Ultimate Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Stuffed Shrimp: Your Epic Game Day Tailgating Hero!

Prepare to become the legend of every gathering with these colossal Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Stuffed Shrimp! Imagine juicy, succulent shrimp, generously filled with a classic RITZ cracker seafood stuffing, expertly wrapped in crispy bacon, and then lavishly coated in a homemade Chipotle Dr Pepper® BBQ sauce. Finally, these flavor-packed parcels are grilled over hot Kingsford® coals to achieve an unforgettable, smoky perfection. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, destined to win over every palate at your next tailgate party or festive get-together.

Elevate Your Game Day Experience with Irresistible Stuffed Shrimp

There’s an undeniable excitement in the air as the leaves hint at a change (even if only in spirit for some of us!), signaling the return of beloved traditions. Beyond the crisp autumn air and pumpkin spice, for many, fall truly means one thing: FOOTBALL! And with football comes the quintessential American tradition of tailgating. While classic burgers and hot dogs certainly have their place, why settle for ordinary when you can truly shine? This grilled stuffed shrimp recipe is designed to be your secret weapon, transforming any tailgate into an epic culinary event that will have everyone talking.

Forget the mundane; it’s time to embrace a recipe that combines bold flavors, satisfying textures, and the fun of hands-on grilling. This dish isn’t just about feeding a crowd; it’s about creating an experience. It’s about that moment when friends and family bite into something truly special, something that stands out from the usual game day fare. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team from a stadium parking lot or hosting a backyard BBQ, these bacon-wrapped shrimp are guaranteed to be the star attraction.

The Perfect Tailgating Symphony: Flavorful Components

Crafting these extraordinary shrimp involves three key components, each playing a vital role in the final flavor symphony: the smoky-sweet Chipotle Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce, the savory RITZ cracker seafood stuffing, and, of course, the generously sized, bacon-wrapped shrimp themselves. The beauty of this recipe lies in its thoughtful design; every element can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the pre-game festivities.

1. Homemade Chipotle Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce: A Sweet & Smoky Twist

Forget store-bought sauces; this homemade Chipotle Dr Pepper BBQ sauce is a game-changer. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet delivers a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the shrimp and bacon. We start by sautéing aromatic onions and garlic in butter, building a savory foundation. Then, we introduce the secret ingredient: Dr Pepper soda. Its unique blend of 23 flavors adds a delightful caramel sweetness and subtle spice that transforms into an unbelievably rich and glossy BBQ sauce. Combined with a touch of chipotle chili for a smoky heat, apple cider vinegar for tang, and other classic BBQ ingredients, this sauce is a triumph. Just a quick blend with an immersion blender (or regular blender) and a simmer, and you’ll have a thick, flavorful sauce ready to slather on your shrimp. This sauce is not only delicious but also contributes to that beautiful caramelization you see on the grilled shrimp, making them visually as appealing as they are tasty.

2. Classic RITZ Cracker Seafood Stuffing: A Nod to Tradition

This simple yet incredibly flavorful seafood stuffing takes me right back to my childhood in Massachusetts, where RITZ crackers were the undisputed champions of seafood stuffings. There’s something about the buttery, slightly salty crunch of RITZ crackers that creates the most exquisite texture and flavor base for a seafood filling. This stuffing isn’t complicated; it combines crushed RITZ crackers with melted butter, finely diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and a touch of seafood seasoning. The result is a moist, savory, and incredibly satisfying filling that pairs perfectly with the sweet shrimp and smoky bacon. The RITZ crackers absorb all the wonderful flavors, becoming tender and savory while still providing a slight textural contrast. It’s a nostalgic recipe that proves sometimes, the classics are simply the best.

3. Colossal Shrimp & Crispy Bacon: The Perfect Pairing

When it comes to the shrimp, size truly matters. We’re talking “very large” or “colossal” shrimp here. Why? Because the bacon needs a little time on the grill to become perfectly crispy and rendered. If your shrimp are too small, they’ll overcook and become rubbery before the bacon has a chance to crisp up. Larger shrimp provide a more forgiving canvas, allowing both the bacon and the shrimp to cook to perfection simultaneously. Each butterfly-cut shrimp is generously filled with the RITZ cracker stuffing, then snugly wrapped in a half-slice of bacon. This not only infuses the shrimp with incredible bacon flavor but also helps keep the stuffing securely in place and adds a layer of moisture as the shrimp cooks. The combination of sweet shrimp, savory stuffing, and salty, crispy bacon is nothing short of magical.

Partners in Flavor: A Celebration of Ingredients

I am thrilled to showcase a few incredible brands that truly make this recipe sing. This Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Stuffed Shrimp recipe is a testament to how fantastic ingredients can come together for a show-stopping dish. We’re talking about the distinct fizz and sweetness of Dr Pepper, the rich, buttery crunch of RITZ crackers, the consistent, authentic smoky flavor of Kingsford® Charcoal, and the creamy, cooling counterpoint of Hidden Valley® Ranch. It was a delightful challenge to incorporate all these favorites, and the result speaks for itself!

My affinity for RITZ crackers in seafood dishes runs deep. I’ve used them before, and my Garlic Sriracha Shrimp Topped Crackers remain a firm family favorite for parties. Even my teenager requests them for sleepovers! RITZ crackers offer that perfect texture and buttery taste, reminiscent of classic stuffed lobster I enjoyed in college. Similarly, Dr Pepper’s unique flavor profile makes it an exceptional base for BBQ sauce, contributing to the irresistible caramelization on these shrimp. And, of course, for genuine grilled flavor, Kingsford Charcoal is simply unmatched. These brands aren’t just ingredients; they’re integral to the success and deliciousness of this recipe.

