Bacon Wrapped Shrimp With Cheese

Let me tell you, bacon-wrapped shrimp with cheese is the kind of recipe that stops conversations at dinner parties. I remember the first time I made this for a family BBQ—my brother-in-law, who normally wouldn’t compliment a sandwich if it saved his life, actually said, “Dang, this is good!” It’s smoky, savory, creamy, and just a little indulgent. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

This dish isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a showstopper. Whether you’re hosting game night, a holiday feast, or simply trying to elevate a Tuesday night, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Essential Ingredients

• Shrimp: Large, deveined shrimp are ideal—tail-on adds flair, but it’s optional. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen works if properly thawed.
• Bacon: Thin-cut bacon crisps up faster and wraps more easily. Experiment with maple-cured or peppered varieties for extra flavor.
• Cheese: Cream cheese is the classic choice, but shredded cheddar or smoky gouda adds character.

Optional Additions

• Jalapeños: For those who like heat, thinly sliced jalapeños in the cheese mixture are a winner.
• Garlic powder or paprika: A light dusting brings out deeper, richer flavors.

Substitutions

• Turkey bacon: Offers a leaner alternative without sacrificing too much flavor.
• Plant-based bacon and cheese: Perfect for accommodating vegan guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Select and Clean: Pick shrimp that’s uniform in size for even cooking. Devein and peel—leaving the tails on if you want a polished presentation.
2. Dry the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure the cheese sticks and the bacon crisps.

Preparing the Cheese Filling

1. Mix it Up: Combine cream cheese with shredded cheddar or gouda. Add garlic powder or herbs like parsley for extra flair.
2. Custom Touch: Feeling bold? Toss in finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Wrapping the Shrimp with Bacon

1. Prep the Bacon: Slightly precook bacon until it’s pliable but not crispy. This prevents undercooked bacon later.
2. Wrap and Secure: Spoon the cheese mixture onto each shrimp, then wrap tightly with bacon, securing it with a toothpick.

Cooking Methods

Oven-Baked Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Arrange shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow fat to drain.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Place shrimp in a single layer—don’t overcrowd!
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning midway.

Grilling Method

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Skewer bacon-wrapped shrimp to keep them stable.
3. Grill for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until bacon is crisp and shrimp are cooked through.

Expert Tips and Techniques

Achieving Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Shrimp cooks fast—look for opaque flesh with a pink tint. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!

Bacon Crispy Hack

Precook bacon slightly before wrapping. This trick ensures crispy bacon without overcooking the shrimp.

Avoiding Cheese Melt Disaster

Freeze the cheese-stuffed shrimp for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps the cheese stay inside where it belongs.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne or serve with sriracha mayo for dipping.
• Sweet and Savory: Brush bacon with honey or maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Herb-Infused: Add chopped dill or parsley to the cheese filling for fresh, garden-inspired flavors.

Serving Suggestions

As Appetizers

Arrange shrimp on a serving platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or sweet chili sauce.

As Part of a Meal

Pair these with a crisp arugula salad or roasted asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the shrimp and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking.

What cheeses work best?
Cream cheese is classic, but gouda or sharp cheddar provides a more robust flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare and refrigerate uncooked shrimp for up to 24 hours.

Reheating Guide

Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp bacon while keeping shrimp tender.

Bacon-wrapped shrimp with cheese is more than just a recipe—it’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough to earn a permanent spot in your party repertoire.

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp With Cheese

Print Recipe

Smoky, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious! Try our bacon-wrapped shrimp with cheese recipe—a guaranteed hit for parties or a quick indulgent treat.

Course Appetizer

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 12 large shrimp peeled, deveined, tail-on optional
• 6 slices of bacon cut in half
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 small garlic clove minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Dipping Sauce (optional):

• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

• Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation if desired.
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Make the Cheese Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
• Mix until smooth and creamy.

Stuff and Wrap the Shrimp

• Using a small spoon or piping bag, add a dollop of the cheese filling to the center of each shrimp (where it curves).
• Wrap each shrimp with half a slice of bacon, ensuring the cheese is securely enclosed.
• Use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place.

Choose Your Cooking Method

• Oven-Baked:
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place a wire rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy and shrimp are cooked.
• Air Fryer:
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Grill:
• Preheat the grill to medium heat.
• Skewer shrimp or place directly on the grates.
• Grill for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until bacon is crisp.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

• In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

• Remove toothpicks from shrimp and arrange on a serving platter.
• Serve hot with dipping sauce on the side.