor-packed shrimp. A light cream sauce or a vibrant tomato sauce would be delightful.
• Zucchini Noodle Alfredo: For a low-carb pasta experience, serve the shrimp over a bed of tender Zucchini Noodle Alfredo. The creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the rich shrimp.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes offer a wonderfully comforting and hearty base for this flavorful shrimp dish.
• Loaded Cauliflower Mash: A healthier twist on a classic, our Loaded Cauliflower Mash provides a creamy, savory backdrop with fewer carbs.

Presentation Ideas:

When serving as a main course, consider a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a bright, zesty finish to the dish. For an extra touch of richness, a drizzle of browned butter or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over your chosen base will elevate the experience.