The sizzle of bacon in the oven, the sweet aroma of maple syrup, and a hint of spice wafting through the air—it’s a mouthwatering symphony that signals the holidays are here. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s equal parts elegant and indulgent, these bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with spicy maple glaze are the answer.
Inspired by my cousin Dave’s hit recipe from Thanksgiving years ago, this updated version adds a bit of spice and a whole lot of love. Let’s just say, these little bites disappear faster than the turkey itself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for the Holidays: Whether it’s a side dish for Thanksgiving or an appetizer for a game-day party, these bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Ingredients: With staples like fresh Brussels sprouts, real maple syrup, and a few pantry seasonings, you don’t need a mile-long shopping list to whip this up.
- Flavor Explosion: Crispy bacon, tender sprouts, and the sweet-and-spicy glaze create a bite-sized dish that’s bursting with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Using just a rimmed baking sheet and a small bowl, you’ll have these ready to serve in no time.
The Story Behind the Dish
Brussels sprouts have long been a staple at my family gatherings, but for years they had a bit of a bad reputation. Then, one Thanksgiving, my cousin Dave revolutionized the way we all saw these tiny green veggies. He introduced his bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, and it was love at first bite.
Inspired by Southern cooking traditions that celebrate bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is my homage to Dave’s genius creation. Adding a spicy maple glaze takes these to a whole new level, blending the best of the holiday season with a touch of modern flair.
Equipment List
- Large Baking Sheet: For evenly cooking the wrapped sprouts and catching any drippings.
- Parchment Paper: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
- Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing the maple glaze.
- Pastry Brush: Essential for applying that sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Toothpicks: To secure the bacon and make serving easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts: These are the star—look for ones that are firm and vibrant green.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: For a crispy, meaty wrap that holds its shape during baking.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness to the glaze (not the pancake syrup kind!).
- Aged Balsamic Vinegar: Enhances the flavor with tangy depth.
- Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized perfection in the oven.
- Sriracha Sauce: For that touch of heat that balances the sweet.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the sprouts tender and helps seasoning stick.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Maple Glaze
- Preheat the Oven: Set it to 425°F and line your large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim and rinse the sprouts, then pat them dry to ensure crispiness.
- Season the Sprouts: Toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap in Bacon: Wrap each sprout with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick, if desired. Place seam-side down on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and Sriracha.
- Glaze and Bake: Brush the glaze over each sprout and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and enjoy warm.
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Chef Secrets & Tips
- For Crispier Bacon: Par-cook the bacon strips slightly before wrapping the sprouts.
- Extra Glaze Love: Reserve a portion of the glaze for brushing on just before serving.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap bacon for thinly sliced, smoky tempeh or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Custom Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of Sriracha for more or less spice to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with a range of dishes. Try serving them alongside:
- Crispy Duck Fat Oven Roasted Potatoes for a hearty side.
- A refreshing Lemon Dill Sauce to cut through the richness.
- Desserts like Southern Pecan Pie for a sweet finish.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
A: Absolutely! Turkey bacon works great for a lighter option, though it may take longer to crisp up.
Q: Can I prep these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble and glaze the sprouts a day in advance. Just bake them fresh for the best texture.
Q: How do I make them fork-tender?
A: If you prefer softer sprouts, parboil them for 3–4 minutes before wrapping.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- To Store: Place leftover sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- To Freeze: These are best enjoyed fresh, as the bacon can lose its texture when thawed.
Whether it’s your first time cooking Brussels sprouts or you’re a seasoned pro, these bacon-wrapped bites with spicy maple glaze are bound to steal the show. Make them once, and they’ll become a family favorite for years to come!
Complete Your Holiday Feast!
Mains
- Ultimate Turkey Brine: Transform your Thanksgiving turkey with this flavorful brine. It infuses your bird with juicy tenderness and bold flavor, ensuring every bite is unforgettable.
