Angels on Horseback
This classic appetizer is often served at cocktail parties and can be enjoyed with various sauces, such as cocktail sauce or a spicy remoulade.
Always serve Angels on Horseback warm from the oven. They are not as good if they are cold. These can also be made on the grill. I have made them over a mesquite fire, and they’re absolutely delicious.
If you like dates, almonds and bacon, you might like to try their evil brothers, Devils on Horseback, too!
Variations on the Filling (instead of or in addition to oysters)
- Scallops: Scallops are a popular substitute for oysters, offering a sweeter and firmer texture.
- Shrimp: Medium to large shrimp can be wrapped in bacon for a different seafood option.
- Dates: For a sweet and savory twist, pitted dates wrapped in bacon are sometimes called “devils on horseback.” This is a distinct dish, but the concept is similar.
- Prunes: Similar to dates, prunes wrapped in bacon are another classic “devils on horseback” variation.
- Chicken or Duck Liver: Small pieces of chicken or duck liver can be wrapped in bacon for a richer, more savory flavor.
- Mushrooms: Small button mushrooms or pieces of larger mushrooms can be wrapped in bacon for a vegetarian option.
- Asparagus: Bundles of asparagus spears wrapped in bacon are a delicious and slightly healthier alternative.
Variations on the Bacon
- Different Bacon Flavors: Use applewood smoked bacon, hickory smoked bacon, or even peppered bacon for different flavor profiles.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto can be used instead of bacon for a more delicate and salty flavor.
- Pancetta: Cubes or slices of pancetta offer a different pork flavor and texture.
Variations on the Preparation
- Grilling: Instead of broiling, grill the angels on horseback for a smoky flavor.
- Frying: Shallow frying can give the bacon a crispier texture, though it can be messier.
- Air Frying: Air frying is a great way to get crispy bacon with less oil.
Variations on the Flavorings and Accompaniments
- Marinades: Marinate the seafood (oysters, scallops, shrimp) in a little white wine, lemon juice, or herbs before wrapping.
- Spices: Sprinkle the oysters or other fillings with paprika, cayenne pepper, or other spices before wrapping.
- Cheese: Add a small piece of cheese (like blue cheese or Gruyere) alongside the oyster before wrapping in bacon.
- Glazes: Brush the angels on horseback with a glaze like balsamic reduction, maple syrup, or a sweet chili sauce towards the end of cooking.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with various dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, remoulade, a lemon-butter sauce, or a spicy aioli.
- Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives after cooking.
- Lemon Wedges: Always serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Combining Variations
You can mix and match these variations to create your own unique “angels on horseback.” For example, you could have:
- Scallops wrapped in peppered bacon and grilled.
- Shrimp marinated in white wine and lemon, wrapped in bacon, and served with a spicy aioli.
Angels on Horseback
Always serve Angels on Horseback warm from the oven. They are not as good if they are cold. These can also be made on the grill. I have made them over a mesquite fire, and they’re absolutely delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 shucked oysters
- 12 thin slices bacon or prosciutto
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Set a wire rack into a small baking dish.
- Mix salt, pepper, paprika and parsley. Sprinkle over each oyster. Wrap each oyster with a slice of bacon or prosciutto, and secure with a wooden pick. Set on the wire rack.
- Bake until the bacon is crispy, 10 to 12 minutes, turning once.
- Serve immediately.
