When it comes to a delightful side to complement any meal, there’s something about bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts that really pulls my heartstrings. Imagine cozy gatherings around the dinner table, where friends and family eagerly dig into these savory morsels. They’re perfect next to a juicy roast chicken, alongside grilled meats, or even as a stand-alone snack. I mean, what’s not to love? The crispy, salty bacon with tender brussels sprouts is hard to resist. Let’s dive in!
Bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts are the ultimate conversation starter. These bite-sized delights combine the earthy flavors of brussels sprouts with the savory crunch of bacon, resulting in an extraordinary dish that consistently earns rave reviews. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, these tasty bites have earned their spot on my table time and again. They’re easy to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties.
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What is the flavor profile of this dish?
This dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. There’s the smoky, salty richness from the bacon, which perfectly contrasts the nutty, slightly bitter taste of the brussels sprouts. A sprinkle of tangy parmesan cheese elevates the experience further, while fresh herbs like thyme add a fragrant, earthy note. Chili flakes bring a gentle heat, making each bite truly satisfying without overwhelming the palate.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Bacon-Wrapped Brussels?
This recipe stands out thanks to a few key features. First, the incorporation of fragrant thyme and a generous amount of parmesan cheese boosts the flavor profile in a way that many traditional recipes neglect. Additionally, I’ve changed the dipping sauce to a creamy ranch made with tangy buttermilk and plain Greek yogurt, which not only balances the richness of the bacon but amplifies the overall taste. This transformation turns a simple dish into one that’s truly exceptional and worthy of the spotlight at any gathering.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these delectable bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound brussels sprouts, halved if large
– 1 tablespoon high-quality olive oil
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 pinch red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 pound crispy bacon, cut into thirds
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/3 cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon dried chives
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried dill
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling (adds a sweet tang)
– Optional: Freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Brussels
As simple as it may seem, there’s something quite magical about turning these ingredients into a flavorful dish. Here’s how to get started on your bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts adventure:
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, position your oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Go ahead and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is critical for achieving the perfect crispiness on the bacon while roasting the sprouts to tenderness.
Step 2: Toss the Brussels Sprouts
In a rimmed baking sheet, toss together the halved brussels sprouts, olive oil, and add a pinch of both salt and pepper, along with the red pepper flakes. The olive oil should coat each sprout evenly to promote proper roasting. Now, sprinkle over the chopped thyme and freshly grated parmesan. Give it another good toss to ensure everyone gets a taste of that cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Now for the fun part! Take your bacon and cut each strip into thirds, depending on the size of your sprouts. Wrap each brussels sprout tightly with a piece of bacon and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Don’t worry if there’s a little overlap; it’ll just add to that crispy goodness!
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the oven on the lower rack. Roast the brussels sprouts for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the bacon is beautifully golden brown. Flip each sprout to ensure they become crispy all around, then continue roasting for another 10 minutes until they reach a deep, delightful crunch.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Ranch
As those sprouts are roasting away, it’s time to whip up the dipping sauce! In a mixing bowl or glass jar, combine the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, dried chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, perhaps adding a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts are out of the oven and perfectly crisp, serve them warm alongside the ranch dressing. Trust me; each bite is better than the last!
Tips On Making Bacon Wrapped Brussels
– Select the right bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for an added smoky flavor and sturdiness.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give your sprouts some breathing room on the baking sheet to ensure they get crispy rather than steaming.
– Use fresh herbs: If possible, fresh thyme gives a much richer flavor than dried.
– Experiment with spices: Feel free to mix in other spices or herbs that you love, such as smoked paprika or even a pinch of cumin.
– Serve them hot: For the best experience, serve these right from the oven while the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with plenty of leftover bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts, don’t fret! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just note that the texture may soften a bit. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain some crispness.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts contains approximately 350 calories. They are high in fiber and packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the brussels sprouts, while the bacon adds protein and healthy fats. The Greek yogurt dip provides extra protein without the heavy calories of traditional dips.
