Bacon Shrimp (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 pound center-cut bacon (not thick cut).
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil.
03 - 1 tablespoon honey.
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
05 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
08 - 1 pound raw extra-jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound), thawed if frozen, peeled and deveined but tails left on.
09 - Toothpicks.
10 - Lemon wedges or dipping sauce, such as lemon butter sauce (optional).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400℉ and position the rack in the center. Slice 1 pound of center-cut bacon lengthwise into thin strips (enough for each shrimp). Lay the strips in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
02 - Bake the bacon for 6-8 minutes until it starts to brown but is still pliable. While it cooks, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Toss 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in the mixture.
03 - Transfer the partially cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off any excess grease from the baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Turn the oven to broil.
04 - Wrap each shrimp with a bacon strip, starting at the thick end and securing with a toothpick. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
05 - Broil the shrimp, rotating the baking sheet halfway, for 4-6 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a dipping sauce if desired.

Notes:

01 - This delightful appetizer pairs well with a lemon butter dipping sauce and is perfect for any gathering or as a special treat.