Crispy Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts: Your Ultimate 2-Ingredient Appetizer for Any Occasion
Looking for an unbelievably easy, incredibly delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in minutes? Your search ends here! These Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts are destined to become your new go-to snack, party bite, or even a quick side dish. Featuring just two primary ingredients – savory bacon and flavorful Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts – this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Whether you prefer the speed of an air fryer or the consistent crisp of an oven, you can whip up these irresistible bites in about 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your guests, or simply treat yourself, with this fantastic two-ingredient wonder!
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The Secret to Instant Flavor: Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts
At the heart of this incredibly simple recipe lies a star ingredient: Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts. If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying them, you’re in for a treat! These aren’t your average steamed Brussels sprouts; they are pickled to perfection, offering a unique tangy, savory, and subtly spicy flavor profile that elevates any dish they’re added to. They come in two fantastic varieties – Dilled and Hot – both of which are excellent, but for this particular bacon-wrapped sensation, the “Hot” variety truly shines.
Many people hesitate at the mention of “hot,” fearing an overpowering spice. However, Paisley Farm’s Hot Brussels Sprouts are pickled with red peppers and possess a delightful medium heat. It’s a warmth that complements the flavors rather than overwhelms them, adding an exciting kick without being unbearable, even for those who typically avoid very spicy foods. This gentle heat is perfectly balanced by the rich, salty crunch of bacon, creating an exquisite combination of textures and tastes.
The beauty of using Paisley Farm Brussels Sprouts is their incredible convenience. They are ready to use straight from the jar, eliminating all the prep work typically associated with fresh Brussels sprouts – no washing, trimming, or pre-cooking required. This makes them an absolute game-changer for quick appetizers, last-minute side dishes, or when you simply want to add a burst of flavor to your meal without the fuss. Just drain them, wrap them, and cook!
A Perfect Pairing: Bacon and Brussels Sprouts
It’s a culinary match made in heaven: the crispy, salty, umami-rich goodness of bacon paired with the tender, tangy, and slightly spicy notes of pickled Brussels sprouts. The bacon transforms as it cooks, rendering out fat and crisping up beautifully, encasing each sprout in a flavorful, golden-brown shell. This textural contrast, from the exterior crunch to the soft interior, is what makes these bites so utterly addictive. You’ll find yourself reaching for another before you even realize it!
When selecting your bacon, consider your preference. Thinner cut bacon tends to crisp up faster and more uniformly, while thicker cuts offer a more substantial chew. For this recipe, cutting standard bacon strips in half works perfectly, ensuring just the right amount of bacon to hug each Brussels sprout without overwhelming it. This simple preparation method ensures that every bite delivers the perfect balance of smoky, salty, and tangy goodness.
Game Day Approved: Our Experience
Last weekend, these Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts were the undisputed MVP of our football watch party. Despite our team’s heartbreaking loss in the final two minutes (we won’t talk about it), these snacks provided the much-needed comfort and delicious distraction. I prepared them before the game and cooked them fresh for halftime, serving half of the batch from the air fryer and the other half from the oven, offering a delightful variety for everyone.
Both cooking methods yielded fantastic results, ready to devour in roughly 30 minutes. The air fryer, as expected, was quicker, but the oven method was equally reliable. They were phenomenal on their own, a simple two-ingredient triumph. But then, inspiration struck! A quick smoked white cheddar cheese sauce transformed these already amazing bites into something truly extraordinary. Imagine the salty, spicy crunch meeting a creamy, dreamy cheese dip – pure bliss!
Crafting Your Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts: Oven vs. Air Fryer
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can achieve perfectly crispy bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts using either your air fryer or your conventional oven. Both methods are straightforward and deliver delicious results, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your schedule and equipment.
Air Fryer Method: Quick & Crispy
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for achieving super crispy bacon with less grease and in record time. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Preparation: Once you’ve wrapped your Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts with bacon halves, place them seam-side down in your air fryer basket.
- Avoid Crowding: It’s crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. For optimal crispiness and even cooking, ensure there’s enough space around each sprout for the hot air to circulate. You may need to cook them in multiple batches, especially if you’re making a larger quantity.
- Temperature & Time: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and how crispy you like your bacon.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes. You’re looking for beautifully golden-brown and crispy bacon.
Oven Method: Classic & Reliable
The oven method is perfect for larger batches and provides a consistently crispy result, though it takes a little longer than the air fryer.
- Preparation: Arrange the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts seam-side down on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the sprouts, promoting even crisping and allowing excess grease to drip away, preventing soggy bottoms.
