Table of Contents

Shrimp and Bacon Presents: A Culinary Gift

The holidays were always a flurry of activity in our house growing up, but among the chaos, certain traditions stood out. My grandmother, a woman who could coax magic from the simplest ingredients, had a knack for creating appetizers that were as beautiful as they were delicious. I remember one Christmas Eve, she unveiled a platter of these adorable “Shrimp and Bacon Presents.” The aroma of crispy bacon mingled with the subtle sweetness of shrimp, all wrapped in delicate layers of pastry. They looked like tiny, edible gifts, and biting into one was like unwrapping a burst of flavor. Now, every Christmas I make these to not only taste, but to remember her.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 16
Yield: 16 presents
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
16 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and butterflied
8 sheets phyllo pastry sheets, 12×15-inch # 4
4 tablespoons melted butter
6 ounces cream cheese, cut into 16 pieces
8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped small
2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus 16 whole chives for trying purses
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Herbs, remoulade (for dipping)

Equipment Needed

Large nonstick skillet
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife
Towel

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier.
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp for a good sear.
Season the shrimp with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! A little salt and pepper goes a long way in enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Sauté the seasoned shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them. Remove the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Set aside.
Now, prepare the phyllo pastry. This part requires a little patience. Phyllo dries out very quickly, so it’s important to work with one sheet at a time, keeping the rest covered with a damp towel. This will prevent them from becoming brittle and tearing.
Lay one phyllo sheet out on a clean, dry work surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter.
Use a sharp knife to cut the sheet into quarters. Stack one sheet on top of the other, creating two doubled-up squares.
Place one shrimp in the center of each square.
Top the shrimp with a piece of cream cheese, about a teaspoon of chopped bacon, and ½ teaspoon of chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper.
Carefully pull up the corners of the phyllo square towards the center. Gently twist the corners together to form a small purse shape. Use a whole chive to tie around each purse, securing the closure and adding a decorative touch.
Place the completed shrimp and bacon purses on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the purses lightly with melted butter. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness.
Repeat steps 5-11 with the remaining ingredients.
Bake the purses for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Phyllo can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Remove the baked presents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite herb remoulade for dipping.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Keep Phyllo Moist: As mentioned earlier, keeping phyllo pastry moist is critical. Have a damp (not wet) towel ready and cover the stack of unused sheets immediately after removing one.
Butter is Key: Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s what gives the phyllo its flaky, golden texture.
Bacon Prep: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy but not burnt. The bacon flavor is central to the dish, so quality and proper cooking matter. For easier chopping, consider using kitchen shears.
Make-Ahead Option: The purses can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent the phyllo from drying out. Brush with melted butter right before baking.
Cream Cheese Consistency: If the cream cheese is too firm, it will be difficult to work with. Let it soften at room temperature for a short while before cutting it into pieces.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Shrimp and Bacon Presents are best served warm, straight from the oven. The crispness of the phyllo and the creamy filling are at their peak when fresh. Arrange them artfully on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs, and serve with a bowl of herb remoulade for dipping.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can make the phyllo soggy. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	116 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	9.7g	14%
Saturated Fat	4.7g	23%
Cholesterol	22.1mg	7%
Sodium	138.8mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	5.5g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.2g	0%
Sugars	0.4g	N/A
Protein	1.8g	3%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option: While the recipe as written is not gluten-free, you could experiment with gluten-free phyllo pastry.
Cheese Variations: Try substituting the cream cheese with goat cheese or brie for a different flavor profile.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bacon mixture for a little heat.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the shrimp with chopped mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a vegetarian alternative.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the filling, such as dill, parsley, or thyme.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Freezing these is not recommended. The phyllo pastry tends to get soggy upon thawing.

Q: What if my phyllo dough tears?
A: Don’t worry too much if the phyllo tears slightly. Just patch it up with a small piece of dough and continue assembling.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as feta, mozzarella, or parmesan.

Q: How do I prevent the bottoms from burning?
A: Make sure your oven temperature is accurate, and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the bottoms from burning.

Final Thoughts

These Shrimp and Bacon Presents are more than just an appetizer; they’re a delightful combination of flavors and textures, and a great dish for making memories. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or a special occasion, they’re sure to impress your guests. The flaky phyllo, the savory bacon, and the succulent shrimp create a symphony of tastes that is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories with this charming dish. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences and any variations you might come up with. Enjoy!

Shrimp and Bacon Presents Recipe