Maple Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Quick Prep Recipes may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Your holiday table just found its newest show-stealing appetizer in these maple Brussels sprouts with bacon! It’s a 30-minute recipe that’s simple enough for busy dinners but elegant enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas spreads.
Sweet and salty appetizers are always crowd-pleasers, no matter the season, as proven by party favorites like cranberry brie bites and cantaloupe prosciutto. During fall gatherings, my go-to is definitely maple Brussels sprouts with bacon. This recipe transforms humble sprouts into golden, caramelized bites of sweet-and-savory perfection, ideal for Sunday roasts, cozy fall dinners, and holiday feasts.
Why My Recipe Works
- 10-minute prep
- 5 simple ingredients
- One-pan convenience: Everything roasts together on a single sheet pan, so there’s minimal prep and cleanup.
- Perfect party appetizer: These bite-sized sprouts are easy for guests to pick up with a toothpick and enjoy.
- Make-ahead friendly
How to Make Maple Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
If you think Brussels sprouts are boring, this bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts recipe will change your mind. They rival roasted Brussels sprouts, which are equally delicious.
To make this, simply wrap the sprouts in bacon, season and drizzle with maple syrup, then leave the rest to your oven. In just half an hour, you have a weeknight easy yet holiday-worthy appetizer or side to enjoy!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Brussels sprouts: Choose small to medium Brussels sprouts, about 1 to 1½ inches wide. They’re naturally sweeter, more tender, and roast up beautifully, unlike larger sprouts that can taste a bit bitter and take longer to cook.
- Bacon: I like using regular-cut bacon as it cooks evenly and holds its shape perfectly. Thin-cut can tear too easily, while thick-cut takes longer to crisp and can dominate the flavor. Go for good-quality bacon that’s not overly salty so it enhances, not overpowers, the dish.
- Maple syrup: Use real, high-quality maple syrup for the best results.
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Toothpicks: For securing.
Step-By-Step Instructions
To achieve perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender inside Brussels sprouts, follow the steps below. I can’t wait for you to try this amazing holiday dish!
Step 1: Prep Brussels sprouts
Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Halve any large Brussels sprouts; leave smaller ones whole.
Step 2: Wrap with bacon
Wrap each sprout with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Season and roast
Drizzle with maple syrup and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.
Step 4: Cool and serve
Let cool slightly before removing the toothpicks and serving warm.
Substitutions
- Bacon: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option if preferred, or pancetta for an Italian flair.
- Maple syrup: Swap out with honey if that’s what you have. You can also try balsamic glaze if you prefer a little bit of tang.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each sprout room to roast. Crowding traps steam, leading to soggy sprouts instead of crisp, golden edges.
- Balance sweetness and salt: Taste before serving. A sprinkle of flaky salt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup can fine-tune the flavor perfectly.
- Upgrade with nuts: Optional, but for extra crunch and a gourmet touch, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the top before serving.
- Balance the sweetness: If you prefer a less-sweet version, give a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Undercook if making ahead: If you’re serving guests, slightly undercook them when roasting ahead so they’ll finish perfectly when reheated, keeping that crispy-meets-tender texture everyone loves.
How to Store This Recipe
Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled sprouts and bacon separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
To reheat, warm in the oven or air fryer at 375 F for about 5 to 7 minutes until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it softens the bacon and Brussels sprouts too much.
How to Serve Maple Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Serve these maple-glazed Brussels sprouts straight from the oven while they’re still warm and crispy. Pair them with rump roast, roasted turkey or chicken, glazed ham, or grilled salmon for a balanced main course. For a cozy fall spread, serve alongside mashed sweet potatoes or a simple rice pilaf to round out the flavors.
More Holiday Appetizers And Sides To Try
- Cranberry chicken salad
- Pineapple cheese ball
- Slow cooker mashed potatoes
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Roasted green beans
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed
- ½ pound thinly sliced bacon use 1 slice per sprout
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Halve any large Brussels sprouts; leave smaller ones whole.
- Wrap each sprout with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with maple syrup and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.
- Let cool slightly before removing the toothpicks and serving warm.
Notes
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch if you like.
- If you want less sweetness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors.
- When making ahead, roast them slightly underdone so they finish perfectly crisp and tender when reheated.
