Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts! A true crowd-pleaser, these delightful bites are crafted with just two core ingredients, delivering a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Pair them with our simple, creamy aioli dipping sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.

First introduced in 2018, this beloved bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts recipe has been thoroughly revamped to make it even easier to prepare, with added tips for optimal crispiness and, of course, a fantastic homemade aioli. Requiring only the two ingredients in its name – bacon and Brussels sprouts – it has become our go-to appetizer for virtually any festive occasion or holiday gathering.

The concept is brilliantly simple: take approximately 10 pieces of high-quality thick-cut bacon, slice each piece in half, then meticulously wrap each individual Brussels sprout. Arrange them seam-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until the bacon is wonderfully crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp. It’s an effortlessly elegant dish that promises to impress.

Crafting the Ultimate Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Unlocking the full potential of this appetizer starts with understanding the key elements and a few smart preparation techniques. From selecting the right bacon to ensuring perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts, every detail contributes to a stellar final product. Here’s everything you need to know to master this delightful dish.

Essential Ingredients and Tools for Success

While the recipe itself is minimalist, using the right tools and ingredients makes a significant difference in both preparation and outcome.

• Foil-lined Baking Sheet: A non-negotiable for effortless cleanup! Baking bacon can leave a greasy residue. Lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil means you can simply discard the foil afterward, saving precious time and effort. While it’s possible without foil, be prepared for a more involved cleaning process.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: This is crucial. We’ve extensively tested this recipe with both thick and medium-cut bacon, and thick-cut is overwhelmingly preferred. The extra thickness allows for a longer baking time, which is essential for ensuring the Brussels sprouts become perfectly tender on the inside while the bacon crisps up beautifully on the outside. Thin bacon tends to crisp too quickly, leaving the sprouts undercooked.
• Small to Medium Brussels Sprouts: Size matters! Smaller Brussels sprouts cook more evenly and are easier to wrap. If you only have larger sprouts available, simply cut them in half through the stem end. This ensures they cook thoroughly and become bite-sized appetizers. Aim for uniformity in size for consistent cooking.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For safely halving your bacon and trimming your Brussels sprouts.
• Mixing Bowl and Whisk: For preparing the quick aioli dipping sauce.

How to Select and Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Choosing fresh, high-quality Brussels sprouts is key to the success of this dish. Look for sprouts that are bright green, firm, and tightly packed. Avoid any with yellowing leaves, soft spots, or a strong odor. Before cooking, trim the tough bottom end of each sprout and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. For larger sprouts, cut them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.

Achieving Perfectly Cooked Bacon and Sprouts

The harmony between crispy bacon and tender-crisp Brussels sprouts is what makes this appetizer shine. Knowing when your ingredients are perfectly cooked is essential.

For the Bacon: The safest way to determine if your bacon is fully cooked is to use a reliable meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 145ºF (as per USDA guidelines). Visually, the bacon should transform into a darker, rich brown color and become delightfully crispy to the touch. Avoid undercooking for food safety and overcooking to prevent burning.

For the Brussels Sprouts: The sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork but still retain a slight bite. They should have a vibrant green color, with some caramelized edges from roasting alongside the bacon. This tender-crisp texture provides a wonderful contrast to the crunchy bacon.

Exciting Variations and Flavor Enhancements

While the classic bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are fantastic on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to truly make this appetizer your own. These simple additions can elevate the dish from great to extraordinary.

• Explore Flavored Bacon: Don’t limit yourself to standard bacon! Try using applewood smoked bacon for a deeper, richer smoky flavor, or experiment with peppered bacon for a subtle kick. Even a maple-cured bacon can add a lovely dimension.
• Creative Seasonings and Spices: A sprinkle of seasoning can transform the profile. Consider dusting your sprouts with popular blends like everything bagel seasoning for a savory, garlicky crunch, or Old Bay seasoning for a unique, zesty taste. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne can also add exciting notes.
• The Sweet and Savory Maple Touch: This is a personal favorite! A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the bacon-wrapped sprouts before baking creates an irresistible sweet and savory glaze. The maple caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the bacon’s flavor and adding a delightful stickiness that everyone will adore.
• A Hint of Heat: For those who love a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes or a thin slice of jalapeño tucked under the bacon before wrapping can provide a delightful fiery kick.
• Cheesy Indulgence: Before wrapping, make a small incision in each Brussels sprout and stuff a tiny cube of cheese inside – cream cheese, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar work wonderfully. The cheese will melt into the sprout, adding a creamy, rich element.

Air Fryer Method: Crispy Perfection in Less Time

If you’re a fan of your air fryer for achieving quick, crispy results, you’ll be pleased to know that bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts cook beautifully in it. This method is fantastic for smaller batches or when you want a faster cooking time.

To prepare in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping to allow for even crisping. You may need to cook in batches. Start by air frying for 15 minutes, then check for doneness. Continue air frying in 5-minute increments until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp. Total cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your sprouts, but typically ranges from 20-30 minutes.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

One of the many advantages of this appetizer is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation and easy storage, ensuring you can enjoy them fresh or as delightful leftovers.

Make-Ahead: To save time, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts a day in advance. Simply wrap the sprouts with bacon, then arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is especially helpful when preparing for larger gatherings or holiday meals.

How long do bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts last in the fridge? If you have any glorious leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the bacon may lose its crispness and the sprouts might become too soft.

To Reheat: While you can quickly microwave them for about 60 seconds on high, for the best texture (especially for crisp bacon), we recommend reheating them in an oven or air fryer. Place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again. In an air fryer, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Explore More Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Appetizers

If you’ve fallen in love with the combination of savory bacon and perfectly cooked vegetables (or fruits!), you’ll be thrilled to discover a whole world of other bacon-wrapped delights. These recipes are perfect for expanding your appetizer repertoire, offering diverse flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate.

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese: A sweet and savory explosion, featuring dates stuffed with tangy goat cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon.
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Elegant and easy, fresh asparagus spears are bundled in bacon and roasted to perfection.
• Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: A luxurious seafood appetizer, where succulent shrimp are wrapped in bacon and baked until golden.
• Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans: A simple yet satisfying side dish or appetizer, featuring crisp-tender green beans embraced by savory bacon.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

While bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are fantastic on their own, the right accompaniment can elevate them even further. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve these delightful bites:

• The Classic Aioli: Our quick and easy homemade aioli (recipe included below) is a match made in heaven. Its creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy profile perfectly complements the richness of the bacon and the earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts. It’s simple to whip up and incredibly satisfying.
• Sweet Heat with Hot Honey: For those who appreciate a touch of sweet and spicy, a drizzle of our homemade hot honey sauce over the finished sprouts is an absolute game-changer. The sticky, fiery glaze adds a complex layer of flavor that’s utterly addictive.
• Tangy Balsamic Glaze: A reduction of balsamic vinegar creates a sweet and tangy glaze that beautifully cuts through the richness of the bacon. Drizzle it on just before serving for an elegant finish.
• Spicy Sriracha Mayo: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, a simple mix of mayonnaise and sriracha provides a zesty, spicy dip that adds an exciting kick.
• Creamy Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For a more traditional pairing, a creamy ranch or robust blue cheese dressing offers a cool, savory contrast.
• Effortless Eating: For easier handling and mess-free enjoyment at parties, consider inserting toothpicks into each bacon-wrapped sprout once they’ve cooled slightly.
• Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the visual appeal of your appetizer.