Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts Recipe

These crispy bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts dance with smoky flavor and unexpected deliciousness.

Charred edges and salty pork create an irresistible combination that defies vegetable expectations.

Small green gems get wrapped in thin, crisp bacon strips before meeting high heat.

Grilling intensifies each bite’s complexity, turning humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Such simple preparations can surprise even seasoned cooks with their intensity.

Tender sprouts nestled within perfectly crisped bacon promise a side dish that steals the spotlight.

Grab some skewers and fire up the grill – this recipe will become your new obsession.

Quick Answers For Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts

  • Why use Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients like vitamin C and K, and their slightly bitter taste pairs perfectly with crispy bacon. They caramelize beautifully on the grill, creating a delicious smoky flavor that makes them irresistible.

  • Can I prepare these Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Yes! You can wrap the Brussels sprouts in bacon and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before grilling. This makes them a great make-ahead appetizer for parties or gatherings.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

No worries! You can easily make these in an oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes on a baking sheet. The bacon will still crisp up nicely and the Brussels sprouts will roast perfectly.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the bacon before wrapping?

No, you don’t. Raw bacon will cook completely while wrapping and grilling the Brussels sprouts. Just make sure you choose thin bacon slices that will crisp up nicely during cooking.

Why Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts Are So Addictive

  • Elevate Side Dish: Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering, crispy grilled delicacy that will make vegetable skeptics become instant fans.
  • Quick Weekend Grilling: Perfect for backyard barbecues and casual gatherings, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish with minimal preparation.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine the smoky crispiness of bacon with the caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts, creating an irresistible combination that packs a serious taste punch.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for low-carb diets, keto-friendly meals, and perfect as a side dish or appetizer that appeals to both adults and kids who typically avoid vegetables.

What You’ll Need For Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Main Vegetables:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Compact green veggie with a nutty flavor, core vegetable of the recipe. Choose fresh, firm sprouts with tight, bright green leaves.
Wrapping Protein:
  • Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds rich flavor and wraps the Brussels sprouts. Select thick-cut bacon for best results and crispiness.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of spices that enhance the vegetable's natural taste. Freshly ground black pepper provides more intense flavor.
Finishing Optional Ingredients:
  • Maple Syrup, Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy sauces that caramelize during grilling and add depth to the dish. Choose high-quality, pure maple syrup for best results.
Additional Tools:
  • Toothpicks: Small wooden skewers that hold bacon in place during grilling. Soak wooden toothpicks in water before use to prevent burning.

How To Grill Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Right

Step 1: Prep Your Veggie Stars

Clean and trim Brussels sprouts by:
  • Cutting off tough stem ends
  • Pulling away any wilted or yellow outer leaves
  • Rinsing under cool water
  • Patting completely dry with paper towels
Toss sprouts with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Step 2: Wrap With Crispy Bacon

  • Select high-quality bacon strips
  • Cut each bacon slice in half
  • Carefully wind bacon around each sprout
  • Secure with wooden toothpicks
  • Press bacon gently to ensure complete coverage

Step 3: Fire Up The Grill

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat
  • Clean and oil grill grates thoroughly
  • Arrange wrapped sprouts across cooking surface
  • Close grill lid
  • Cook for 15-20 minutes
  • Rotate sprouts every 5 minutes
  • Watch for crispy golden brown bacon
  • Ensure sprouts become tender inside

Step 4: Optional Flavor Boost

  • Brush with maple syrup
  • Drizzle balsamic glaze
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs
  • Add light honey drizzle

Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

Tips To Master Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts

  • Trim Like a Pro: Remove any discolored or yellowing leaves from Brussels sprouts to ensure only fresh, vibrant greens make it to the grill. This step guarantees a more appealing and delicious final dish.
  • Bacon Wrapping Technique: Wrap each sprout tightly with bacon, using a toothpick to secure. Overlap the bacon slightly to prevent unwrapping during grilling and create a perfect crispy exterior.
  • Grill Temperature Mastery: Maintain a medium-high heat around 375-400°F for optimal cooking. This range helps crisp the bacon while ensuring Brussels sprouts cook through without burning.
  • Flavor Boost Hack: Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika or maple syrup to elevate the basic recipe. A quick brushing during the last few minutes of grilling adds depth and caramelization.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts ahead of time and refrigerate. This prep method allows flavors to meld and makes grilling day much easier and faster.

