Get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer. These bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and crispy. We wrap tender brussels sprouts in smoky bacon, roast them until caramelized, and finish with a drizzle of irresistible maple balsamic glaze. They are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any party, holiday gathering, or even as a simple weeknight side dish. Once you try this simple recipe, you’ll never make them any other way.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe
This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a game-changer. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The earthy brussels sprouts, salty bacon, and a sweet maple-balsamic glaze create a truly addictive, mouthwatering bite.
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes impressive.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual get-together, these bacon-wrapped bites are always the first to disappear. They are a proven crowd-pleaser! For another guaranteed hit, try these Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: We provide clear instructions for both oven-baking and using an air fryer, so you can achieve perfectly crispy results no matter your setup.
The Key Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create these masterpieces. The magic is in the combination.
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for fresh, firm, and bright green sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best. It wraps easily and crisps up beautifully without overcooking the sprouts.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. This adds a natural sweetness that complements the salty bacon.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy depth to the glaze, cutting through the richness of the bacon.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a final touch of mild spice.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts (Step-by-Step)
Making this dish is surprisingly simple. Just follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Start by washing your brussels sprouts. Trim the tough stem ends and remove any yellowing outer leaves. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel—this is a critical step for getting a crispy finish.
Step 2: Wrap with Bacon
Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise. Wrap one half-slice of bacon snugly around each brussels sprout. Secure the end of the bacon by inserting a toothpick through the center of the sprout. This will keep the bacon in place as it cooks and shrinks.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. This simple two-ingredient glaze is all you need to elevate the flavor and create a beautiful, caramelized finish.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Arrange the bacon-wrapped sprouts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Brush half of the glaze over the sprouts and sprinkle with black pepper. Cook, flipping halfway through, and brush with the remaining glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for that perfect sticky coating.
Oven vs. Air Fryer Instructions
You can achieve crispy perfection with either method. The air fryer is a bit faster, but the oven works wonderfully if you’re making a larger batch.
| Method | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 400°F (200°C) | 20-25 minutes | Flip halfway through. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. |
| Air Fryer | 375°F (190°C) | 15-18 minutes | Shake the basket halfway through. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. |
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Results
Want to guarantee that coveted crispy texture? Follow these simple but effective tips.
- Use Thin-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon takes too long to render and crisp, which can lead to overcooked sprouts. Thin-cut is the key.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether using the oven or air fryer, give the sprouts space. This allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring every piece gets crispy instead of steaming.
- Pat the Sprouts Dry: Any moisture on the surface of the sprouts will create steam, preventing them from browning properly. A dry surface is essential for crispiness.
- Glaze at the End: Because the glaze contains maple syrup (sugar), adding it too early can cause it to burn. Brushing it on in the final minutes of cooking creates a perfect caramelized coating.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a showstopper, you can easily customize it. For a different take on a bacon-wrapped appetizer, these bacon-wrapped goat cheese bites are also a fantastic choice.
Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the maple-balsamic glaze. This adds a gentle heat that beautifully contrasts the sweetness.
Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts
For a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the glaze or simply sprinkle it over the bacon before baking.
Herbed Brussels Sprouts
Toss the brussels sprouts with a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme before wrapping them in bacon for a more aromatic, savory flavor profile.
What to Serve With Them
These bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts are versatile enough to serve as a standalone appetizer or as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats like Christmas Salmon or a comforting main like Marry Me Chicken. Their sweet and savory flavor makes them a welcome addition to any holiday table.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
You can easily prep these ahead of time. Assemble the bacon-wrapped sprouts and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, proceed with the glazing and baking instructions. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are best reheated in an air fryer or oven to regain their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Yes! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts (without the glaze) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and then glaze and bake them right before serving for the best results.
For the crispiest bacon, use thin-cut bacon, pat the brussels sprouts completely dry before wrapping, and don’t overcrowd them in the oven or air fryer. Giving them space allows the heat to circulate and crisp up the bacon on all sides.
In an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C), they typically take 20-25 minutes. In an air fryer at 375°F (190°C), they take about 15-18 minutes. Cook time can vary based on the size of your sprouts and the thickness of your bacon.
Thin-cut bacon is highly recommended for this recipe. It wraps more easily around the small sprouts and crisps up much faster, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked by the time the brussels sprouts are tender. Thick-cut bacon may remain chewy.
A temperature of 400°F (200°C) in a conventional oven is ideal. This temperature is high enough to get the bacon crispy and brown while perfectly roasting the brussels sprouts inside.
The Best Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts (The Only Recipe You Need)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the brussels sprouts, trim the ends, and remove any yellow outer leaves. Pat them completely dry.
- Cut each slice of bacon in half. Wrap one half-slice around each brussels sprout and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.
- Brush half of the glaze over the sprouts. Sprinkle with black pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or air fry for 8-9 minutes.
- Remove from the oven/air fryer, flip each sprout over, and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to cook for another 10-13 minutes in the oven or 7-9 minutes in the air fryer, until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the glaze will be hot. Serve warm.
Notes
Don't Crowd the Pan: Give the sprouts enough space to allow air to circulate for maximum crispiness.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the sprouts up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Glaze and bake just before serving.
Share This Amazing Recipe!
If you love this recipe as much as we do, please share it with your friends and family! Pin it to your favorite appetizer board on Pinterest to save it for later. Your shares help us bring more delicious recipes to everyone.
