The Ultimate Crispy Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

The Ultimate Crispy Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe (Oven & Air Fryer)

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve tried those sad, steamed Brussels sprouts from your childhood, and you swore them off forever. But then you smelled the siren song of salty, sizzling bacon, and suddenly, everything changed.

Real talk: Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are not just a side dish; they are a glorious, sticky, sweet and savory masterpiece that steals the show at every dinner table. When that bacon shatters and the sprout inside is meltingly tender, you know you’ve hit gold.

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and zero fuss. We’re going from raw ingredients to fully caramelized perfection in just 30 minutes, making this the ideal appetizer or a fast weeknight side. You need this in your life.

The Science of Flavor: Why Bacon and Sprouts Are a Perfect Match

Why This Recipe Is the Ultimate Crowd Pleaser

This recipe works because it leverages high heat and complementary flavors. We’re not just wrapping the bacon around the vegetable; we’re using the bacon fat to caramelize and flavor the sprouts from the outside in.

Achieving Maximum Crispy Bacon and Tender Sprouts

The trick to crispy Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts is twofold: high heat and fat management. High heat (400°F or 200°C) is essential to kickstart the Maillard reaction that chemical process responsible for browning and deep savory flavors on both the bacon and the sprouts simultaneously.

We use thick cut bacon sliced in half lengthwise. If you use standard thin cut bacon, it often burns before the sprout is cooked. If you use the thick cut whole, the cook time jumps to 40+ minutes, and the bacon stays chewy.

Slicing it lengthwise gives you the crispy texture of thin cut bacon but the moisture and structure of thick cut, keeping us on track for that crucial 20 minute cook time.

Balancing Bitter Notes with Sweet and Salty Components

Brussels sprouts naturally contain glucosinolates, which can taste bitter if undercooked or improperly seasoned. The salt from the bacon, the sweetness from the maple syrup/brown sugar glaze, and the acidity of the balsamic vinegar all work together to neutralize that bitterness.

The result is a deeply savory, slightly sweet vegetable that even your kids (or your bitter sprout-hating spouse) will love.

Essential Ingredients and Flavor Substitutions

When I’m making Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts , I don't mess around with too many ingredients. Simplicity ensures the sprouts and bacon are the stars.

Selecting and Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

Always look for bright green, firm sprouts. For this 30 minute recipe, you must trim the ends and halve the sprouts (unless they are truly tiny, marble sized ones). Halving ensures the interior cooks fast enough to match the bacon's rapid crisping time.

Choosing the Right Bacon (Thickness Matters)

I swear by thick cut bacon for this Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts recipe. Standard bacon often disintegrates or burns to a crisp by the time the sprout is tender. Don't skip the step of slicing the thick cut bacon lengthwise it's the secret weapon for perfect timing.

step-by-step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20– 25 minutes Total Time: 30– 35 minutes Yield: 4 servings (about 16 18 wraps)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb (450g) Fresh Brussels Sprouts, ends trimmed and halved
• 8 slices Thick Cut Bacon
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/4 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar

Nutrition Information

Prep: Getting Ready to Wrap

1. Heat and Line: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the sticky glaze from welding the sprouts to the pan.
2. Season the Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts thoroughly with the olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure every sprout is coated for even seasoning. If you want a non-bacon variation, my Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts: Ultra Crispy Roman Side is a must try!
3. Slice the Bacon: Take each slice of thick cut bacon and use sharp kitchen shears or a knife to slice it lengthwise into two thin strips. You should now have 16 strips.

Wrapping and Roasting

4. Wrap and Secure: Take one seasoned sprout half, lay it flat side down, and wrap a strip of bacon tightly around its circumference. Secure the end of the bacon strip to the sprout using a toothpick inserted horizontally through the sprout. It should look like you're tucking in a tiny baby sprout.
5. Arrange and Roast: Place the Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts seam side or toothpick side down on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is at least 1/2 inch of space between each wrap. Roast for 15 minutes.
6. Flip and Finish: Gently flip each sprout and return the tray to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the sprout is fork tender. The total roasting time should be 20– 25 minutes.

The Balsamic Glaze Finish (Don't Skip This!)

7. Reduce the Glaze: While the sprouts are roasting, combine the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup (or brown sugar) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
8. Thicken: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5– 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by nearly half and coats the back of a spoon. It should be thick and sticky.
9. Serve: Remove the finished sprouts from the oven. CRITICAL STEP: Remove the toothpicks! Drizzle the sticky, glistening balsamic glaze over the Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts immediately before serving.

Troubleshooting: Essential Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Nobody wants soggy bacon or bitter sprouts. Here are the most common pitfalls when making Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Appetizer style, and how to fix them immediately.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Guide

These Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are best served fresh, when the bacon is still shattering, but sometimes you just need to manage leftovers.

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the balsamic glaze separate if possible, as it can make the bacon soggy over time.

How to Reheat Brussels Sprouts and Retain Crispness

Never microwave these! Microwaving guarantees sad, limp bacon.

1. Oven Method (Best): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sprouts on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Reheat for 8– 10 minutes, until the bacon sizzles and crisps up again.
2. Air Fryer Method (Fastest): The Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer method is great for reheating! Place the leftovers in the basket and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3– 5 minutes.

Freezing (Not Recommended)

Due to the high water content of the sprouts and the texture change of the bacon, freezing these is not recommended. The sprouts turn mushy upon thawing.

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Sprouts (Pairing Suggestions)

These Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are hearty enough to stand up to any rich holiday main dish, but they pair just as well with simple proteins. If you loved the use of bacon here, you should absolutely try my Sauteed Collard Greens with Bacon: 30 Minute Smoky Side Dish — it's another fast way to inject smoky flavor into greens!

If you're looking for another epic Brussels sprout side for a big event (and you don't mind cheese!), consider making a pan of the incredibly rich Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Ultimate Cheesy Gruyère Side Dish alongside this sticky appetizer.