Appetizers

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Name: Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts; 8 slices bacon; 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

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These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a crowd-pleasing mix of salty, smoky bacon and sweet, tender sprouts. They come out crispy on the outside and soft inside. The bright squeeze of lemon at the end lifts the flavors and adds a fresh zip. They work as a party appetizer, a holiday side, or a simple weeknight treat.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fat: 26 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 900 mg

Why Make This Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

This recipe is simple and delivers big flavor. The bacon crisps and browns while the Brussels sprouts steam inside and become buttery and tender. The lemon adds brightness and cuts through the richness. These bites are easy to make ahead and reheat well, making them perfect for parties or weeknight dinners. The texture contrast — crunchy bacon and soft, slightly sweet sprouts — keeps people coming back for more.

You can also try a quicker crisp finish in an air fryer for an even faster and extra-crispy result: air-fryer Brussels sprouts.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

This recipe uses only a few ingredients and turns them into a savory snack or side. Follow the simple steps below for reliable results.

Ingredients:

Brussels sprouts
Bacon
Lemon
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts, removing any loose or damaged outer leaves and cutting a small slice off the stem so they sit flat. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Wrapping

Wrap each Brussels sprout with a slice of bacon. If the bacon slice is long, cut it in half crosswise. Secure the bacon around the sprout with a toothpick if needed so it stays in place while cooking.

Step 3: Baking

Place the wrapped sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once if you want even browning, until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Let cool a minute or two so the bacon firms up, then serve warm.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Serve them hot as an appetizer on a platter or as a side next to roasted meats or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra lemon wedges or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. They pair well with mustard dip, maple glaze, or balsamic reduction for a sweet-savory twist. For a party, arrange them on toothpicks for easy picking.

How to Store Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place paper towel under the lid to absorb excess moisture and help keep bacon crisper.
Freezer: Freeze individual pieces on a sheet tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bacon crispy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Choose uniform-size sprouts so they cook evenly.
Dry the sprouts well after washing. Moisture prevents crisping.
Use thin- to medium-cut bacon for the best balance. Thick-cut may undercook the bacon before sprouts are tender.
Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan. Give each piece space to allow air to circulate and crisp the bacon.
For extra flavor, brush a thin layer of maple syrup or honey on the bacon before baking for a sweet glaze.
Use toothpicks to secure bacon; soak them in water first to prevent burning.
If the bacon browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil and finish cooking until sprouts are tender.

Delicious Variations

Maple-Glazed: Brush bacon with maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Balsamic-Honey: Drizzle a 1:1 mix of balsamic vinegar and honey over the finished bites.
Spicy: Sprinkle crushed red pepper or brush jalapeño jam on the bacon before baking.
Parmesan Crunch: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on the sprouts during the last 3 minutes of baking.
Prosciutto Twist: Use prosciutto instead of bacon for a leaner, saltier bite (watch closely; prosciutto crisps faster).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: You can, but thaw and pat them dry first. Trim uneven parts so the size is similar. Frozen sprouts hold more moisture and may steam rather than roast, so expect a softer texture.

Q: Do I need to blanch the Brussels sprouts first?
A: No. For this recipe, roasting with the bacon cooks the sprouts through. Blanching can shorten oven time but isn’t necessary.

Q: How do I prevent the bacon from shrinking off the sprout?
A: Use a full slice or half-slice cut to fit snugly and secure with a toothpick. Thinner bacon shrinks less dramatically than thick-cut.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes. Bake them until just done, cool, then refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispness about 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before serving.

Q: What if the bacon isn’t crispy but the sprouts are done?
A: Move the pan to the top rack for the last few minutes or broil on low-watch closely to crisp bacon without burning. Alternatively, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.

Q: Are these safe for kids?
A: Yes — they’re tasty finger food. Trim toothpicks before serving to young children to avoid choking hazards.

Conclusion

These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are an easy, flavorful dish that balances salty, smoky bacon with sweet, tender sprouts and bright lemon. They work for holiday spreads, game-day snacks, or a special weeknight side. For another take on crisp, tasty sprouts, see this helpful guide to Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts – i am baker for inspiration and technique. Give them a try — they’re quick to make and hard to resist.