If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply indulge in a savory yet bright bite, this Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce Recipe is nothing short of magical. Tender Brussels sprouts get a smoky bacon hug, roasted to perfection, then paired with two vibrant dipping sauces—one creamy and lemony, the other sweet with a kick. Each element in this dish plays its part, creating a flavor party that’s as fun to eat as it is to share. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new go-to appetizer or snack for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a powerful punch, ensuring our dish is bursting with savory, tangy, and sweet notes. Each item adds its own layer of flavor, from the crispy bacon to the zesty lemon and sticky maple syrup, creating a perfect balance.
- 18 medium Brussels sprouts (approximately 680 grams): Choose fresh and firm sprouts for the best texture and sweetness when roasted.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Helps to enhance the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds just the right amount of bite and depth.
- 12 ounces (340 grams) center-cut bacon (about 18 strips): The star of the show, providing smoky, salty richness that wraps the sprouts in deliciousness.
- 1/4 cup (60 millilitres) pure maple syrup, plus 1/2 cup (120 millilitres) for serving: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory bacon and the bright lemon.
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) mayonnaise: Creates a creamy lemon dip that’s both tangy and soothing.
- Zest of 1/2 lemon: Adds a fragrant burst of citrus aroma and brightness.
- 2 teaspoons (10 millilitres) fresh lemon juice: Gives a refreshing tartness to the creamy dipping sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste: Introduces a subtle heat that plays beautifully with the sweet syrup dip.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 200°C and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures even roasting and easy cleanup, making the whole process smoother.
Step 2: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the tough stem ends off your Brussels sprouts and cut each sprout in half lengthwise. Toss these halves in the kosher salt to bring out their natural flavors and help soften them during roasting. This simple prep step makes a big difference in taste.
Step 3: Wrap the Sprouts with Bacon
Lay out your bacon strips and generously brush half of the 1/4 cup maple syrup over them. Then cut the strips in half crosswise so each piece neatly wraps around a Brussels sprout half. Make sure the syrupy side faces out and the seam of the bacon rests on the flat side for stability while roasting.
Step 4: Arrange and Season
Place each bacon-wrapped Brussels sprout seam-side down on your baking sheet. Give them a little space so they roast evenly. Brush with the remaining maple syrup and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. This step builds layers of flavor that will caramelize beautifully.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Pop the sheet in the oven for about 30 minutes. Halfway through, rotate the pan so each sprout gets that perfect crisp bacon exterior and tender inside. You’re aiming for sprout softness and bacon crispiness that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Lemon Dipping Sauce
While the sprouts roast, combine mayonnaise, most of the lemon zest, and all the fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and sprinkle the remaining zest on top. This creamy dip offers a cool citrus counterpoint to the smoky bacon.
Step 7: Prepare the Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce
In another bowl, pour the 1/2 cup maple syrup and stir in freshly ground black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. This syrup is sweet, spicy, and perfectly sticky—ideal for dipping those crunchy bacon-wrapped gems.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your beautiful bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on a serving platter. Bring out both dipping sauces and watch as guests delight in the fun of mixing creamy, sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with every bite.
How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra lemon zest or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the dish to enhance its freshness and add vibrant pops of color. A light dusting of flaky sea salt can also heighten the flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a standalone appetizer, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp mixed greens salad or roasted root vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or wild rice to balance the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts for easy dipping at parties or arrange them in a decorative circle on a large platter with small bowls of each sauce at the center. You can even serve them atop a bed of fresh greens for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dipping sauces in separate containers to maintain their freshness and texture.
Freezing
While these are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can freeze the cooked sprouts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed bag. Use within 1 month for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 180°C for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bacon crispy and the Brussels sprouts tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if needed. Just thaw and pat dry thoroughly before wrapping to prevent sogginess during roasting.
What type of bacon works best for this dish?
Center-cut bacon is ideal because it’s leaner and wraps neatly around the sprouts without overwhelming them with excess fat. However, regular bacon can work if you don’t mind a richer bite.
Is the maple syrup dipping sauce very sweet?
The maple syrup sauce is sweet but balanced by the black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, which add a subtle spicy kick to keep things interesting and prevent it from being cloying.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Since the bacon is essential for the smoky, savory element, this dish isn’t vegetarian. However, you could experiment with smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon alternatives for a similar effect.
How long can I prepare this dish ahead before serving?
You can assemble the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated before roasting. The dipping sauces can also be made a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce Recipe has a wonderful way of transforming humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation. It’s fun, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with people you love. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds and the recipe itself. Give it a try and let those flavors do the talking!
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Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection and served with a creamy lemon mayonnaise dip and a sweet, peppered maple syrup. This appetizer combines crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and a hint of citrus, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 18 medium Brussels sprouts (approximately 680 grams)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bacon and Maple Syrup
- 12 ounces (340 grams) center-cut bacon (about 18 strips)
- 1/4 cup (60 millilitres) pure maple syrup, plus 1/2 cup (120 millilitres) for serving
Creamy Lemon Dip
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) mayonnaise
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 teaspoons (10 millilitres) fresh lemon juice
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (approximately 400°F) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim the stem ends from the Brussels sprouts and slice each one in half lengthwise. Place them in a medium bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon kosher salt to season.
- Wrap Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Lay the bacon strips flat on a work surface and brush generously with half of the 1/4 cup maple syrup. Cut each bacon strip in half crosswise. Wrap each halved Brussels sprout with a piece of syrup-coated bacon, ensuring the syrup side faces out and the seam is on the flat side for secure wrapping.
- Arrange and Season: Place the bacon-wrapped sprouts on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down, spacing them apart. Brush the tops with additional maple syrup and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even cooking. The bacon should become crisp, and the Brussels sprouts tender when pierced with a knife.
- Prepare Lemon Dip: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with most of the lemon zest and all of the lemon juice until smooth. Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest on top for garnish.
- Make Peppered Maple Syrup: Pour 1/2 cup maple syrup into a small bowl and add freshly ground black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Stir this spicy-sweet syrup well.
- Serve: Arrange the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on a serving platter. Serve alongside the creamy lemon dip and the peppered maple syrup for dipping, offering a delightful mix of flavors.
Notes
- Choose center-cut bacon for a good balance of meat and fat that crisps perfectly.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level in the maple syrup dipping sauce.
- The lemon zest in the dip adds a fresh citrus aroma that complements the smoky bacon.
- Ensure the bacon seam is on the flat side of the Brussels sprout to prevent unraveling during roasting.
- This dish can be prepared in advance up to wrapping the sprouts with bacon, then refrigerated until ready to roast.
- For crispier bacon, consider finishing under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
