This easy Traeger Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer for cookouts, holidays, or potlucks. Juicy, tender shrimp wrapped in crisp bacon deliver a perfect surf-and-turf bite — serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible starter.
Traeger Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Traeger bacon-wrapped shrimp are ideal finger food for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues. The combination of smoky bacon and perfectly cooked shrimp creates layers of flavor and a delightful texture contrast. You can serve them plain or with a dipping sauce — both work beautifully.
If your household loves seafood, this recipe is worth making regularly. Bacon adds a savory, salty element that elevates the shrimp. It’s simple to prepare and impressive to present — a definite appetizer to add to your rotation.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp is a straightforward surf-and-turf appetizer that benefits from a double batch — they disappear fast. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, or simply garnish with lemon and fresh herbs. While they’re delicious on their own, a well-chosen dip adds another dimension of flavor.
Other Appetizers to Serve With Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Buffalo chicken dip — creamy, spicy, and crowd-pleasing.
- Grilled prosciutto asparagus — another simple grilled bite to offer alongside the shrimp.
- Beer cheese dip with bacon — rich, savory, and perfect for dunking.
What Size Shrimp to Use
Shrimp cook quickly, so choose a larger size to help the bacon and shrimp finish at the same time. Larger shrimp give the bacon time to crisp while keeping the shrimp tender. If you use smaller shrimp, the shrimp may overcook before the bacon is done.
Precooking the Bacon
If you prefer crispier bacon, you can par-cook it until it’s flexible but partially done. Cut the bacon in half, lay the pieces on a baking sheet, and bake in a 400°F oven for about 5 minutes — just until it begins to render but is still pliable. Let it cool slightly before wrapping the shrimp so it’s easy to handle. For extra smoky flavor, you can also pre-cook bacon briefly on the Traeger.
How to Secure the Bacon
Toothpicks are the easiest and most reliable way to keep the bacon wrapped around each shrimp. Push a toothpick through the bacon and shrimp to hold everything in place as the bacon shrinks while cooking. The toothpicks also make serving simple — guests can grab a piece without touching the food directly.
Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch.
How to Peel and Devein Shrimp Easily
- Peel the shell by reaching under the shrimp at the legs and pulling upward.
- Use a paring knife or skewer to make a shallow slit down the back, then pull out and discard the dark vein.
Tails On or Off?
Tails on look attractive and give guests a convenient handle. If you prefer to make the shrimp easier to eat with toothpicks, you can remove the tails. Twist gently to remove a tail if desired.
Best Dippers for Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Homemade BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
- Sriracha aioli
- Spicy mayo
- Other favorite homemade dipping sauces
Eating Leftovers Cold
Leftover bacon-wrapped shrimp can be enjoyed cold like cocktail shrimp. While reheating shrimp is not ideal, you can reheat briefly in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes or use an air fryer for a short burst if you prefer them warm.
How Long Will Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep for about two days. Discard any shrimp that sit longer than that to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Next time you fire up your grill, give these bacon-wrapped shrimp a try — they’re quick, flavorful, and always a hit.
Traeger Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
These tender Traeger bacon-wrapped shrimp are a favorite for spring and summer gatherings. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family get-togethers, they’re packed with smoky, savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (16–20 per pound size)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½–1 pound bacon, cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger according to manufacturer directions to 350°F.
- Remove shells and tails if desired, then pat the shrimp dry on paper towels so the bacon adheres and browns more evenly.
- Sprinkle shrimp with salt and garlic powder.
- Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Place wrapped shrimp on a baking rack sprayed with cooking spray, or on a grill rack.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 10 minutes. If the bacon needs more crisping, add up to 5 additional minutes, but avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Remove from the grill, garnish with lemon and parsley if desired, and serve.
Recommended Products
Suggested tools and accessories for grilling and serving:
- Blackstone Pellet Smoker
- Smoking rack
- Non-stick cooking spray
Nutrition Information
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 204
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 939mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 18g
Nutrition data is an estimate. If you require precise values for medical reasons, consult a trusted source.