Gluten-Free Candied Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts wrapped in brown sugar-coated bacon and roasted until crispy, then finished with a tangy maple Dijon glaze. The sweet and salty combination creates an irresistible appetizer or side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or dinner parties. The bacon crisps beautifully while the Brussels sprouts become tender, and the maple glaze adds a sophisticated finish that balances the rich, smoky flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, stems trimmed
- 10 slices thick cut smoked bacon
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400F with rack in middle position
- 2
Line rimmed baking sheet with foil and place oven-safe cooling rack on top
- 3
Cut bacon in half or thirds depending on Brussels sprouts size
- 4
Coat each piece of bacon with brown sugar on both sides
- 5
Wrap bacon snugly around each Brussels sprout with ends overlapping by half inch
- 6
Place wrapped sprouts seam-side down on cooling rack
- 7
Roast for 15 minutes
- 8
Remove from oven and gently flip each sprout
- 9
Return to oven and roast another 15 minutes until bacon is crisp and sprouts pierce easily
- 10
Let rest briefly while whisking together Dijon mustard and maple syrup
- 11
Plate sprouts and drizzle with maple Dijon glaze
Tips
Let bacon crisp slightly more than desired as it will continue crisping while resting
Ensure bacon ends overlap adequately to prevent unwrapping during cooking
Use thick-cut bacon for best results as thin bacon may overcook
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days, reheat in oven to re-crisp
Can wrap sprouts up to 4 hours ahead, store covered in refrigerator
Serve immediately while bacon is crisp and sprouts are hot
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the cooling rack or bacon will sit in grease
Avoid over-wrapping bacon or it won't crisp properly
Substitutions
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FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can wrap the Brussels sprouts up to 4 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator, then roast when ready to serve.
What if my bacon isn't getting crispy enough?
Increase oven temperature to 425F for the last 5-10 minutes, or broil briefly while watching carefully to prevent burning.
Can I freeze these after cooking?
Not recommended as the bacon will lose its crispness and Brussels sprouts will become mushy when reheated from frozen.