- Herb-Butter Rubbed Turkey: Take your turkey to the next level with a rich herb-butter rub. This recipe delivers a golden, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat that will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.
Sides
- Easy Jiffy Corn Casserole: A classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s fluffy, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for balancing savory Thanksgiving flavors.
- Homestyle Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes made just like grandma used to. They’re a comforting staple for any holiday spread.
- Sweet Potato and Apple Bake: A sweet and tangy side that combines tender sweet potatoes and apples with a hint of cinnamon. A holiday favorite that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- Sautéed Garlic Butter Green Beans: Vibrant green beans sautéed in garlic butter, offering a fresh, flavorful contrast to heavier dishes.
- Crispy Duck Fat Oven Roasted Potatoes: These golden, crispy potatoes are rich in flavor and texture, thanks to the indulgent addition of duck fat.
- Homemade Southern Creamed Corn: A rich, velvety dish bursting with fresh corn flavor, making it an irresistible holiday side.
- Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon: Smoky bacon and tender cabbage come together in this flavorful Southern classic.
- Southern-Style Collard Greens: Slow-cooked greens with smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey wings, seasoned to perfection, add a hearty, savory touch to any holiday menu.
- Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: A cheesy, indulgent side that’s guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
- Creamed Spinach: Lush and creamy, this dish is a fantastic way to add a rich, earthy green to your holiday table.
- Classic Homemade Turkey Gravy: The perfect finishing touch for your turkey and mashed potatoes. This rich, velvety gravy is packed with savory flavor and holiday nostalgia.
- Bacon Maple Hasselback Butternut Squash: A stunning side dish that combines tender, caramelized butternut squash with crispy bacon and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup for an irresistible flavor blend.
Salads
- Creamy Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon: A refreshing, crunchy salad with a creamy dressing and crispy bacon bits, providing a fresh counterpoint to hearty Thanksgiving dishes.
- Apple-Snickers Salad: A fun, sweet twist on salad with crisp apples, whipped topping, and chunks of Snickers—a dessert in disguise.
- Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: A tangy, creamy pasta salad with the zesty kick of dill pickles, adding a unique flair to your holiday sides.
Desserts
- Easy Pumpkin Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Soft, spiced pumpkin bars topped with luscious maple cream cheese frosting—ideal for pumpkin lovers.
- Pineapple Upsidedown Sheet Cake: A retro favorite with caramelized pineapple and cherries baked into a tender cake. A beautiful and delicious holiday dessert.
- French Silk Chocolate Pie: A decadent, silky chocolate pie with a flaky crust and whipped cream topping—perfect for chocolate enthusiasts.
- Buttermilk Pie: A Southern tradition, this creamy, custard-like pie has a subtle tang from buttermilk and a sweet, flaky crust.
- Pecan Pie: The ultimate holiday classic, with a gooey, nutty filling and a buttery crust that’s synonymous with Thanksgiving.
- Pumpkin Dump Cake: An effortless dessert that layers spiced pumpkin with a buttery cake topping for a warm, comforting treat.
- Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Moist, spiced carrot cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, a holiday favorite for any occasion.
- Texas Sheet Cake: A rich, chocolatey sheet cake with a fudge-like frosting, perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays.
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Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Maple Glaze
Equipment
- Toothpicks optional
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts trimmed
- 12 slices bacon halved crosswise
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing, optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 425°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
- Rinse and trim the Brussels sprouts, removing any yellowed outer leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Season the Brussels Sprouts:
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Wrap with Bacon:
- Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each Brussels sprout, securing with a toothpick. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Prepare the Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, aged balsamic, brown sugar, and Sriracha sauce until the sugar dissolves.
Glaze the Brussels Sprouts:
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bacon-wrapped Brussels sprout with the maple glaze.
Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender. Rotate the sprouts halfway through baking for even cooking.
Serve:
- Once done, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm as a flavorful and visually stunning Thanksgiving side dish.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
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