Brussels Sprouts Wrapped in Bacon

This savory-sweet appetizer of crispy Brussels sprouts wrapped in maple-glazed bacon has become my go-to crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings. The combination of caramelized Brussels sprouts with the smoky, slightly sweet bacon creates an irresistible bite that disappears from platters within minutes.

I first made these for a Thanksgiving gathering when I needed something quick but impressive. The empty platter and requests for the recipe convinced me this needed to become part of my regular rotation.

Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts: The star vegetable develops a wonderful caramelized flavor when roasted. Look for bright green, firm sprouts with tightly packed leaves.
• Bacon strips: Choose medium thickness for the perfect balance of crispy exterior while still wrapping easily around the sprouts.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for best flavor.
• Sriracha: Provides a subtle heat that balances the sweetness. Adjust amount based on your spice preference.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth without burning like fresh garlic might at high temperatures.
• Alfredo sauce ingredients: The creamy dipping sauce elevates this appetizer to restaurant quality. Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for proper melting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare oven and Brussels sprouts:

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Halve the Brussels sprouts lengthwise and season them with salt and freshly ground pepper to ensure flavor penetrates throughout.

Create the glaze:

Combine maple syrup, sriracha and garlic powder in a bowl. This sweet-spicy mixture will caramelize on the bacon creating a magnificent glaze with complex flavors.

Prepare bacon:

Cut bacon strips in half crosswise to create pieces perfect for wrapping. Brush each piece with the maple-sriracha mixture ensuring even coverage for consistent flavor.

Wrap the sprouts:

Take each Brussels sprout half and wrap a bacon strip around it with the glazed side facing outward. This technique ensures the glaze caramelizes properly while cooking.

Bake to perfection:

Place wrapped sprouts seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until bacon is crispy and Brussels sprouts are tender with caramelized edges.

Prepare Alfredo sauce:

While sprouts are baking, make the dipping sauce by simmering cream and butter, adding seasonings, then whisking in Parmesan off heat until smooth and velvety.

Save

The first time I served these at a holiday gathering, my nephew who claimed to hate Brussels sprouts ate seven of them before asking what they were. The combination of the maple-sriracha glaze and the bacon completely transformed his opinion of this vegetable.

Make-Ahead Options

These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts can be prepped up to 24 hours ahead. Simply wrap the sprouts, arrange them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes to account for the chilled temperature.

Creative Variations

For a smokier flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze mixture. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like honey or brown sugar in place of maple syrup. For a holiday twist, try adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme before baking.

Serving Suggestions

While the Alfredo sauce makes a decadent dipping option, these wrapped sprouts also pair beautifully with a balsamic glaze or honey mustard sauce. Serve them on a wooden board with decorative toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. They make an excellent accompaniment to a full charcuterie spread or alongside other hot appetizers.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep these bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare them as directed, then cover and refrigerate. Add about 5 minutes to the cooking time when baking from refrigerated. The alfredo sauce is best made fresh just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for sriracha if I don't like spicy food?

For a milder version, you can substitute the sriracha with honey or brown sugar for sweetness without the heat. Alternatively, use just 1/4 teaspoon of sriracha mixed with ketchup for very mild heat, or try a few drops of liquid smoke for complexity without spiciness.

→ How do I know when the brussels sprouts are done cooking?

The brussels sprouts are done when the bacon is crispy and caramelized around the edges, and the sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork. This typically takes about 30 minutes at 375°F, but you can adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of crispiness.

→ Can I use frozen brussels sprouts for this dish?

Fresh brussels sprouts work best for this recipe as they maintain better texture and flavor when roasted. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat thoroughly dry before wrapping with bacon. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly, and the texture may be softer than with fresh sprouts.

→ What can I serve instead of alfredo sauce?

While the creamy alfredo provides a lovely contrast to the bacon-wrapped sprouts, alternatives include ranch dressing, honey mustard, balsamic glaze, blue cheese dip, or even a simple garlic aioli. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs and a touch of lemon juice.

→ How do I prevent the bacon from becoming soggy?

To ensure crispy bacon, use regular (not thick-cut) bacon strips, place the wrapped sprouts seam-side down on the baking sheet, and make sure they're not touching. Using a baking rack over your sheet pan also allows air circulation. If bacon isn't crispy enough after baking, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.