Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze: Thanksgiving Appetizers

Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with maple glaze are the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. They’re savory, sweet, and incredibly addictive. These little bites offer a delightful combination of crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and a luscious maple glaze. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful side dish, this recipe will surely be a hit.

Why Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Are a Thanksgiving Must-Have

Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around delicious food and shared experiences. Standing out amid a symphony of flavors and textures can be challenging. That’s where these bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts shine.

The Flavor Combination: The salty, smoky bacon beautifully complements the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts. The maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and ties all the flavors together, creating a balanced and irresistible taste sensation.

Ease of Preparation: This appetizer is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a stunning dish ready to impress your guests. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your Thanksgiving feast.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even those who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts often find themselves converted by this recipe. The bacon and maple glaze elevate the humble Brussels sprout to new heights, making it a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving table.

Versatile Presentation: These bites can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. Arrange them artfully on a platter for an elegant presentation, or simply pile them into a bowl for a more casual gathering.

Mastering the Art of Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Creating the perfect bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts involves more than just wrapping bacon around vegetables. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your appetizer is a culinary masterpiece.

Selecting the Perfect Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts: Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm, compact, and bright green. Avoid those that are yellowing or have loose leaves. Opt for sprouts that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is ideal for this recipe. It cooks quickly and crisps up nicely without burning the Brussels sprouts. Choose your favorite type of bacon, whether it’s hickory-smoked, applewood-smoked, or even peppered bacon for an extra kick.

Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is essential for the best flavor. Avoid imitation syrups, which often contain artificial flavors and corn syrup. Grade A dark amber or Grade B maple syrup will provide a rich, deep flavor.

Other Ingredients: You’ll also need olive oil, salt, pepper, and potentially a touch of Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar to enhance the glaze. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and trim off the ends. Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves. Halve or quarter the sprouts, depending on their size.

2. Pre-cook the Brussels Sprouts (Optional): Blanching the sprouts in boiling water for 3-5 minutes can help soften them and ensure they cook evenly. Alternatively, you can steam them for a similar amount of time. Drain well and pat dry.

3. Wrap with Bacon: Cut the bacon slices in half or thirds, depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts. Wrap each sprout with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.

4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender. Flip the sprouts halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

6. Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the Brussels sprouts are baking, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup with a touch of Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar (optional). Heat over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

7. Glaze and Serve: Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked, remove them from the oven and drizzle with the maple glaze. Return them to the oven for another 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize slightly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Crispy Bacon and Tender Sprouts

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Overcrowding will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them. Work in batches if necessary.
• Use a wire rack: Placing the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on a wire rack set over the baking sheet will allow air to circulate, resulting in crispier bacon.
• Monitor the bacon: Keep a close eye on the bacon while it’s baking to prevent it from burning. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
• Adjust the glaze to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup or add other ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, or garlic powder to customize the glaze to your taste.

Variations and Creative Twists

While the classic bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with maple glaze are undeniably delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your spin on this recipe.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple glaze or use a spicy bacon variety. You could also drizzle the finished dish with a sriracha mayo for an extra layer of heat.

Cheese Please: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese over the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts during the last few minutes of baking. The cheese will melt and add a savory, tangy flavor.

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the maple glaze or sprinkle them over the finished dish. The nuts will provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

Balsamic Glaze: Substitute balsamic glaze for the maple glaze for a tangy and sophisticated twist.

Honey Mustard: Replace the maple glaze with a honey mustard glaze. The combination of honey, mustard, and bacon creates a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor profile.

Vegan Option: Replace the bacon with smoked paprika tofu or tempeh strips for a plant-based version. Use maple syrup for the glaze.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways.

Appetizer: Arrange them artfully on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. They’re perfect for mingling and snacking before the main Thanksgiving feast.

Side Dish: Serve them alongside your Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. They provide a flavorful and textural contrast to the other dishes.

Party Snack: Bring them to your next potluck or holiday gathering. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and are sure to be devoured quickly.

Wine Pairing: Pair them with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. The wine should complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.

Other Pairings: These Brussels sprouts also pair well with other appetizers like cheese and crackers, olives, and dips.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon is crispy. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave, although the bacon may not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the maple glaze just before baking.

Do I have to use toothpicks?

Toothpicks help secure the bacon to the Brussels sprouts, but they’re not strictly necessary. If you’re careful, you can wrap the bacon tightly enough that it stays in place.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Fresh Brussels sprouts are preferable for this recipe, but frozen Brussels sprouts can be used in a pinch. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before wrapping them with bacon.

How do I prevent the bacon from burning?

To prevent the bacon from burning, keep a close eye on it while it’s baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly or cover the Brussels sprouts with foil.

Can I grill these?

Yes, you can grill bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper are all great options.