Angels on Horseback

Important
The wooden skewers need to soak in water for a good hour beforehand, this will help to prevent them from burning while cooking.

There's no need to skewer them before you cook them, this would be my preferred method.
As long as you place them on the baking tray seam side down they will stay in tight little rolls when they cook and the seam will fuse together.

Alternative Cooking Methods

1. BBQ or Frying Pan:
   You may also cook these "angels" on an outdoor Barbecue hotplate or in a frying pan.
   Start by preheating the hotplate to medium heat and lightly oiling the grates.
   Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
2. Deep Fryer:
   You can cook angels on horseback in a deep fryer.
   When cooking angels on horseback, be sure to use enough oil to fully submerge the oysters and bacon-wrapped oysters in the deep fryer.
   Cook them for 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown.
3. Air Fryer:
   Yes, you can definitely cook Angels on Horseback in an air fryer.
   Simply wrap each bacon-wrapped oyster with a few toothpicks to ensure they hold together.
   Preheat your air fryer to 190℃ (375℉), then place the prepared Angels on Horseback in the basket in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes.
4. Oven:
   Yes, you can cook Angels on Horseback in the oven.
   To make them in the oven, place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
   Bake in preheated 190°C (375°F) oven for around 10 to 12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the oysters are cooked through.

What To Serve With Angels on Horseback

Angels on Horseback are a delightful seafood dish that pairs well with a variety of complementary side dishes.
Popular accompaniments include roasted potatoes and vegetables, couscous, mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or simple salads.
A lovely glass of crisp white wine makes the perfect pairing for this savoury dish.

Here's some ideas;

1. Fingerfood Appetisers:
   As soon as they come off the heat, squirt with the lemon or lime juice and serve hot as a fingerfood at your next gathering.
   
   Serve with this this seafood cocktail sauce as a dipping sauce.
   
   They are often served on toast points, which are crustless triangles of buttered and toasted bread.
   
   You can make these delightful and delicious bite-size nibbles as some decadent finger-food on rounds of bread fried in butter.
2. Asparagus and Mushrooms:
   Asparagus and mushrooms pair perfectly with angels on horseback.
   Add a medley of roasted portabella, button, shiitake, or cremini mushrooms to grilled asparagus spears and roast in the oven until tender and delicious.
   Serve with spinach salad on the side.
3. Roasted Brussel Sprouts:
   Brussels sprouts are a great accompaniment to angels on horseback.
   Roast these cruciferous vegetables with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil for 20 minutes at 375F until they're golden brown and succulent.
4. Baby Potatoes:
   Nothing goes better with angels on horseback than roasted baby potatoes!
   Simply toss some red or white potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before baking for 20 minutes at 180℃ (350℉) until crispy on the
   outside but fluffy inside.
5. French Onion Soup:
   For a savoury winter meal, serve angels on horseback alongside French onion soup.
   Simmer juicy yellow onions in beef broth then top with melted cheese before serving piping hot.
6. Spinach Salad:
   For a lighter option to go alongside your angels on horseback try a spinach salad topped with hard-boiled eggs and crumbled bacon pieces for added texture and flavour!
   Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the leafy greens before eating to balance the sweet wrapped oysters centerpiece main dish perfectly.
7. Sauteed Kale:
   Add some colour to your plate by serving sautéed kale alongside fried oysters!
   Sauté finely chopped curly kale in butter or extra-virgin olive oil until it's fork-tender then season generously with salt and pepper for an earthy side dish that makes the perfect pairing for your main course of Angels on Horseback!
8. Baked Sweet Potato Fries:
   Sweet potato fries are the perfect crunchy compliment to this salty favourite appetizer dish!
   Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips then coat liberally in olive oil before baking in the oven at 200℃ (400℉) for 30 minutes until golden brown and delicious!

Spicy Angels on horseback;

For an extra hot, caramelised version of these oysters with bacon you will need -

• ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or ¼ tsp for more kick)

1. Prepare your angels on horseback as per the main recipe, then.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dredge the prepared wrapped oyster in the brown sugar mixture.
5. Grill/broil, turning on both sides until the bacon is crisp.

Devils on horseback - Jamie Oliver style

Angels on horseback should not be confused with devils on horseback.
The latter dish, which is derived from the former, uses fruit, typically prunes or dates.

Devils on horseback are prunes wrapped with bacon. The prunes are normally stuffed with dried nuts or cream cheese.
They can be served hot or at room temperature as a savoury starter or appetiser.
To create your Devils on horseback you will need;

• 12 large prunes
• Freshly brewed, strong tea
• 12 roasted, salted almonds
• 6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon

1. Soak your prunes in the hot tea until plump, this will take 30 minutes.
2. Carefully push the almond into the hole left in the prunes from the pit.
3. Cut each bacon slice in half and wrap each prune with a piece of bacon, securing with a thick toothpick or small skewer.
4. Grill/broil as described above.

FAQ

What Are The Best Oysters For Angels on Horseback

Basically you want oysters of a size that you’d eat raw—this is supposed to be a one-bite dish, after all.

They should be shucked and taken off their shells.
If you're using pre-shucked oysters for this, just look for the small ones.

Canned oysters are fine. Drain the oysters well and pat dry on paper towels.

Can Angels on Horseback Be Made In Advance

Yes, Angels on Horseback can be made in advance!
This delicious appetizer is easy to make ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
Simply wrap each oyster in bacon and put them on a baking sheet.

You can store them covered in the fridge for up to two days.
When you are ready to cook them, simply bake them in the oven until they are heated through and crispy.

Can Cooked Angels on Horseback Be Reheated

Yes, cooked Angels on Horseback can be reheated safely.
When reheating, make sure the oysters are piping hot all the way through before serving.
Always use a suitable heat source such as an oven or microwave and avoid leaving the oysters in direct contact with open flames.

However, the best way to do this is in an oven. Place them on a baking sheet and preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning once or twice during cooking to ensure even heat.