How To Store Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts Without Sog

  • Refrigerate leftover bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Keep them fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge, storing them in a single layer to prevent sticking.
  • Reheat carefully on a preheated grill or in a hot oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Avoid microwaving, which can make the bacon soggy and reduce the delightful crunch.
  • Freeze cooled Brussels sprouts for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from clumping together.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Tasty Sides For Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the smoky bacon and charred Brussels sprouts with a robust Syrah or Zinfandel, which matches the dish's intense flavors and cuts through the richness.
  • Match with Craft Beer Delight: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to enhance the grilled notes and provide a crisp counterpoint to the fatty bacon and caramelized vegetables.
  • Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, savory elements of the bacon-wrapped sprouts and add a bright, zesty contrast.
  • Serve with Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or herbed ranch dressing to provide a cool, tangy accompaniment that complements the warm, smoky grilled dish.

Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts Variations You’ll Love

  • Spicy Chili Bacon Sprouts: Kick up the heat by adding cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix, creating a fiery version that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Herb-Infused Garden Sprouts: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley into the olive oil seasoning for an aromatic, earthy flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Honey Mustard Glazed Sprouts: Replace maple syrup with a homemade honey mustard glaze, combining Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy-sweet finish.
  • Parmesan Crunch Sprouts: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts during the last few minutes of grilling, creating a crispy, savory coating that adds incredible depth to the dish.
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Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Smoky bacon hugs delicate Brussels sprouts in this irresistible grilled side dish that blends crispy and tender textures. Sizzling with savory flavor, these charred morsels promise to elevate your backyard barbecue with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved if large
  • 1012 slices bacon, cut in half

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Finishing Touch:

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Additional Item:

  • Toothpicks (to secure bacon)

Instructions

  1. Meticulously clean Brussels sprouts by trimming tough stem ends and removing any discolored or wilted outer leaves, ensuring each vegetable appears vibrant and fresh.
  2. Create a robust seasoning mixture by combining olive oil with aromatic garlic powder, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Gently coat each Brussels sprout with the seasoned oil blend, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage across the vegetables’ surface.
  4. Carefully slice bacon strips in half, preparing them for wrapping around each seasoned Brussels sprout with precision.
  5. Secure each bacon-wrapped vegetable using wooden toothpicks, preventing the meat from unraveling during cooking process.
  6. Prepare outdoor grill by heating to medium-high temperature, creating ideal searing conditions for crispy bacon and caramelized sprouts.
  7. Lightly lubricate grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and facilitate smooth cooking.
  8. Strategically place bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on heated grill, allowing indirect heat to render bacon fat and create crispy exterior.
  9. Rotate Brussels sprouts periodically during 15-20 minute cooking duration, ensuring uniform browning and thorough cooking.
  10. Optional: During final grilling moments, delicately brush with maple syrup or tangy balsamic glaze to enhance flavor complexity and add glossy finish.
  11. Remove from grill when bacon appears golden-brown and crisp, Brussels sprouts exhibit tender interior with slightly charred edges.

Notes

  • Bacon selection matters immensely for achieving crispy, perfectly textured Brussels sprouts. Choose high-quality, thin-cut bacon that will render quickly and become crunchy while grilling.
  • Toothpick trick helps prevent bacon from unraveling during grilling, ensuring each sprout remains completely wrapped and evenly cooked.
  • Prep ahead by parboiling Brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes before wrapping helps reduce grilling time and ensures inner vegetable is tender while exterior stays crisp.
  • Gluten-free and low-carb friendly recipe can be adapted by using sugar-free maple syrup or omitting sweet glaze for strict dietary requirements.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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