- Temperature & Time: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Monitoring: Ovens can vary, so it’s always a good idea to monitor the sprouts, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent over-browning.
Regardless of the method you choose, the key is to cook them until the bacon is beautifully rendered and crisp, and the Brussels sprouts are heated through. Always serve them hot with toothpicks for easy snacking!
Elevate Your Snack: The Smoked White Cheddar Cheese Sauce
While these Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts are absolutely incredible on their own, the addition of a simple homemade Smoked White Cheddar Cheese Sauce takes them to an entirely new dimension of flavor. This creamy, smoky, and rich sauce beautifully complements the tangy heat of the sprouts and the salty crispness of the bacon. It’s an optional step, but one that’s highly recommended for an unforgettable appetizer experience.
Making the Cheese Sauce:
- Start a Roux: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until a smooth paste (roux) forms and smells slightly nutty. This will thicken your sauce.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking as the mixture begins to thicken.
- Melt in Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded white smoked cheddar cheese. Continue whisking gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Pour the warm cheese sauce into a small serving bowl and serve alongside your hot bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts.
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The smoky notes of the cheese complement the bacon beautifully, and the creamy texture provides a delightful counterpoint to the crispy sprouts. If you’re short on time, a store-bought smoked cheddar dip or even a spicy ranch dressing could work as a quick alternative.
Beyond Appetizers: More Ways to Enjoy Paisley Farm Brussels Sprouts
The versatility of Paisley Farm Brussels Sprouts extends far beyond this fantastic bacon-wrapped appetizer. Their vibrant flavor and ready-to-eat convenience make them a valuable addition to countless dishes:
- Cheese Platters & Charcuterie Boards: They are a delightful addition to any cheese board, offering a tangy bite that cuts through rich cheeses and meats. Our Mediterranean Cheese Board, for example, features the Dilled variety and it’s always a hit!
- Salads: Chop them and toss them into your favorite green salad for an instant flavor boost. Their pickling brine also adds a lovely zest. We’ve used the dill flavor in this Greek Cauliflower Rice Salad with perfect results.
- Side Dishes: They can be easily incorporated into warm side dishes. Last Thanksgiving, I used Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts to create a delicious Brussels Sprouts Gratin, simply mixing them with white cheddar cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking. It was a refreshing twist on a holiday classic!
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Add a few slices to your next sandwich or wrap for an unexpected burst of flavor and texture.
- Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: Chop them finely and mix into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a gourmet breakfast in minutes.
Remember that Paisley Farm Brussels Sprouts are naturally vegan straight from the jar, making them a versatile ingredient for a variety of dietary needs (though, admittedly, wrapping them in bacon changes that!). You can find the 24-ounce sized Paisley Farm products at all Kroger and Kroger affiliate stores, making them easily accessible for your culinary adventures.
Get Ready to Cook: Your New Favorite Appetizer Awaits!
With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, there’s no reason not to try these incredible Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts. They are the epitome of an easy appetizer that tastes like you put in hours of effort. Perfect for entertaining, game nights, or a special treat, they deliver a satisfying crunch, a savory bacon flavor, and a delightful tangy kick from the pickled sprouts. Gather your ingredients and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite snack!
For more recipes, product information, and store locations, be sure to check out Paisley Farm’s website. You can also follow them on social media for inspiration: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Now, let’s get to the detailed recipe instructions for these irresistible Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts!
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Print Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack for Baking
Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts
- 1 24 ounce jar Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts, drained
- 1 pound bacon cut in half
For the Smoked White Cheddar Cheese Sauce (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup white smoked cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
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Take a half piece of bacon and wrap a Brussels Sprout. Continue doing so for each.
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Place each wrapped Brussels sprout seam side down either in your air fryer basket or on a wire rack over a cookie sheet.
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To prepare in an air fryer: cook at 400 degrees for approximately 10 minutes. Take care not to crowd them in the basket. You may need to do these in a couple of rounds.
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To prepare in the oven: Place wrapped Brussels sprouts seam side down on a rack over a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until your bacon is cooked to your liking.
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If you want to serve with the cheese sauce, simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk into butter to create a roux. Add milk and whisk until there are no lumps. Whisk in the cheese and reduce the heat. Whisk until smooth.
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Serve Brussels sprouts hot, on toothpicks, with or without cheese sauce.
Notes
Remember air fryers will vary, keep an eye on your Brussels sprouts and make sure they aren’t cooking too quickly.