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
- 10–12 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
- Meticulously clean Brussels sprouts by trimming tough stem ends and removing any discolored or wilted outer leaves, ensuring each vegetable appears vibrant and fresh.
- 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.
- Gently coat each Brussels sprout with the seasoned oil blend, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage across the vegetables’ surface.
- Carefully slice bacon strips in half, preparing them for wrapping around each seasoned Brussels sprout with precision.
- Secure each bacon-wrapped vegetable using wooden toothpicks, preventing the meat from unraveling during cooking process.
- Prepare outdoor grill by heating to medium-high temperature, creating ideal searing conditions for crispy bacon and caramelized sprouts.
- Lightly lubricate grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and facilitate smooth cooking.
- Strategically place bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on heated grill, allowing indirect heat to render bacon fat and create crispy exterior.
- Rotate Brussels sprouts periodically during 15-20 minute cooking duration, ensuring uniform browning and thorough cooking.
- Optional: During final grilling moments, delicately brush with maple syrup or tangy balsamic glaze to enhance flavor complexity and add glossy finish.
- 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