Crispy Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Easy Roasted Side Dish

Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish—tender brussels sprouts wrapped in crispy bacon and roasted until caramelized and golden, creating an irresistible combination of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. This easy bacon brussels sprouts recipe transforms humble vegetables into an elegant dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or a casual family meal, these crispy bacon wrapped brussels sprouts deliver restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

What makes this roasted brussels sprouts with bacon so irresistible is the magical combination of textures and flavors—the bacon crisps up beautifully while the brussels sprouts become tender and caramelized, developing sweet, nutty notes that balance the salty, smoky bacon perfectly. Each bite delivers crispy bacon on the outside with a tender, flavorful sprout inside. The bacon fat bastes the brussels sprouts as they roast, infusing them with incredible flavor while keeping them moist. Even brussels sprouts skeptics become converts after tasting this recipe!

This bacon brussels sprouts recipe works beautifully for countless occasions—holiday feasts, dinner parties, game day spreads, Sunday roasts, or weeknight dinners when you want something special. They’re naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly, can be prepared ahead and roasted when ready, look impressive on any table, and somehow make vegetables feel indulgent. Best of all, these crispy bacon brussels sprouts prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring—just delicious, satisfying, and bacon-wrapped!

History / Background

Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts represent the delicious evolution of two culinary traditions: the beloved American practice of wrapping everything in bacon, and the increasing appreciation for brussels sprouts as a sophisticated vegetable worthy of fine dining. To understand this dish, we need to explore both the history of bacon-wrapped foods and how brussels sprouts transformed from childhood nemesis to culinary darling.

Brussels sprouts themselves have been cultivated in Belgium (specifically around Brussels, hence the name) since the 13th century, though they may have been grown by ancient Romans. These tiny cabbages remained primarily European fare until the 20th century, when they became more widely cultivated. For generations, brussels sprouts suffered from a terrible reputation—often boiled until mushy and sulfurous, they were the vegetable children loved to hate.

The transformation of brussels sprouts from reviled to revered happened in the late 1990s-2000s as chefs and home cooks discovered that roasting, rather than boiling, brought out their natural sweetness and created appealing caramelization. Suddenly, brussels sprouts began appearing on upscale restaurant menus, often paired with bacon, which became the gateway ingredient that made skeptics willing to try them again.

The American tradition of wrapping foods in bacon has deeper roots. Bacon-wrapped dishes gained popularity in mid-20th century entertaining—bacon-wrapped water chestnuts (rumaki), bacon-wrapped dates, and bacon-wrapped scallops all became cocktail party classics. The technique was brilliant: bacon adds flavor, fat for moisture, and visual appeal to any ingredient, while creating a convenient finger-food format.

The specific pairing of bacon with brussels sprouts likely emerged in the early 2000s as the “brussels sprouts renaissance” coincided with bacon’s elevation to cult food status in American cuisine. Food bloggers and Pinterest amplified the recipe in the 2010s, with the visual appeal of neat bacon-wrapped bundles making them perfect for social media sharing. The combination was genius—the bacon’s saltiness and fat complemented the sprouts’ slight bitterness while adding irresistible crispy texture.

Today, bacon wrapped brussels sprouts have become a modern classic, particularly beloved during the holidays. They represent how creative preparation and smart flavor pairing can transform polarizing ingredients into universally loved dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bacon wrapped brussels sprouts are about to become your go-to impressive side dish for every special meal. This crispy bacon brussels sprouts recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using just two main ingredients and simple roasting—no complicated techniques required! Whether you’re cooking for brussels sprouts lovers or skeptics, you’ll appreciate how this easy bacon brussels sprouts recipe creates universal appeal with its irresistible crispy, savory, caramelized perfection.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation:

