Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts are a fantastic way to enjoy a vegetable that’s often overlooked. If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating in the produce aisle, unsure if you should give those little cabbage-like veggies a chance, this recipe will change your mind! Imagine crispy bacon hugging tender, roasted sprouts, with a delicious glaze that brings sweet and savory together in perfect harmony. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, these bites are designed to impress anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re super fun to make! There’s something about wrapping those little sprouts in bacon that brings out your inner chef. So, get ready to elevate humble Brussels sprouts to a new level of deliciousness, and let’s get cooking!
Why This Recipe Works
Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts blend the savory richness of bacon with the slightly bitter, nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the humble vegetable to gourmet status. The sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, offering an irresistible glaze that enhances each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
These Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts make for a mouth-watering appetizer or snack that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Their crispy texture paired with a sweet and spicy finish is truly an experience for the taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, these bites are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 24 baby Brussels sprouts (or regular-sized, halved)
- ¼ cup (80 g) maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 slices bacon
Preparing Your Baking Sheet
Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures a perfect balance between a crispy exterior and tender veggies on the inside. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. It makes everything so much easier when it comes to washing up later!
Clean and Trim Brussels Sprouts
Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the ends and remove any outer leaves that appear wilted or damaged, ensuring they are fresh and ready for roasting. Taking a little care here sets the stage for delicious bites.
Whisking the Glaze
Mix Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar, and Cayenne
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. This sweet and spicy glaze is the secret to the flavor explosion that makes this dish stand out. The balance of sweet, savory, and just a touch of heat will keep everyone guessing about your secret ingredient!
Bacon Preparation
Slice and Brush Bacon
Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise. Using a brush, apply a generous amount of the syrup mixture to each piece of bacon, ensuring it’s coated for maximum flavor. This step adds extra deliciousness and allows the bacon to caramelize beautifully while cooking.
Wrapping the Brussels Sprouts
Encase Sprouts with Bacon
Wrap each sprout with a piece of the syrup-brushed bacon, placing them seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. This will help keep the bacon in place while cooking. The visual of these little bundles makes the effort seem so worthwhile!
Baking to Perfection
Bake Until Crispy
Brush the tops of the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with any remaining syrup mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be worth it!
Serving Suggestions
These Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts can be served warm as a delectable appetizer or a side dish. Arrange them on a platter for guests to enjoy at parties, game days, or holiday gatherings. You might also want to keep a few for yourself—they disappear quickly!
Tips for Success
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; the crispiness of bacon can vary by oven.
- Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle. This can help enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
Variations
- Replace bacon with prosciutto for a more gourmet twist.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking for an extra cheesy flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Experiment with different spices in the glaze—for instance, garlic powder or smoked paprika work beautifully and add an unexpected kick.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the bacon crispy when serving again. Trust me, you’ll want to savor these more than once!
Pairing Ideas
These flavorful bites pair perfectly with a variety of dips such as ranch, garlic aioli, or your favorite barbecue sauce. They also complement a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Think about creating a mini feast with different flavors and textures—the possibilities are endless!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but fresh Brussels sprouts yield better texture and flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and dried properly before wrapping them in bacon.
2. How can I ensure my bacon is crispy?
Bake in a preheated oven and consider placing a wire rack on the baking sheet. This allows the grease to drip away, making the bacon crisper.
3. Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare them a few hours ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is great for party planning, as you’ll have one less thing to worry about!
4. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can be substituted, but they will alter the flavor slightly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try them out!
5. Are there any vegetarian alternatives?
Try using plant-based bacon to keep the essence while catering to vegetarian preferences.
Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts deliver a delightful blend of flavors that are both indulgent and easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these bites promise a savory experience that tantalizes the taste buds. Their versatility and deliciousness make them an irresistible option for any occasion, captivating even the most discerning palates. Give them a try, and prepare to savor every crispy, sweet, and smoky mouthful!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
These Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts are a savory delight that perfectly balances crispy bacon and tender Brussels sprouts, making them an exceptional appetizer or snack.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 24 baby Brussels sprouts (or regular-sized, halved)
- ¼ cup (80 g) maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Clean and trim Brussels sprouts, removing wilted leaves.
- In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
- Cut bacon slices in half and brush each piece with the syrup mixture.
- Wrap each Brussels sprout with bacon and place them seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with any remaining syrup mixture and bake for 30-40 minutes until crispy and tender.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure Brussels sprouts are uniform in size for even cooking.
Adjust baking time as needed for bacon crispiness.
Let cool slightly before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 10
