Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If you’ve been on the fence about trying Brussels sprouts because you think they’re boring or bitter, this Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe might just change your mind. I’m serious—combining the hearty crispiness of bacon with tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts turns these little veggies into the star of the show. It’s one of those dishes that works perfectly as a side for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a savory snack. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen!

What really makes this Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe stand out is how simple and fuss-free it is. No complicated sauces or long cooking times—just fresh ingredients that pair beautifully together. The salty, smoky bacon crisps up around the Brussels, giving you that irresistible crunch in every bite. Trust me, if you’re looking to impress friends or just enjoy veggies in a new way, this is the recipe you’ll want in your arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are pretty straightforward but super important for making the best Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Start with fresh Brussels sprouts—they should be firm and vibrant green, which is how you know they’ll roast up beautifully. The bacon adds so much flavor and that addicting crunch, so don’t skip on good-quality bacon if you can.

• Bacon: I prefer thick-cut for extra crunch, but regular slices work fine. Cut into small pieces to wrap or weave around your sprouts.
• Brussels sprouts: Trim the ends and halve them. Smaller sprouts tend to cook more evenly and crisp up better.
• Salt & pepper: Just a sprinkle to season—remember, bacon already has salt, so go easy with the salt at first.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe based on what’s in my pantry or what flavors I’m craving. You can personalize the Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe easily, so feel free to get creative!

• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes after you wrap the sprouts with bacon gives a nice contrast to the smoky flavor. I’ve made it this way when friends wanted a little heat, and it was a hit!
• Sweet touch: Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the bacon before baking for a wonderful sweet-salty combo.
• Herbs: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy aroma. I like this twist during the fall—makes it feel a bit more festive.

How to Make Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts—just slice off the stems and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Then cut each sprout in half so they cook evenly and get that wonderful caramelized edge. Next, cut your bacon into small pieces, about 1 to 2 inches long, which makes them easier to wrap around the sprouts or to skewer if you prefer. Pro tip: If your bacon is especially thick, you might want to partially cook it first so it crisps up nicely without overcooking the sprouts.

Step 2: Wrap and Season

Now, the fun part—wrap each Brussels sprout half with a bacon piece. If the bacon is cut small, you can simply hold it wrapped or secure it with a toothpick. Lightly season the wrapped sprouts with salt and pepper; remember, bacon’s salty, so a light hand here is key. This step ensures each bite will have that perfect balance of crispy bacon with tender sprout.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

Place your bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack—this helps air circulate around them so everything crisps evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (about 200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark because once the bacon is golden and crispy, they’re ready. The sprouts should be tender inside with a slight char on the edges. I like to flip them halfway through for even crispiness.

How to Serve Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a little cracked black pepper to boost the flavor. Sometimes, I add a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and freshness, which balances the richness of the bacon. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic glaze is just heavenly for a sweet tang.

Side Dishes

This Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe pairs wonderfully with almost anything. I love serving it alongside roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or even a cozy bowl of creamy risotto. During the holidays, it’s a much-appreciated alternative to traditional sides and adds some serious flavor to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holiday spreads, I like to arrange the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on a platter with toothpicks already inserted—making them super easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Sometimes, I mix in roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top for extra texture and a nutty flavor. It makes the dish feel extra special without any extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them tasting fresh, I recommend reheating in the oven or toaster oven instead of the microwave to preserve that all-important crispiness.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen them myself often, you can freeze these after baking. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray first to freeze individually, then pop into a freezer bag. When ready, reheat in the oven straight from frozen to avoid sogginess. It’s handy if you want to prep ahead for a party.

Reheating

To bring back the crunch, I heat leftover sprouts in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid the microwave unless you don’t mind losing that bacon snap. A quick reheat in a skillet also works well if you want to freshen them up on the stove.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crunchy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that makes healthy eating feel indulgent. I can’t count how many times it’s saved me when I wanted a quick, crowd-pleasing side with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll see how this simple combo can turn Brussels sprouts from meh to marvelous. So next time you want to wow your guests or treat yourself, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it.

Print