Gather ’round, food lovers! Today, we’re unveiling a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to delight your senses and bring people together around the table. Get ready to experience the ultimate fusion of sweet and savory, as we introduce our Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts. This dish is a true celebration of flavors, where the tart and tangy cranberry glaze meets the salty, crispy bacon, all while embracing the earthy goodness of Brussels sprouts. Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe is a must-try for your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
This Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts recipe is a masterful blend of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The crispy, golden-brown bacon perfectly complements the tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts, while the sweet and tangy cranberry glaze ties it all together in a harmonious symphony of deliciousness. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or simply looking for a new and exciting side dish, this recipe will undoubtedly become a new favorite.
Ingredients
To create this irresistible Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts, you’ll need a few simple, yet flavorful ingredients. You’ll start with fresh Brussels sprouts, which will be the star of the show. Crispy bacon will provide a savory and crunchy element, while the cranberry glaze will add a burst of sweet-tart flavor. Rounding out the lineup are a few pantry staples like olive oil, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar to help bring all the flavors together.
- 1 lb (454g) – Fresh Brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
- 12 slices – Bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15ml) – Balsamic vinegar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon Type: Applewood-smoked or peppered bacon (for a different flavor profile)
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries (for a more tart glaze)
How to Make Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this irresistible dish!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your Brussels sprouts by trimming the ends and any discolored leaves, then halve the sprouts lengthwise. In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to wrap the Brussels sprouts in bacon. Carefully wrap a half slice of bacon around each sprout half, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped sprouts on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching each other.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Brush the cranberry glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the glaze from burning. Once they’re done, remove the toothpicks and serve the sprouts hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or almonds over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Festive Garnish: Garnish the dish with fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest for a holiday-inspired touch.
- Milder Glaze: Use a less potent balsamic vinegar or reduce the amount of maple syrup in the glaze for a subtler flavor.
- Dietary Swap: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon alternative. For a vegan option, use a vegan-friendly bacon substitute and replace the honey in the glaze with maple syrup or agave.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted meats, holiday meals, or as a standalone appetizer.
Storage: Store leftover Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the sprouts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until heated through and the glaze is warm and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in advance and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply brush them with the cranberry glaze and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
This Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and nutritious ingredients. Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the bacon provides a satisfying source of protein. The cranberry glaze adds a touch of natural sweetness, making this dish a well-rounded and indulgent addition to your menu.
- Serving Size: 4 bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts in advance and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply brush them with the cranberry glaze and bake as directed.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before wrapping them in bacon.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon alternative or skip the wrapping step altogether. For a vegan option, use a vegan-friendly bacon substitute and replace the honey in the glaze with maple syrup or agave.
Can I use a different type of glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different glaze flavors, such as honey-mustard, balsamic reduction, or even a spicy-sweet chili glaze.
How do I ensure the Brussels sprouts are cooked through?
To ensure the Brussels sprouts are tender and cooked through, be sure to halve them lengthwise before wrapping them in bacon. This will help them cook more evenly in the oven.
Try These Next
- festive maple bacon brussels sprouts
- savory bacon wrapped jalapeno bites with creamy dip
- cranberry maple glazed chicken thighs on sweet potato mash
Cranberry-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These deliciously sweet and savory cranberry-glazed bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a perfect holiday appetizer or side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
12 oz Brussels sprouts
6 slices bacon
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow leaves.
3. Cut each slice of bacon in half and wrap each Brussels sprout with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
7. Remove from the oven and brush with cranberry sauce.
8. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cranberry sauce.
These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, bacon, cranberry, appetizer