Tailgating Masterclass: Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Grilling

The beauty of this Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Stuffed Shrimp recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor, but also in its game-day friendly preparation. All the components—the Chipotle Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce and the RITZ cracker seafood stuffing—can be made a day in advance. Even better, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. This means that when you arrive at the stadium or your backyard party, all that’s left to do is fire up the Kingsford coals, brush on that luscious BBQ sauce, and grill these beauties to perfection.

A successful football tailgate party requires two things: a reliable grill and fantastic, easy-to-manage food that goes beyond the basic hot dogs and burgers. While those classics are always welcome, this recipe elevates your offerings and showcases your culinary prowess without demanding hours of last-minute effort. Pack your cooler with your favorite drinks, bring your grill, and yes, include the traditional brats and patties, but make sure these stunning Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Stuffed Shrimp are part of your spread too. You’ll thank yourself when you see the impressed faces of your guests!

Grilling to Perfection: Tips for Success

Grilling these stuffed shrimp skewers requires a bit of attention to detail, but the payoff is immense. Start with Kingsford briquettes, ensuring they burn down to almost all white ash before spreading them into an even layer. This provides a consistent, medium heat crucial for cooking the bacon through without incinerating the shrimp. Place your skewers on the grill grate, cover, and turn them once, brushing generously with more of that incredible Chipotle Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. The goal is crispy bacon, perfectly cooked shrimp, and a golden, caramelized glaze. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes total. The smoky flavor imparted by the charcoal is simply irreplaceable and adds another layer of depth to this already rich dish.

Once they come off the grill, it will be tempting to devour them immediately. Exercise a little patience! That stuffing is incredibly hot, and a quick minute or two to cool down will prevent a scorched mouth. Serving these beauties with a side of cool and creamy Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing is the perfect finishing touch. The subtle tang and coolness of the ranch perfectly balance the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors of the shrimp, creating a truly harmonious bite. It’s a simple addition that truly elevates the entire experience.

A Recipe You’ll Be Proud to Share

I am genuinely thrilled with this Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Stuffed Shrimp recipe. It’s incredibly delicious, boasts fantastic textures, and offers a unique twist on classic tailgating fare. The step-by-step process, made simpler with the numerous photos, ensures that even novice grill masters can achieve spectacular results. From the sweet and spicy kick of the Dr Pepper BBQ sauce to the savory, buttery RITZ cracker stuffing nestled within colossal, bacon-wrapped shrimp, every element is designed for maximum flavor impact.

So, as you plan your next football pre-game shenanigans, make sure this recipe is at the top of your list. It’s not just a meal; it’s a statement. Be proud as you serve these show-stopping shrimp, knowing you’ve created an unforgettable culinary moment for everyone to enjoy. They are perfect for tailgating, backyard BBQs, or any party where you want to impress with flavor and flair!

While you’re tailgating, you might as well throw a steak on the grill too. For my best steak recipe, check out Grilled Steak with Horseradish Dijon Sauce.

Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Stuffed Shrimp

Huge shrimp stuffed with a classic RITZ cracker seafood stuffing, wrapped in bacon, doused in a new Chipotle Dr Pepper® BBQ sauce, and grilled over coals for an epic bite that will win all the parties.

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: barbecue, football food, grilling, party food

Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Authur: Erica

Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Chipotle Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

• 4 Tbs unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup cider vinegar
• 1 12 oz can Original Dr Pepper soda
• 3 oz tomato paste
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 Tbs low sodium soy sauce
• 1 chipotle chili pepper
• pinch kosher salt
• couple good pinches fresh cracked pepper

For the Seafood Stuffing

• 12 Tbs 1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
• 2 sleeves RITZ crackers crushed into crumbs
• ½ cup very finely diced green bell pepper
• ½ cup very finely diced yellow onion
• 2 Tbs seafood seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the BBQ Shrimp

• 1 lb bacon cut in half (so, 1 slice bacon for every 2 shrimp)
• 2 lbs very large or “colossal” shrimp shells removed with tails left on, deveined and butterflied
• Seafood Stuffing above
• Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce above

Instructions

• To make the Chipotle Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce, heat the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent. Add the remaining ingredients. Hit the mixture with an immersion blender (see Notes) until smooth. Simmer the BBQ sauce over medium-low heat for a while (~45 minutes) until thickened and flavors are blended.
• To prepare the Seafood Stuffing, add the stuffing ingredients to a large bowl. Combine with a fork.
• To assemble, lay out the half-cut strips of bacon. Place a butterflied shrimp on each, tails in the air. Place ~ a tablespoon of stuffing on each shrimp. Fold up the bacon to wrap the shrimp and stuffing. Skewer, ensuring that the skewer passes through both ends of the bacon to keep it wrapped while cooking.
• Place Kingsford briquets in your grill in a tight pile (or use a chimney if available), add a little lighter fluid, and light. Let the briquettes burn to almost all white ash, then spread them out into a single layer. Place the grill grate over the coals to heat. Grill the shrimp skewers, covered (turning once and brushing with more BBQ sauce), until bacon is cooked (~15-20 minutes total).
• Remove skewers from the grill. Serve with Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing for dipping.

Notes

Alternatively, a regular blender can be used in place of an immersion blender. But if using a regular blender, add all ingredients EXCEPT the Dr Pepper. Blend and transfer back to the saucepan, THEN add the Dr Pepper. This will cut down on the volume of liquid in the blender and make it easier.

The Seafood Stuffing and the Chipotle Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce can be prepared a day in advance. The bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp can also be assembled a day in advance. Wait on brushing with BBQ sauce until ready to cook, as the acidity in the sauce would “ceviche” cook the shrimp.

~✿♥✿~

Leave me a comment! What do you grill up when you tailgate? Share your favorite game-day grilling tips!