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Get ready to transform the way you think about Brussels sprouts with this irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts recipe! Perfect for holiday gatherings like Christmas and Thanksgiving, this dish is sure to surprise and please everyone at the table. Often, Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but when wrapped in savory bacon and brushed with a sweet mustard sauce, they turn into a tantalizing treat that’s hard to resist. These sprouts are not just a tasty side dish; they’re a conversation starter! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as part of your festive feast, these Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are a simple, yet impressive way to spice up your holiday meals.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Keto-Friendly: Fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or a festive appetizer.
- Flavorful: The combination of bacon and sweet mustard glaze brings a unique taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sure to be a hit even with those who are usually not fans of Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Making these Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts is a breeze, and you only need a handful of ingredients to create this mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the sweet glaze.
- Olive Oil: Used in the glaze for a smooth texture. Extra virgin is best.
- Low-Carb Sweetener (Optional): For a touch of sweetness in the glaze, without the carbs. Allulose works best as it caramelizes just like sugar.
- Fresh Parsley: Minced for a burst of fresh flavor in the glaze.
- Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show, they roast beautifully and balance the richness of the bacon. Try to use similarly sized Brussels Sprouts for even baking.
- Bacon: Wraps around the sprouts for a savory, crispy exterior. Thin-cut, not Canadian style bacon.
- Sea Salt and Pepper: To enhance the overall flavors of the dish.
Yes! Allulose is an excellent alternative due to its sugar-like taste and low-carb nature. If you don’t have allulose, you can also use Swerve or stevia. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level varies, so you may need to adjust the quantity to your taste.
Thicker cuts of bacon can work too, but it might take longer to get crispy. If the slices are too wide, cut them in half lengthwise. You could also try turkey bacon for a leaner option.
How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Prepare the Glaze. Start by mixing together the Dijon mustard, optional sweetener, minced fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will be brushed over the Brussels sprouts to add a delightful layer of flavor.
Wrap the Brussels Sprouts. Take each Brussels sprout and wrap it snugly in a piece of thin-cut bacon. Place them on a baking sheet with the seam side facing down to ensure they stay wrapped while cooking.
Apply the Glaze. Once all the sprouts are wrapped and arranged on the baking sheet, gently brush the prepared sweet mustard glaze over each one. This step adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory bacon.
Bake. Transfer the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 355°F (180°C) for fan-assisted, or 400°F (200°C) for conventional. Let them bake for about 45-60 minutes. You’re looking for the bacon to become crispy and the Brussels sprouts tender. Allow them to cool down for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving.
Tips for Best Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Choose the Right Size Sprouts: Select Brussels sprouts that are on the larger side. This ensures that the bacon wraps around them nicely and they cook evenly.
- Bacon Thickness Matters: Thin-cut bacon is preferred as it gets crispy faster and wraps around the sprouts more easily. If using thicker bacon, you might need to adjust the cooking time.
- Uniform Cooking: For even cooking, try to choose Brussels sprouts that are similar in size. This helps in achieving a uniform texture where all sprouts are perfectly tender.
- Glaze Application: Brush the glaze gently over the wrapped sprouts. A silicone brush works great for this task, allowing you to evenly coat the bacon and sprouts without unravelling the bacon.
- Baking Time Adjustments: Keep an eye on your oven as cooking times can vary. Start checking around the 45-minute mark. The goal is crispy bacon and tender sprouts.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This brief resting period helps the flavors to settle and enhances the overall taste.
Storage Instructions
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Yes, you can freeze them. Although the texture of the Brussels sprouts might change slightly upon thawing, they’ll still be delicious. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to maintain the crispiness of the bacon. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the bacon soggy.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- As a Festive Appetizer: Present them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at holiday gatherings or parties. They’re sure to be a hit at events like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Thanksgiving.
- Side Dish for Main Courses: Similarly to our Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cheese and Pancetta, these pair these sprouts with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. Their savory flavor complements a wide range of main dishes, making them perfect for a hearty meal.
- Part of a Buffet Spread: Include them in a buffet lineup. They go well with other low-carb options, salads, and keto-friendly dips.
- With a Dipping Sauce: Serve them with a keto-friendly dipping sauce, like ranch or a creamy garlic sauce, for an added flavor boost. Or you can simply use more Dijon glaze as dipping sauce!
- In a Salad: Once cooled, they can be chopped and added to salads, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
- As a Snack: They’re great as a standalone snack, especially for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Tools for Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting the Brussels sprouts and achieving that perfect crispiness on the bacon.
- Silicone Basting Brush: Ideal for applying the sweet mustard glaze evenly over the bacon-wrapped sprouts without causing them to unravel.
- Toothpicks (Optional): Handy if you prefer to secure the bacon around the Brussels sprouts, especially if serving them as appetizers.
- Airtight Container: For storing any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tbsp granulated low-carb sweetener (such as Allulose or Swerve)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (minced)
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 12 oz thin cut bacon (cut in half)
- pinch of sea salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355 °F (180 °C), or 400 °F (200 °C).
- In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, olive oil, optional sweetener, minced parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the glaze.
- Wrap each Brussels sprout with a half slice of thin-cut bacon and place them on a baking sheet, seam side down.
- Brush the sweet mustard glaze over the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and Brussels sprouts are tender.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Serving Size: 3 to 4 Brussels sprouts.
- Bacon Selection: Use thin-cut bacon for best results. It wraps easily and crisps up nicely.
- Sprout Size: Opt for larger, evenly sized Brussels sprouts to ensure the bacon wraps around them well, and they bake evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking the sprouts at 45 minutes. They’re done when the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.
- Cooling Time: Allow the sprouts to cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Just came to say that I made these last year and will definitely be making them again!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
I’m looking forward to making these for Christmas again. One thing I noticed is that they really need to be the same size or they don’t bake equally. Do you have any recommendations for the best Brussels sprout size to use?
Hi Roxy, the size does matter here. I’d avoid smaller Brussels sprouts as they don’t work well in this recipe. Opt for medium to large sized Brussels sprouts. You can arrange some of the smaller sprouts on one side of the baking tray so it’s easy to take then out sooner if needed.
Adding this to my holiday to-do list! 😀
These are great as a holiday appetizer or a side!