• Only 2 Main Ingredients – Brussels sprouts and bacon, that’s it!
• Ready in 35 Minutes – Quick enough for weeknights, special enough for holidays
• Naturally Gluten-Free & Low-Carb – Perfect for keto and paleo diets
• Converts Brussels Sprouts Haters – Even skeptics love these!
• Impressive Presentation – Looks gourmet despite being incredibly easy
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble hours ahead, roast when ready
• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, accessible ingredients
• Crispy Perfection – Bacon gets wonderfully crispy while sprouts caramelize
• Crowd-Pleasing – Always the first side dish to disappear
• Versatile – Works for casual dinners or elegant holiday meals
• Self-Basting – Bacon fat keeps sprouts moist and flavorful
• Holiday Showstopper – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter

Ingredient Notes

Understanding your ingredients helps you make the best bacon wrapped brussels sprouts possible. Let’s break down each component:

Brussels Sprouts – The star vegetable that becomes sweet and tender when roasted. Use fresh brussels sprouts (about 1½ pounds for 6 servings), choosing small to medium sprouts about 1-1½ inches in diameter. Small sprouts are sweeter and more tender. Look for bright green, firm sprouts with tight leaves—avoid yellowing or loose leaves. Frozen brussels sprouts don’t work well for this recipe as they release too much moisture.

Bacon – Provides salty, smoky flavor and crispy texture. Use regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut), which wraps more easily around sprouts and crisps better. You’ll need about 12-18 slices depending on sprout size. Regular pork bacon is traditional, but turkey bacon can substitute for lighter option (though it won’t crisp as well). Choose quality bacon without too much added sugar for best results.

Olive Oil – Helps vegetables roast and prevents sticking. Use about 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil to lightly coat sprouts before wrapping. This ensures even browning and caramelization.

Salt and Pepper – Enhance flavors though bacon provides plenty of saltiness. Use freshly ground black pepper and just a pinch of salt (if any) since bacon is salty.

Optional Add-ins – Balsamic glaze drizzled after roasting adds sweet-tangy finish, maple syrup brushed on creates sweet-savory flavor, garlic powder adds aromatic depth, or red pepper flakes provide heat. These optional additions customize the flavor profile.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need these simple tools to make perfect bacon wrapped brussels sprouts:

• Large Baking Sheet – For roasting the wrapped sprouts
• Parchment Paper or Foil – Lines pan for easier cleanup
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – For trimming sprouts
• Toothpicks – For securing bacon around sprouts
• Tongs – For flipping sprouts during roasting
• Mixing Bowl – For tossing sprouts with oil
• Paper Towels – For patting sprouts dry

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Tips & Variations

Transform your bacon wrapped brussels sprouts to match any preference with these creative variations:

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Brush wrapped sprouts with maple syrup before roasting or during the last 5 minutes for sweet-savory glaze.

Balsamic Glazed Version: Drizzle with balsamic reduction or glaze after roasting for tangy-sweet finish that’s restaurant-worthy.

Spicy Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or cayenne before roasting, or brush with hot honey after roasting for sweet heat.

Garlic Parmesan Addition: Toss cooked sprouts with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese immediately after roasting.

Brown Sugar Bacon Sprouts: Sprinkle wrapped sprouts with brown sugar before roasting for caramelized, candied bacon effect.

Herb-Crusted Version: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to oil before tossing sprouts.

Turkey Bacon Option: Substitute turkey bacon for lower-fat version (note: won’t crisp as much as pork bacon).

Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, for even crispier results with less cooking time.

Pro Chef Tips

Elevate your bacon wrapped brussels sprouts from good to absolutely perfect with these professional techniques:

Size Matters for Even Cooking: Choose brussels sprouts that are all similar in size (about 1-1½ inches diameter). Uniform sizing ensures everything cooks evenly—some won’t be undercooked while others burn. Small to medium sprouts work best since they cook in the same time frame as bacon crisps.

Dry Sprouts Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispy bacon. After washing brussels sprouts, pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any water on the surface will steam rather than crisp, leaving you with chewy bacon instead of crispy perfection.

Half Slices Work Better: Full bacon slices often have too much overlap, creating thick areas that don’t crisp properly. Cut bacon slices in half for most sprouts—this creates just enough coverage without excessive overlap.

