Maple Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Bites: A Party Favorite!

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These Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are the perfect combination of salty, sweet, crispy, and savory. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday appetizer or a game-day snack, they consistently impress. I first made these for Thanksgiving a few years ago, and now they’re a must-have on our fall and winter table. The maple syrup adds just the right touch of sweetness, while the bacon crisps up to perfection around each tender sprout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Combo – The maple glaze adds a delicious contrast to the smoky bacon.
  
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – Perfect for holidays, parties, and potlucks.
  
• Easy to Prep Ahead – Assemble in advance and bake when ready to serve.
  

Ingredients

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Cool time: 5 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
  
• 1/2-1 pound thinly sliced bacon (1 slice per sprout)
  
• 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• Toothpicks (to secure bacon)
  

Substitutions:

• Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
  
• Add a dash of balsamic glaze after baking for extra tang.
  
• Try honey or brown sugar instead of maple syrup.
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F.
   
2. Prep the Brussels – Trim the ends and outer leaves. Halve any large sprouts; leave small ones whole.
   
3. Wrap with Bacon – Wrap each sprout in a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
   
4. Arrange and Season – Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with maple syrup and season with salt and pepper.
   
5. Bake Until Crispy – Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
   
6. Cool Slightly and Serve – Let cool for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
   

Tip: For extra crispy bacon, place a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow fat to drip off during baking.

Expert Tips

• Use thin-cut bacon for even cooking and better wrapping.
  
• Don’t skip the flip – turning halfway helps the bacon cook evenly on all sides.
  
• Make it spicy – Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne before baking.
  

Variations

• Add cheese – Tuck in a small cube of mozzarella or sharp cheddar before wrapping.
  
• Glaze it up – Drizzle with balsamic reduction or hot honey for a flavor boost.
  
• Go mini – Use toothpick-sized sprouts for bite-sized party nibbles.
  

Storage

• Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  
• Reheat – Warm in a 375°F oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
  
• Make Ahead – Wrap and refrigerate up to 1 day in advance. Bake just before serving.
  

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: Fresh is best for texture, but you can use thawed and well-drained frozen sprouts in a pinch.

Q: What’s the best type of bacon to use?
A: Thin-cut bacon crisps up better and wraps more easily than thick-cut.

Q: Can I cook these in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels are the ultimate savory-sweet bite-sized treat. With only a handful of ingredients and big flavor, they’re a standout dish you’ll be proud to serve. Whether it’s your holiday table or just a cozy fall dinner, these little bundles of joy won’t last long—so make a double batch!