Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skewers Recipe Youll Love

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The sizzle of bacon, the caramelized sweetness of maple syrup, and the perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts—just imagining it makes my mouth water! These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or whipping up a side dish for a cozy dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to steal the show. The best part? They’re easy to make, ridiculously delicious, and look oh-so-pretty plated up.

I stumbled upon this recipe when hosting a Friendsgiving a few years ago. Brussels sprouts were a must, but I wanted something a little more fun than a bowl of roasted veggies. Enter bacon (because everything is better with bacon, right?) and maple syrup for that touch of sweetness. The skewers were a hit—not a single one left by the end of the night! Since then, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and Savory Combo: The maple syrup brings the sweetness, while the bacon adds a smoky, savory punch. It’s a flavor match made in heaven.
  • Perfect for Parties: These skewers are bite-sized and easy to serve, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday feasts.
  • Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this recipe come to life.
  • Visually Stunning: The vibrant green of the Brussels sprouts against the golden bacon makes these skewers Instagram-worthy.
  • Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will want to give these a try—it’s hard to resist bacon and maple syrup!
  • Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences, from adding spices to experimenting with different syrups.

Honestly, this recipe is all about the balance of textures and flavors. The crispy bacon, tender roasted sprouts, and sticky maple glaze create a bite that’s unforgettable. Plus, it’s a fun way to serve Brussels sprouts—people will want seconds (and thirds!).

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Brussels sprouts: Fresh and medium-sized, trimmed and halved.
  • Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for that perfect crispy texture.
  • Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is key for a rich, natural sweetness.
  • Olive oil: Helps with even roasting and adds a subtle flavor.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the natural flavors.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground for a touch of heat.
  • Wooden skewers: Soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.

Optional: You can add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat or a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, try adding a touch of honey to the maple syrup.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make these skewers:

  • Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers work perfectly. If using wooden ones, soak them for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Sharp knife: For trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts.
  • Mixing bowl: To toss the Brussels sprouts in seasoning and maple syrup.
  • Tongs: Handy for flipping the skewers during roasting.

If you don’t have skewers, you can still make this recipe by roasting everything as individual pieces—it won’t look as fancy but will taste just as incredible!

Preparation Method

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skewers preparation steps

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Trim the ends and cut each sprout in half. Toss them in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into thirds. Partially cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. This will help it crisp up in the oven.
  4. Assemble the skewers: Thread a halved Brussels sprout, followed by a piece of bacon, and repeat until the skewer is full. Leave a small gap at the ends for easy handling.
  5. Brush with maple syrup: Mix 3 tablespoons of maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brush the mixture generously over the skewers.
  6. Roast: Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The Brussels sprouts should be tender and slightly charred, while the bacon should be crisp.
  7. Final glaze: After removing the skewers from the oven, brush them once more with the remaining maple syrup mixture for extra caramelization.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on the skewers as they roast. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, cover the skewers loosely with aluminum foil.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

  • Partially cook the bacon: This ensures it crisps up perfectly without overcooking the Brussels sprouts.
  • Soak the skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them prevents them from burning in the oven.
  • Choose uniform sprouts: Picking Brussels sprouts of similar size helps them cook evenly.
  • Don’t skip the flip: Turning the skewers midway ensures even caramelization on all sides.
  • Experiment with glaze: Add a dash of balsamic vinegar to the maple syrup mixture for a tangy twist.

Trust me, once you’ve mastered these tips, making this recipe will feel like second nature!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix it up? Here are some fun ways to adapt this recipe:

  • Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use cubes of smoked tofu as a flavorful alternative.
  • Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the maple syrup glaze for a fiery kick.
  • Seasonal variation: Swap Brussels sprouts with baby zucchini or cherry tomatoes in the summer for a lighter version.
  • Low-carb option: Replace maple syrup with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.

One of my favorite experiments was adding a drizzle of hot honey—it created an incredible sweet-heat combo that everyone loved!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These skewers are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to serve and store them:

  • Serving: Serve hot and straight from the oven. Pair with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for extra indulgence.
  • Presentation: Arrange the skewers on a large platter with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for added color.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Tip: These skewers taste even better the next day as the maple glaze deepens in flavor!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:

  • Calories: Approximately 150 per skewer.
  • Protein: Thanks to the bacon, this recipe offers a good dose of protein.
  • Vitamin C: Brussels sprouts are packed with immune-boosting vitamins.
  • Healthy fats: Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats to the dish.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for keto diets with a sugar-free syrup. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies without feeling like you’re eating health food!

Conclusion

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skewers are the kind of dish that makes people fall in love with Brussels sprouts. They’re sweet, savory, crispy, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re making them for a holiday spread or a casual weeknight dinner, they’re guaranteed to be the star of the table.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how you adapt it to suit your taste. Do you add a spicy glaze? Swap in a new veggie? I’d love to hear your twists in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends—it’s too good to keep all to yourself!

Enjoy every delicious bite of these irresistible skewers. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the skewers a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and roast them right before serving.

What’s the best way to trim Brussels sprouts?

Simply cut off the tough ends and remove any outer leaves that look wilted or damaged.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well, though it may not crisp up as much as regular bacon.

How do I prevent the skewers from burning in the oven?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before roasting to avoid burning.

What dipping sauces pair well with these skewers?

Garlic aioli, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo are all great choices!

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skewers recipe

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skewers

Sweet and savory skewers featuring caramelized maple syrup, crispy bacon, and tender roasted Brussels sprouts. Perfect for parties or cozy dinners.

  • Author: chris
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut each sprout in half. Toss them in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Partially cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes to help it crisp up in the oven.
  4. Thread a halved Brussels sprout, followed by a piece of bacon, onto the skewers, repeating until the skewer is full. Leave a small gap at the ends for easy handling.
  5. Mix 3 tablespoons of maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brush the mixture generously over the skewers.
  6. Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The Brussels sprouts should be tender and slightly charred, while the bacon should be crisp.
  7. After removing the skewers from the oven, brush them once more with the remaining maple syrup mixture for extra caramelization.

Notes

Partially cook the bacon to ensure it crisps up without overcooking the Brussels sprouts. Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning. Experiment with adding balsamic vinegar to the maple syrup glaze for a tangy twist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 250
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 6

Keywords: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, Skewers, Party Appetizer, Sweet and Savory, Holiday Recipe

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