Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze – Crispy, Sweet & Savory Perfection

Let me just say it—brussels sprouts wrapped in bacon are my go-to trick for turning veggie skeptics into fans. These Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and glazed with maple syrup and brown sugar. They’re sweet, savory, and have just a hint of heat. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or even holiday spreads.

I started making these for Thanksgiving one year when I had leftover bacon and a big bag of baby sprouts. My husband raised an eyebrow. The kids were… suspicious. But once they hit the table? Gone. Zero leftovers. Now, they ask for them at random times of the year. They’re that good.

Whether you’re using baby sprouts or halved big ones, this recipe is no-fuss and always a crowd-pleaser

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts

These are not your average roasted veggies. Wrapping sprouts in bacon and glazing them with maple transforms everything. Here’s why I think you’ll adore them:

They’re the perfect mix of crispy, caramelized, and savory-sweet

They’re bite-sized and party-ready (aka dangerously poppable)

You only need a few simple pantry ingredients

They work as an appetizer, snack, or side dish

They’re easy enough for a casual weeknight but impressive enough for guests

I love a dish that checks both the “delicious” and “stress-free” boxes. This one does both.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these magic bites happen

24 baby brussels sprouts (or 12 large ones, halved)

12 slices of bacon, cut in half

¼ cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional but so worth it)

Pro Tip: Use real maple syrup if you can—it makes a huge difference in depth of flavor

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup
If you’re using large sprouts, cut them in half lengthwise
Trim the ends and peel any wilted outer leaves

2. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

¼ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Set aside. This sweet-and-spicy glaze gives the bacon a gorgeous golden finish

3. Wrap the Sprouts

Cut each bacon slice in half
Brush the bacon strips with the glaze
Wrap each brussels sprout with a half slice of bacon and place seam side down on the tray
Use toothpicks if needed to keep them secure

4. Brush and Bake

Brush the tops with the remaining glaze
Bake at 400°F for 30–40 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and sprouts are fork-tender
Check around the 25-minute mark and rotate the tray if needed
Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving (they’ll firm up and crisp a bit more)

Tips for Crispy Success

Don’t overcrowd the pan—give each sprout some space to crisp

Use thinner bacon—it cooks faster and wraps more easily

Glaze the bacon, not the sprouts directly—it helps everything stick and crisp

Want it extra caramelized? Give them a quick broil (1–2 minutes max)

Want to make ahead? Assemble, refrigerate, and bake right before serving

Air fryer method? Cook at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway

Flavor Variations You Can Try

I love mixing it up based on the meal or who’s coming over. Here are a few ideas

Add a balsamic glaze drizzle after baking for a rich finish

Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for crunch

Use a honey and Dijon mustard glaze for a tangier bite

Swap cayenne for smoked paprika if you want smoky without heat

Go keto-friendly by using sugar-free maple syrup and skipping the brown sugar

These little wraps are super flexible—don’t be afraid to get creative

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts

You can serve these as a side dish, appetizer, or even build a full bacon-themed board (which I’ve totally done). Here are a few perfect pairings:

Try them alongside sweet and savory appetizers like these bacon crackers
Pair them with mini bacon and cheese party bites for a holiday platter
Serve next to bacon ranch chicken foil packets for a weeknight win
Or just dunk them in ranch, mustard, or garlic aioli and call it a snack

They also pair beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even mac and cheese

FAQ – Quick Answers to Common Questions

How do you make maple glazed bacon wrapped brussels sprouts?
Brush bacon with a mix of maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne, wrap the sprouts, and bake until crispy

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture

What temperature to cook bacon wrapped sprouts?
400°F is ideal for even baking without burning the glaze

How do I make them extra crispy?
Use thin bacon, don’t crowd the tray, and broil at the end if needed

Do these work in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through

What’s the best kind of bacon to use?
Thin-cut bacon works best. Thick-cut takes longer and may not wrap tightly

Final Thoughts – Your New Favorite Appetizer

I know brussels sprouts aren’t always a crowd favorite, but wrap them in bacon and drizzle with maple glaze? Trust me—they disappear fast.

These Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts are my secret weapon for potlucks, holidays, or any time I need a quick win. They’re easy, flavorful, and totally addictive. If you try them, come back and let me know how they turned out. Or tag me on Pinterest @RitzyRecipes—I’d love to see your spin

Thanks for cooking with me today. I’m always grateful you’re here

Let’s keep turning everyday veggies into wow-worthy bites, one crispy sprout at a time

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