Unwrap the Joy of Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with the warmth of family gatherings, laughter, and the enticing aroma of festive dishes wafting from the kitchen. Among the cherished recipes that grace our tables, one stands out as a true showstopper: Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts. This delightful appetizer, affectionately dubbed “Sprouts in Blankets” by Ivy Manning and her family, is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it a must-try for your holiday celebrations.
Imagine biting into a perfectly roasted Brussels sprout, its slight bitterness beautifully balanced by the smoky richness of bacon and a touch of maple syrup. This dish not only brings comfort and nostalgia but also elevates your holiday spread with its luxurious flavor profile. In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of this beloved recipe, guide you through the preparation process, and share tips to make it your own.
The Story Behind the Recipe
The roots of Ivy Manning’s Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts trace back to a time when rumaki—a popular tiki bar appetizer made with chicken livers and water chestnuts wrapped in bacon—was all the rage in the Midwest. Ivy’s mother, however, had a creative twist in mind. Living in a small town where water chestnuts were hard to come by and chicken livers were not a household favorite, she decided to swap in Brussels sprouts, simplifying the dish to its delicious essentials.
By brushing the sprouts with real maple syrup instead of the traditional sweet-and-sour sauce, Ivy’s mom created a unique flavor that perfectly complemented the dish. The result is a versatile appetizer that not only captures the essence of the holidays but also showcases the beauty of seasonal ingredients. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a comforting snack, these Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are sure to become a staple in your holiday repertoire.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish is a culinary triumph, combining just three main ingredients to create a flavor explosion. Here’s why it works:
- Brussels Sprouts: Choose large sprouts measuring 1 to 1.5 inches for optimal cooking. Smaller sprouts may overcook before the bacon crisps up. Look for fresh, unbagged sprouts free from damaged leaves.
- Bacon: The quality of bacon matters. Ivy’s family swears by Wisconsin-made Nueske’s applewood-smoked bacon for its perfect fat-to-meat ratio and sweet-smoky flavor. However, any locally sourced, thin-cut bacon will do.
- Maple Syrup: Use real Grade A Amber maple syrup to elevate the dish with its natural sweetness. Avoid imitation syrup, as it can burn and taste artificial.
For an extra layer of flavor, Ivy suggests adding a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary, inspired by her thriving rosemary bush at home. This herb adds a woodsy, aromatic touch that enhances the overall experience.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create this festive delight:
- 10 slices applewood-smoked bacon (thin cut)
- 20 large Brussels sprouts (about 1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 grinds freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons Grade A Amber maple syrup
Feel free to make substitutions based on dietary needs. For a vegan version, consider using tempeh or mushrooms wrapped in a plant-based bacon alternative, and maple syrup can remain as your sweetener.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the preparation and cooking process. This elegant appetizer is easy to prepare and bake, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
Preparation:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts, trim the ends, and halve them lengthwise. In a medium bowl, toss the halves with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prep Bacon: Place the bacon slices in the freezer for 5 minutes to make them easier to handle. Then, separate the slices and cut each into four pieces (2 long strips, halved crosswise).
- Wrap Sprouts: Wrap each Brussels sprout half with a piece of bacon, starting from the cut side and overlapping slightly. Arrange the sprouts cut side down on the parchment-lined sheet with 1/2-inch spacing.
- (Optional) Make Ahead: At this stage, you can refrigerate the prepped sprouts for up to three days in a foil-covered container. Leave them at room temperature while preheating the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Cooking Instructions:
- Initial Baking: Bake the sprouts on the center oven rack at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Glaze with Maple Syrup: Remove the sheet tray from the oven and lightly brush the sprouts with maple syrup.
- Final Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and return the sprouts to the oven. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the bottoms are deeply browned.
- Serve: Remove the sprouts from the tray using a spatula (a small offset frosting spatula works well) and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve hot with cocktail picks or small forks.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Bacon Matters: Use high-quality, thin-cut bacon to ensure even wrapping and crisping. Thick-cut bacon may remain chewy and undercooked.
- Sizing of Sprouts: Consistent sizes guarantee even cooking. Avoid bagged Brussels sprouts, which often include a variety of sizes.
- Maple Syrup Glaze: Use a light hand when brushing the maple syrup. Too much syrup can burn or overwhelm the bacon’s natural flavor.
- Optional Seasonal Flair: Adding rosemary or other fresh herbs can enhance the dish further if desired.
Serving Suggestions
While “Sprouts in Blankets” shine as a hot appetizer, they’re equally versatile as an indulgent vegetable side dish for your holiday meal. Pair them with an array of festive cocktails or a creamy dip for an even fancier touch. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing cranberry spritzer or a rich eggnog to complement the flavors.
Why Your Guests Will Love It
This dish combines the smoky, savory richness of bacon with the nuanced bitterness of Brussels sprouts, perfectly offset by the caramelized sweetness of maple syrup. It’s an appetizer that’s easy to prep ahead of time, oven-roasts beautifully, and caters to both traditional and elevated holiday tastes. Your guests will be raving about this dish long after the last sprout has been devoured!
Make It a Holiday Tradition
Now, make this Christmas appetizer a part of your holiday tradition, and let the warm, rich scents of roasting bacon and maple syrup set the festive atmosphere in your kitchen. Ivy Manning’s “Sprouts in Blankets” is proof that a few simple ingredients can create a masterpiece of flavor and celebration. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress with this delightful dish!