Seam-Side Down First: Start roasting with the bacon seam-side down. This allows the bacon to set in place and helps it stay wrapped without excessive toothpick reliance. The bacon essentially “glues” itself as it cooks.

Flip for Even Crisping: Halfway through roasting, flip each wrapped sprout. This ensures bacon crisps on all sides rather than just the bottom. Yes, it’s an extra step, but the difference in texture is dramatic.

High Heat is Essential: 400°F is the sweet spot for crisping bacon while cooking sprouts through. Lower temperatures result in rubbery bacon; higher temperatures risk burning before sprouts are tender.

Rest Before Serving: Let cooked sprouts rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the bacon to crisp further as it cools slightly—it continues cooking from residual heat, reaching maximum crispiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sidestep these frequent pitfalls for perfect bacon wrapped brussels sprouts every time:

Using Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp than brussels sprouts take to cook, resulting in undercooked bacon or overcooked vegetables. Always use regular-cut bacon for this recipe—it wraps easier and crisps perfectly.

Not Drying Brussels Sprouts: Wet sprouts create steam that prevents bacon from crisping. This is the most common reason for chewy, rubbery bacon. Always pat sprouts completely dry after washing.

Overcrowding the Pan: When wrapped sprouts touch each other, they steam rather than roast, preventing proper crisping. Leave at least 1 inch between each piece for air circulation and even browning.

Skipping the Flip: If you don’t flip halfway through, the bottom bacon crisps while the top stays soft and pale. The flip ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.

Using Large Brussels Sprouts: Oversized sprouts take too long to cook, leaving you with a choice: burned bacon or raw centers. Stick with small to medium sprouts (1-1½ inches) for best results.

Forgetting to Remove Toothpicks: This seems obvious, but in the excitement of serving, it’s easy to forget. Either remove all toothpicks before plating, or clearly warn guests if leaving them in for easier handling.

Storage & Meal Prep

Here’s how to handle storage and prep for bacon wrapped brussels sprouts:

Room Temperature: Don’t leave cooked bacon wrapped brussels sprouts at room temperature for more than 2 hours. They contain meat and must be refrigerated for food safety.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover cooked sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon will lose some crispiness when refrigerated but can be re-crisped when reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until hot and bacon re-crisps. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which makes bacon rubbery.

Best Served Fresh: These are truly best served within 1-2 hours of roasting while bacon is at peak crispiness. For parties, time your roasting so they come out 30 minutes before serving.

Meal Prep Strategy: While these don’t meal prep well in cooked form, you can prep components ahead (see Make-Ahead section) for quick assembly and roasting.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Plan ahead with these time-saving strategies for bacon wrapped brussels sprouts:

Best Make-Ahead Method (4 Hours Before): Assemble wrapped sprouts completely up to 4 hours ahead. Arrange on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then roast as directed (may need 2-3 extra minutes since starting cold).

Component Prep (Day Before): Trim and clean brussels sprouts the day before. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Assemble and roast within 2-3 hours of serving for best results.

Freezing Uncooked: You can freeze wrapped sprouts for up to 1 month. Arrange on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Roast from frozen, adding 5-8 extra minutes to cooking time.

Not Recommended for Freezing Cooked: Cooked bacon wrapped brussels sprouts don’t freeze well. The texture deteriorates significantly—bacon becomes soggy and sprouts mushy. Always freeze uncooked if planning ahead.

Party Timeline: For stress-free entertaining:

• Day before: Trim and clean sprouts, refrigerate
• 4 hours before guests: Wrap sprouts with bacon, refrigerate on baking sheet
• 40 minutes before serving: Remove from refrigerator, let sit 10 minutes
• 35 minutes before serving: Start roasting
• When guests arrive: Sprouts are ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

Create memorable meals and complete the bacon wrapped brussels sprouts experience with these serving ideas:

Holiday Dinner Side: Perfect alongside:

• Roast turkey or ham
• Prime rib or beef tenderloin
• Glazed salmon
• Herb-roasted chicken
• Holiday mashed potatoes
• Cranberry sauce

Weeknight Dinner Pairings:

