Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Lemon Dip
Most recipes for bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts call for holding everything together with toothpicks, but we skip that step. Setting the bacon seam-side down on the baking sheet makes it seal in the hot oven. The maple syrup glaze helps to make each bite sweet and caramelized.
Equipment
- 1 Rimmed Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 2 Small serving dishes or ramekins
Ingredients
Main
- 18 medium Brussels sprouts about 1 1/2 pounds
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- One 12-ounce package center-cut bacon about 18 strips
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup plus 1/2 cup more for serving
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Zest of 1/2 lemon plus 2 teaspoons juice
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Trim the stem ends from the Brussels sprouts, and halve lengthwise. Put them in a medium bowl, and toss with 1 teaspoon salt.
- Lay the bacon strips next to each other on a work surface. Brush liberally with about 1/2 the maple syrup, then halve crosswise. Wrap each Brussels sprout half with 1 strip of bacon, syrup-side out, so the seam is on the flat side. Place the sprouts seam-side down on the parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Brush them with a bit more syrup, and grind a little black pepper on top. Roast, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the sprouts are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise, most of the lemon zest and all the lemon juice in a small serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest on top. Put about 1/2 cup maple syrup in a second small serving dish, and stir in as much black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes as you like.
- Transfer the sprouts to a platter, and serve with the lemon mayonnaise and peppered maple syrup, for dipping.
Notes
For optimal results, ensure Brussels sprouts are similar in size for even cooking; larger ones can be blanched briefly before wrapping to guarantee tenderness without overcooking the bacon. Adjust roasting time based on bacon thickness and desired crispness. Consider using thick-cut bacon for more chew or thinner bacon for a crispier texture. For the creamy lemon dip, a touch of fresh chives or dill can elevate the flavor profile. Always place bacon seam-side down to naturally seal during roasting, minimizing the need for toothpicks and ensuring a beautifully caramelized exterior.