Get ready to experience a flavor explosion like never before, my fellow food adventurers! I’m about to show you how to turn ordinary brussels sprouts into a mind-blowing, bourbon-glazed, bacon-wrapped masterpiece that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance. This dish is not for the faint of heart – it’s a bold, unapologetic culinary adventure that’s guaranteed to make your guests go absolutely wild. Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
These Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are the ultimate in sweet, salty, and savory indulgence. The brussels sprouts are first roasted to perfection, then wrapped in crispy, mouthwatering bacon and smothered in a rich, boozy glaze that will have you licking your fingers. The combination of the tender, caramelized brussels sprouts, the smoky bacon, and the sticky-sweet bourbon glaze is nothing short of legendary. This dish is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a culinary adventure that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance!
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create this insanely delicious Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts masterpiece. Grab some fresh brussels sprouts, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, bourbon, and a few pantry staples, and you’re good to go!
- 1 lb – Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 8 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 1 tsp – Dijon mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Brussels sprouts: Baby carrots or asparagus spears (for a different veggie twist)
- Bourbon: Apple cider or maple syrup (for a non-alcoholic version)
How to Make Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Let’s get started on turning these ordinary brussels sprouts into an extraordinary flavor sensation!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing your brussels sprouts. Trim the stems, cut any large sprouts in half, and toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and get them roasting for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the brussels sprouts are roasting, it’s time to work on that insane bourbon glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, and a touch of mustard. Simmer this mixture over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a sticky, finger-licking glaze.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the brussels sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized, it’s time to wrap them in bacon and get them sauced up. Carefully wrap each sprout in a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped sprouts on a new baking sheet and brush them generously with the bourbon glaze.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Pop the glazed, bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts back into the oven and let them roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is bubbling. Serve these sensational sprouts hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a final touch of freshness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Bacon Topping: For an extra bacon-y crunch, try adding a sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon on top of the brussels sprouts.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finish the dish with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, umami boost.
- Boozy Glaze Variations: Experiment with different types of alcohol, like whiskey or even dark rum, in the glaze.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the bourbon glaze for a touch of heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts make a fantastic appetizer or side dish, perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the leftovers in the oven or air fryer for a crispy, flavorful reheat.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the brussels sprouts and the bourbon glaze in advance. Just wait to wrap the sprouts in bacon and brush on the glaze until right before baking and serving.
Nutrition Information
These Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are a delicious indulgence, but they’re also packed with nutrients. Brussels sprouts are a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the bacon and bourbon glaze add a satisfying dose of protein and flavor. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as this dish is definitely on the more decadent side.
- Serving Size: 3-4 bacon-wrapped brussels sprouts
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the brussels sprouts and the bourbon glaze in advance. Just wait to wrap the sprouts in bacon and brush on the glaze until right before baking and serving.
Can I use a different type of alcohol in the glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of liquor, like whiskey, rum, or even beer or wine. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change depending on the alcohol you choose.
Are these brussels sprouts spicy?
No, these brussels sprouts are not inherently spicy. However, you can easily add a kick of heat by stirring a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce into the bourbon glaze.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely make these Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts in an air fryer! Just be sure to work in batches and keep an eye on them to prevent the bacon from burning.
How do I get the bacon extra crispy?
To ensure maximum bacon crispiness, try partially cooking the bacon slices before wrapping them around the brussels sprouts. You can also broil the dish for a minute or two at the end to really get that bacon sizzling.
Try These Next
- Crispy Bacon Wrapped Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts For Holiday Parties
- Whiskey Glazed Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Maple Bourbon Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Bites
Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beer, Whiskey & Wine Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bourbon Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are a delicious appetizer that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the sweetness of bourbon glaze, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
1 pound Brussels sprouts
8 slices bacon
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
3. Wrap each Brussels sprout with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. In a bowl, mix bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and brush with the bourbon glaze.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the Brussels sprouts in the bourbon glaze for an hour before wrapping them in bacon.
Serve immediately for the best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Bourbon, Bacon, Brussels Sprouts, Appetizer