Serving Suggestions
– As a Game-Day Snack: Serve these brussels sprouts for the big game. They’ll be the star of your snack table.
– Neighborhood BBQ: Obviously a hit at any barbecue; they pair beautifully with grilled meats.
– Holiday Feast Addition: Perfect alongside your turkey or ham during family gatherings.
– Brunch Delight: Serve them at brunch as part of a savory spread. Pair with egg dishes for a delightful experience.
– Vegetarian Alternatives: Even meatless friends will love these with a vegetarian substitute for bacon, like tempeh or a smoky, plant-based option!
If Some of the Items Are Not Available in Your Kitchen, What Are Some Substitute Options for the Ingredients?
– Bacon:Turkey bacon or vegan bacon are excellent alternatives for a healthier or plant-based option.
– Brussels Sprouts: If they’re out of season, broccoli florets can work as a substitute.
– Parmesan Cheese: You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
– Greek Yogurt: Swap it for cottage cheese if you’re looking for a high-protein alternative.
– Buttermilk: Mix 1/3 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a quick buttermilk substitute.
Bacon Wrapped Brussels
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups
- spoons
Ingredients
- To whip up these delectable bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts gather the following ingredients:
- – 1 pound brussels sprouts halved if large
- – 1 tablespoon high-quality olive oil
- – Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- – 1 pinch red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
- – 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
- – 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- – 1 pound crispy bacon cut into thirds
- – 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- – 1/3 cup buttermilk
- – 1 tablespoon dried chives
- – 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- – 1 teaspoon dried dill
- – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- – Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling adds a sweet tang
- – Optional: Freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- As simple as it may seem, there’s something quite magical about turning these ingredients into a flavorful dish. Here’s how to get started on your bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts adventure:
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
- First things first, position your oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Go ahead and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is critical for achieving the perfect crispiness on the bacon while roasting the sprouts to tenderness.
Step 2: Toss the Brussels Sprouts
- In a rimmed baking sheet, toss together the halved brussels sprouts, olive oil, and add a pinch of both salt and pepper, along with the red pepper flakes. The olive oil should coat each sprout evenly to promote proper roasting. Now, sprinkle over the chopped thyme and freshly grated parmesan. Give it another good toss to ensure everyone gets a taste of that cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
- Now for the fun part! Take your bacon and cut each strip into thirds, depending on the size of your sprouts. Wrap each brussels sprout tightly with a piece of bacon and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Don’t worry if there’s a little overlap; it’ll just add to that crispy goodness!
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
- Pop the baking sheet into the oven on the lower rack. Roast the brussels sprouts for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the bacon is beautifully golden brown. Flip each sprout to ensure they become crispy all around, then continue roasting for another 10 minutes until they reach a deep, delightful crunch.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Ranch
- As those sprouts are roasting away, it’s time to whip up the dipping sauce! In a mixing bowl or glass jar, combine the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, dried chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, perhaps adding a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts are out of the oven and perfectly crisp, serve them warm alongside the ranch dressing. Trust me; each bite is better than the last!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I make these bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a few hours in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just roast them when you’re ready to serve.
2. How do I make these gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure the bacon and your dipping sauce ingredients are labeled gluten-free, and you’re all set.
3. What can I serve on the side?
These pair well with grilled meats, steaks, or a hearty salad. Think of them as the versatile friends of the dining table!
4. Can I air-fry these instead?
Definitely! Just adjust the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through for that perfect crisp.
5. Can I use frozen brussels sprouts?
Using frozen brussels sprouts is possible, but it’s best to thaw and dry them first to avoid extra moisture, which can lead to soggy sprouts.
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts not only taste amazing but also serve as a fun and impressive dish for any occasion. With their level of versatility and the hearty flavor combination, they can warm any gathering. When you whip up this dish, not only will you create a delightful culinary moment, but you’ll also share a piece of comfort and joy. Give it a try, and I hope these sprouts quickly become a favorite in your home, just as they are in mine!
