Angels on Horseback
Equipment
- 12 Toothpicks or Skewers
- 1 Baking Sheet
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients
- 12 Fresh Shucked Oysters
- 6 Strips Bacon, Cut in Half Roughly 6 Oz.
- 1 Tbsp Melted Butter (Optional)
- 1 Lemon Plus More for Serving
- Pepper to Taste
- Worcestershire Sauce to Taste (Optional)
Instructions
- If using wood toothpicks or skewers, soak them for at least 30 minutes to mitigate burning.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Pat the oysters dry and squeeze half the lemon over them (roughly 1-1.5 Tbsp of juice). Sprinkle them with pepper to taste.12 Fresh Shucked Oysters, 1 Lemon, Pepper to Taste
- Wrap each oyster in a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick or skewer. Place the oysters on a foil-lined baking sheet.6 Strips Bacon, Cut in Half
- Optional step: Drizzle or brush the (optional) melted butter over the oysters for even more richness.1 Tbsp Melted Butter
- Bake the oysters for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Turn halfway through baking.
- Squeeze the second half of your lemon over the cooked angels, and top with a few drizzles of (optional) Worcestershire Sauce.Worcestershire Sauce to Taste
- Serve hot with more lemon and Worcestershire Sauce. It may not be traditional, but I like them with a little cocktail sauce on the side.
Angels on Horseback: The Classic Bacon-Wrapped Oyster Appetizer
If you love bold, savory appetizers, Angels on Horseback is a must-try. This classic dish is as simple as it is indulgent—fresh oysters wrapped in crispy bacon, baked to perfection. The contrast of briny seafood and smoky, salty bacon creates a bite-sized treat that has stood the test of time.
The History of Angels on Horseback
Like many great recipes, Angels on Horseback has an air of mystery surrounding its exact origins. It first gained popularity in England during the late 19th or early 20th century, often served as a luxurious hors d’oeuvre at formal dinners. Some sources trace it back to Victorian England, where it was considered an elegant yet hearty snack.
The name itself is playful—some say the bacon wrapping around the oyster resembles a pair of wings, while others believe the dish got its title as a contrast to Devils on Horseback, its equally delicious counterpart featuring prunes or dates instead of oysters.
How to Serve Angels on Horseback
This dish isn’t just for fancy occasions. While it once graced the tables of high society, it has become a beloved appetizer for cocktail parties, holidays, and seafood lovers everywhere. Traditionally, it’s served on toast points or skewers, often paired with lemon wedges for brightness.
Looking for more ways to enjoy it? Try adding a dash of hot sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a sprinkle of parsley. You can also experiment with smoked oysters if you want a more intense flavor.
More Bite-Sized Classics to Try
If you love Angels on Horseback, you should also check out my recipe for Devils on Horseback, the rich and sweet alternative that swaps out oysters for prunes or dates. I also have a souped-up version of Devils on Horseback with Dates and Bleu Cheese—a combo that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just a fan of bacon-wrapped everything, Angels on Horseback is a timeless classic that deserves a spot on your appetizer lineup.
Some content edited/generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/