Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads in the grocery store, clutching a bag of Brussels sprouts with a mix of excitement and doubt? Trust me, I’ve been there too, staring at those little green orbs with both admiration and an inexplicable urge to wrap them in bacon. There’s just something magical about the way crispy bacon intertwines with the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts—it’s like a culinary hug, but with a bit more crunch.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Clean and trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts, ensuring they are fresh and similar in size for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper to create a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise and generously brush each piece with the syrup mixture.
- Wrap each Brussels sprout with a piece of bacon, placing them seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with the remaining syrup mixture for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.
- Alternatively, cook in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, checking and flipping if necessary, until fork tender.
Ingredients
- 24 baby Brussels sprouts, or halved regular-sized Brussels sprouts
- ¼ cup (80 g) maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ? teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 slices of bacon
FAQ
- Can I use thick-cut bacon for Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts?
- While thick-cut bacon is typically recommended for many recipes, this particular dish benefits from using thin-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up properly. If you prefer thick-cut bacon, pre-cook it until it’s halfway done so it remains pliable for wrapping.
- What should I do if my Brussels sprouts are too large?
- If your Brussels sprouts are on the larger side, consider cutting them in half to ensure they cook evenly. Smaller Brussels sprouts can be wrapped whole.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the maple glaze?
- The level of heat in the maple glaze can be modified by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. Add more cayenne for extra heat, or reduce it if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Can I prepare Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts in an Air Fryer?
- Yes, you can make these in an Air Fryer! Set the Air Fryer to 400°F and cook the Brussels sprouts for 10-15 minutes, checking at 10 minutes and flipping if necessary. Continue cooking until they are fork-tender.
- How should I store leftover Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts?
- Although they are best served immediately, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Tips
- Use high-quality thin-cut bacon instead of thick-cut to ensure it crisps up properly without overcooking the Brussels sprouts. If you prefer thick-cut, consider partially cooking it first to make it more pliable for wrapping.
- Generously coat both the inside and outside of the bacon with the maple glaze to enhance the flavor. The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar will caramelize beautifully during cooking, adding a delightful sweet and savory taste.
- Choose fresh Brussels sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking. If they’re large, cut them in half before wrapping in bacon to ensure they cook through completely.
- To make the process easier and avoid burns, consider wearing gloves while wrapping the bacon around the Brussels sprouts. This will help protect your hands from any hot bacon grease.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – If you prefer to use an air fryer for cooking the Brussels sprouts instead of an oven.
- Baking Sheet – A good quality baking sheet if you don’t already have one for oven use.
- Aluminum Foil – While many people have this at home, you may need to purchase it if you’re out.
- Pastry Brush – Useful for brushing the maple syrup mixture onto the bacon.
