Pioneer Woman bacon shrimp skewers are an easy appetizer made with jumbo shrimp, crispy bacon and sweet pineapple chunks, ready in under an hour. That makes them a go-to for game day, summer cookouts or cocktail parties, since they roast together on one sheet pan with barely any cleanup.
Wrapping each shrimp tightly in bacon holds the skewer together, so press the bacon snug around the shrimp and pineapple before threading. If the wrap is loose, the bacon unravels in the oven and you end up with limp strips instead of crispy bundles.
Roasting on a wire rack instead of grilling means the bacon crisps on all sides without flare-ups. That even heat also lets the two-coat barbecue glaze caramelize into a sticky layer a single brush can’t match.
Pioneer Woman Bacon Shrimp Skewers
Course: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings30
minutes25
minutes238
kcalPineapple-stuffed shrimp bites wrapped in bacon and oven-roasted until the outside turns crispy and smoky with a sticky barbecue glaze.
Ingredients
1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch-thick chunks
16 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
1/2 c. barbecue sauce
Directions
- Soak the skewers: Soak 16 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes so they won’t char, then preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Assemble the wraps: Set a pineapple chunk on each shrimp, wrap both in a half-slice of bacon and pin with a skewer. Once all 16 are done, lay them on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and brush both sides with barbecue sauce.
- Roast and glaze: Roast the skewers for 10 minutes, then brush on a second coat of barbecue sauce and flip each one. After that, return them for about 15 more minutes until the bacon sizzles and the shrimp cook through, then serve hot or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of pineapple?
Mango works well because it holds its shape at high heat and brings a similar sweetness. You could also try peach slices in summer, though they soften faster so cut them a bit thicker to keep them from falling apart.
How long do bacon shrimp skewers keep in the fridge?
They store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though the bacon loses some crispness once chilled. To get the texture back, reheat on a wire rack in a 375-degree oven for about 5 minutes.
Can I assemble the skewers ahead of time?
You can wrap and skewer everything up to 4 hours ahead, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just brush the barbecue sauce on right before baking, since adding it early makes the bacon soggy.
What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
Metal skewers work even better because you can skip the soaking step entirely. Just be careful when serving because they stay hot longer than wood, so let them cool a couple minutes first.
Why is my bacon not getting crispy?
Crowding on the rack is the most common cause, since it traps steam and keeps the bacon from crisping. To fix that, space them at least an inch apart and use a wire rack so heat circulates underneath.