• Grilled steak or pork chops
• Baked chicken breasts
• Pan-seared fish
• Roasted pork tenderloin
• Rice pilaf or quinoa

Appetizer Presentation: Serve with toothpicks still in for easy finger-food appetizer at parties. Arrange on a platter with dipping sauces:

• Balsamic glaze
• Honey mustard
• Garlic aioli
• Ranch dressing

Complete Holiday Menu:

• Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts (appetizer or side)
• Mixed green salad with cranberries
• Garlic herb butter rolls
• Your choice of main protein
• Sweet potato casserole
• Apple or pumpkin pie

Wine Pairings: These savory sprouts pair wonderfully with:

• Pinot Noir
• Chardonnay
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Dry Riesling
• Sparkling wine

Beverage Pairings: Also pair with craft beer, apple cider, or sparkling water with lemon.

FAQs Section

Q: Can I use thick-cut bacon?
A: It’s not recommended. Thick-cut bacon takes much longer to crisp than regular bacon and will still be chewy when brussels sprouts are done. Regular-cut bacon wraps more easily and crisps perfectly in the same time sprouts cook.

Q: Do I have to use toothpicks?
A: Toothpicks are highly recommended to secure bacon in place. Without them, bacon tends to unravel during flipping. If you don’t have toothpicks, place bacon seam-side down and don’t flip—bacon won’t be as evenly crispy but will still work.

Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fryer creates even crispier results. Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on air fryer size.

Q: Why is my bacon not crispy?
A: Usually because sprouts weren’t dried properly (moisture prevents crisping), oven temperature was too low, or pieces were overcrowded on the pan. Pat sprouts very dry, use 400°F heat, and space pieces apart.

Q: Can I prep these the night before?
A: It’s better to prep components separately the night before and wrap them the day of, up to 4 hours ahead. Wrapping too far ahead can make bacon wet from sprout moisture.

Q: What size brussels sprouts work best?
A: Small to medium sprouts (about 1-1½ inches diameter) work best. They cook in the same timeframe as bacon crisps. Large sprouts take too long and result in overcooked bacon.

Q: Do I need to parboil brussels sprouts first?
A: No! Parboiling is unnecessary and makes sprouts too soft. Fresh sprouts roasted at 400°F become perfectly tender without pre-cooking.

Q: Can I use frozen brussels sprouts?
A: Not recommended. Frozen sprouts contain too much moisture and won’t crisp properly. Always use fresh brussels sprouts for this recipe.

Conclusion

There you have it—everything you need to create absolutely perfect, crispy bacon wrapped brussels sprouts that will make you the hero of every dinner table! This easy bacon brussels sprouts recipe proves that impressive side dishes don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients—just two main ingredients, simple wrapping, and proper roasting create something absolutely irresistible. The combination of crispy, salty bacon with tender, caramelized brussels sprouts delivers that perfect bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Remember the keys to success: choose small to medium brussels sprouts for even cooking, pat them completely dry before wrapping, use regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut), place seam-side down initially, flip halfway through roasting for even crisping, and roast at 400°F for perfect texture. Master these fundamentals and you’ll create crispy bacon brussels sprouts that convert even the biggest vegetable skeptics.

The beauty of this roasted brussels sprouts with bacon recipe lies in its incredible versatility and universal appeal. Make them for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or special occasions—customize with maple glaze, balsamic reduction, or spicy seasonings—prepare components ahead for stress-free entertaining—these bacon brussels sprouts adapt beautifully while always delivering that addictive combination of crispy bacon and caramelized vegetables.

Ready to transform brussels sprouts into everyone’s favorite side dish? Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you’ll always have it ready for your next special meal! Make these bacon wrapped brussels sprouts this week and let me know in the comments how they turned out. Did they convert any brussels sprouts haters? I absolutely love hearing about your cooking adventures and seeing your delicious creations!

Don’t forget to snap a photo of those gorgeous golden-brown bacon-wrapped bundles and share it on social media. Tag me so I can see your masterpiece and celebrate with you! Here’s to making vegetables irresistible, easy entertaining, and recipes that bring everyone to the table!