Skewers of Glory: An Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Party Recipe
Ginger-teriyaki glaze elevates bacon-wrapped bites into irresistible party staples.
Skewers of Glory: The Party Appetizer Everyone Wants
Whether you’re hosting a festive Christmas party, ringing in the New Year, or simply gathering friends for cocktails, Skewers of Glory deliver crowd-pleasing flavor. These irresistible snacks feature succulent shrimp and juicy pineapple chunks wrapped in sizzling bacon and brushed with a vibrant ginger-teriyaki glaze. Thanks to the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, these skewers always disappear fast from any buffet spread.
Why They’re Called ‘Skewers of Glory’
This recipe earned its triumphant name for good reason. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh shrimp, and bright pineapple threaded together and glazed with a tangy, spicy teriyaki sauce truly feels glorious with every bite. Developed as part of a holiday cookbook and brought to national attention during a Christmas cooking show episode, the dish embodies the spirit of festive indulgence and effortless entertaining.
Perfect For Parties: When to Serve Skewers of Glory
- Holiday Gatherings: Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and beyond
- Cocktail Parties: Easy to serve and eat with one hand
- Game-Day Events: Always a crowd favorite
- Potlucks: Ideal for sharing and guaranteed to impress
- Family Dinners: Enjoy as an appetizer or main course
Essential Ingredients
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | Peeled, deveined, no tail required—medium or large size recommended |
| Pineapple | Fresh fruit, cored and chopped into bite-sized chunks |
| Bacon | Thin-sliced, halved for easy wrapping |
| Wooden Skewers | 30 count, soaked in water to prevent burning |
| Teriyaki Sauce | Thick and viscous preferred; check label before buying |
| Ginger | Fresh, minced for zing |
| Garlic | Minced |
| Green Onion | Finely sliced |
| Lemon Juice | Freshly squeezed for brightness |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Optional, for heat |
| Sugar or Honey | Added for subtle sweetness or to thicken thin sauce |
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Make Skewers of Glory
Step 1: Prep the Skewers
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least one hour. This prevents burning during baking.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
Blend together the following in a bowl:
- Thick teriyaki sauce
- Minced ginger and garlic
- Green onion slices
- Fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for those who love a kick)
- Sugar or honey (especially important if your teriyaki is thin or not sweet enough)
Combine thoroughly and set aside for assembly.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple
- Slice off the pineapples’ top and rind.
- Chop fruit into wedges, remove tough inner core, then cut into chunks that can be paired with a shrimp.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
- Lay one pineapple chunk atop each shrimp.
- Wrap a half slice of bacon snugly around both ingredients.
- Thread a pre-soaked skewer through the center, anchoring everything securely.
- Tip: Be patient—shrimp can be slippery, but practice makes perfect.
Important: Only assemble skewers just before baking. Pineapple contains an enzyme that can break down raw shrimp if left together too long, leading to an unpleasant texture. You may make the sauce and prep the pineapple in advance, but wait to combine ingredients until ready to cook.
Step 5: First Glaze and Bake
- Lay assembled skewers on a rack placed over a baking sheet for even cooking.
- Generously brush skewers with the prepared marinade.
- Ensure the marinade is thick enough to coat ingredients. If too thin, add honey until desired consistency is reached.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 10–12 minutes.
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Step 6: Second Glaze and Finish Baking
- Remove from oven, apply a second liberal coat of marinade.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 7–8 minutes, or until bacon is sizzling, shrimp has turned pink and opaque, and pineapple is caramelized.
- If needed, extend the baking time a few extra minutes to achieve perfect crispness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Arrange finished skewers on a festive platter.
- Sprinkle with extra sliced green onions and serve hot or at room temperature.
These skewers’ alluring glaze and savory aroma guarantee they will be the first dish to disappear at any party table.
Tips For Success and Flavor Swaps
- Teriyaki Texture: Always check the consistency—if thin, honey thickens and adds extra depth.
- Shrimp Quality: Use large, well-peeled shrimp for best results.
- Bacon Slicing: Thin, evenly sliced bacon ensures crispness and ease of wrapping.
- Spicy Variation: Extra red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha in the marinade deliver a fiery kick.
- Make-Ahead: Mix marinade and chop pineapple in advance, but remember to assemble right before baking.
Presentation Ideas
- Serve alongside festive dips: citrus aioli, sweet chili sauce, or herbed yogurt
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant burst of color
- Arrange on a bed of leafy greens for an elegant party platter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I assemble the skewers ahead of time?
No. Because pineapple contains an enzyme that digests raw shrimp, assembling too far in advance will ruin the texture. Assemble just before baking for best results.
Q: Can I substitute other proteins or fruits?
Absolutely. Bacon pairs beautifully with scallops or chunks of chicken; pineapple may be swapped for mango or peach, but the classic combination is celebrated for its sweet-savory harmony.
Q: How do I make sure the bacon gets crispy but the shrimp doesn’t overcook?
Thin bacon slices crisp up quickly. Monitor closely during the second bake, and use convection setting for even cooking if available. Marinate shrimp separately if desired to infuse flavor before assembling.
Q: What if my teriyaki sauce is too runny?
Add honey or reduce the marinade on the stove to thicken. A thick glaze clings better and intensifies flavor.
Q: Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally and basting with the glaze, until bacon is crisp and shrimp is opaque.
Printable Recipe Format
- Soak: 1 hour for wooden skewers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 17–20 minutes total at 400°F
- Yield: 30 skewers
- Difficulty: Easy to moderately hands-on
Nutritional Highlights
- Protein-rich: Shrimp and bacon supply quality protein
- Vitamins: Pineapple adds vitamin C and fiber
- Gluten Consideration: Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce if needed
- Low-Carb: Recipe is keto-friendly with minimal sugar
Party Menu Inspiration
Pair Skewers of Glory with other Pioneer Woman favorites for a complete spread:
- Mini beef wellingtons
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Cranberry brie bites
- Cheddar and chive biscuits
- Fresh vegetable crudités with ranch dip
Final Thoughts
Few party appetizers hit home like sizzling, sweet-savory skewers. By following these step-by-step instructions, streamlining your prep, and building flavor and texture into every layer, you’ll craft an unforgettable snack that’s equally at home on holiday tables or casual get-togethers. Be prepared—they always vanish fast!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11326/skewers-of-glory/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B_SYD87z_U
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/a11324/food-from-the-christmas-show/
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/skewers-of-glory/?print=1%2F
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9703/yummy-easy-pineapple-skewered-shrimp-or-is-it-skewered-pineapple-shrimp/
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