Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Irresistibly Crispy Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Crispy bacon can magically elevate humble brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering side dish that surprises even vegetable skeptics.

Bite-sized green gems get wrapped in smoky, salty strips of goodness.

Salt and pepper create simple seasoning magic for this irresistible treat.

Roasting intensifies natural flavors while creating a delightfully caramelized exterior.

Each morsel delivers a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.

Weeknight dinners or party appetizers suddenly become extraordinary with this quick and impressive recipe.

Prepare to wow everyone at the table with these addictive little bites.

Ingredients For Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Main Ingredients:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetable with tight, compact leaves that have a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Bacon: Thin, salty meat strips that crisp beautifully when cooked.
Seasoning:
  • Brown Sugar: Sweet, rich sugar that caramelizes and adds depth to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Preparation Items:
  • Toothpicks: Small wooden sticks used to secure bacon around brussels sprouts.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick baking paper that prevents food from sticking to the baking sheet.

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe Guide

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Workspace

Crank up the oven to 400°F.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Clean Brussels Sprouts

Thoroughly rinse brussels sprouts under cool water to remove any dirt.

Gently remove damaged outer leaves and trim the bottoms to create a clean, uniform look.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

In a small mixing bowl, blend:
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix the ingredients until well combined, creating a sweet and savory seasoning.

Step 4: Prep Bacon Strips

Lay bacon strips flat on the prepared baking sheet.

Use the back of a spoon to distribute the brown sugar mixture evenly across each strip, coating the entire length.

Step 5: Wrap Brussels Sprouts

Place a single brussels sprout at one end of each bacon strip.

Carefully roll the bacon around the sprout, ensuring a snug wrap.

Secure the end with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping the wrapped sprouts halfway through cooking.

Look for a golden, crispy bacon exterior as your doneness indicator.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve these irresistible bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.

Tips For Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

  • Rinse brussels sprouts thoroughly and remove damaged outer leaves for the best texture and appearance.
  • Evenly spread brown sugar mixture on bacon strips to ensure a caramelized, sweet-savory flavor in every bite.
  • Use toothpicks to keep bacon wrapped snugly around each brussels sprout, preventing unraveling during baking.
  • Flip the wrapped sprouts halfway through cooking to achieve even crispiness and golden-brown bacon.
  • Skip the brown sugar for a keto-friendly version that still delivers incredible flavor and crunch.

Reheating Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Right

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Warm bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet to restore crispiness and prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Quickly warm in a hot skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Flip occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain bacon's crispy texture.
  • Skip microwave reheating as it makes bacon rubbery and loses the delightful crunch that makes this dish special.

Pairings For Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the rich, smoky bacon and cuts through the brussels sprouts' earthy flavor, creating a perfectly balanced taste experience.
  • Serve with Crisp Apple Slaw: Prepare a tangy apple coleslaw with sharp cheddar cheese and a light vinaigrette to contrast the savory bacon-wrapped sprouts, adding refreshing crunch and acidity.
  • Complement with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and a touch of apple cider vinegar to create a sweet-tangy sauce that enhances the caramelized brown sugar notes of the dish.
  • Match with Sparkling Hard Cider: Choose a dry, effervescent hard cider that provides a light, crisp counterpoint to the heavy bacon and brings out the sprouts' natural sweetness.

Flavor Ideas For Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with thin slices of eggplant or tempeh, brushed with smoked paprika and maple syrup for a similar savory-sweet flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free bacon to maintain low-carb requirements while keeping the recipe's core essence.
  • Spicy Herb Variation: Sprinkle cayenne pepper and fresh thyme leaves over the brussels sprouts before wrapping, adding a zesty kick and aromatic herb notes to the original recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking bacon and seasonings to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

  • Are brussels sprouts healthy?

Yes, they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. They’re low in calories and high in antioxidants, supporting overall health and immune function.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?

You can partially prep by trimming brussels sprouts and cutting bacon strips in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain crispiness and best flavor.

  • What type of bacon works best?

Thin or medium-cut bacon is ideal. Thick-cut bacon might not crisp evenly and could take longer to cook. Regular-cut bacon provides the perfect balance of crispness and wrapping.

  • Do I need special equipment?

No, just basic kitchen tools like a baking sheet, parchment paper, toothpicks, and a small mixing bowl. Most home cooks already have these items on hand.

Why Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Are A Must

  • Elevate Appetizer Game: Transform ordinary brussels sprouts into an irresistible crowd-pleasing dish that impresses guests and adds gourmet flair to any gathering.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring basic kitchen tools and techniques.
  • Sweet and Savory Flavor Explosion: Combine the caramelized brown sugar with crispy bacon and hearty brussels sprouts for a mouthwatering blend of complementary tastes that dance on your palate.
  • Versatile Party Favorite: Ideal for holiday gatherings, game day appetizers, potlucks, or casual dinner parties, these bacon-wrapped bites guarantee to be a hit with both adults and kids.
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Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts deliver a crispy, savory sensation that elevates humble vegetables into an irresistible appetizer. Guests will crave these caramelized, smoky bites that combine hearty bacon with perfectly roasted brussels sprouts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound brussels sprouts
  • 1 pound bacon

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Thoroughly cleanse brussels sprouts under cool running water, discarding any wilted or discolored outer leaves and neatly trimming the stem bases.
  3. Create a seasoning blend by whisking together brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl until well combined.
  4. Arrange bacon strips flat across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
  5. Delicately distribute the brown sugar mixture across each bacon strip using the back of a spoon, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  6. Position a single brussels sprout at the edge of each bacon strip, then meticulously wrap the bacon around the vegetable, creating a tight spiral.
  7. Secure each bacon-wrapped sprout with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
  8. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, carefully rotating the sprouts midway through cooking.
  9. Monitor the bacon’s transformation, removing the dish when the bacon achieves a perfectly crisp, golden-brown texture.
  10. Allow the bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and prevent burning.

Notes

  • Choose smaller brussels sprouts for easier wrapping and more uniform cooking.
  • Pat bacon and brussels sprouts completely dry to ensure crispy texture and prevent steaming.
  • Partially cook bacon before wrapping for extra crispiness and faster overall cooking time.
  • Adjust brown sugar quantity based on desired sweetness, using less for a savory profile or more for caramelized edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 255
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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