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If you’re looking for a savory-sweet crowd-pleaser, these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprout Skewers are here to impress. Think crispy bacon, caramelized maple glaze, and tender roasted sprouts—all skewered for easy snacking. Perfect for parties, holiday spreads, or even just jazzing up a Tuesday. Let’s make your appetizer table the talk of the night!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I first whipped these up for a Friendsgiving, and let me tell you—there were zero leftovers. The combo of crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup over tender Brussels sprouts hits every flavor note just right.
- Only 5 main ingredients—simple and fuss-free
- Oven-roasted for hands-off cooking
- Perfect for make-ahead meal prep or entertaining
- Sweet + savory magic in every bite
- Skewers make it fun and easy to serve
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 8 oz thick-cut bacon, sliced into thirds
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Pro Tips
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes to keep them from burning in the oven.
- Use smaller Brussels sprouts for quicker cooking and better skewer fit.
- Thick-cut bacon holds up better during roasting and adds more flavor.
- Warm your maple syrup slightly for easier mixing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available—this helps the bacon cook evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Par-cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes—it should start to brown but still be pliable.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts in half of the maple-Dijon mixture.
- Thread a sprout half, then a piece of bacon (folded if needed), and repeat until each skewer has 3–4 sprouts and 2–3 bacon pieces.
- Place the skewers on the prepared baking rack. Brush all sides with the remaining maple-Dijon mixture.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until Brussels sprouts are caramelized and bacon is crisp.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm. Optional: drizzle with a touch more maple syrup before serving.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leave space between pieces for even cooking.
- Rotate the skewers halfway through baking for that perfect golden char on all sides.
- For crispier bacon, broil the skewers in the final 2-3 minutes—but keep an eye on them!
- Want to prep ahead? Assemble the skewers a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-tart twist.
- Swap maple syrup with honey or balsamic glaze for a flavor variation.
- Add a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a tiny kick.
- Serve with toothpicks instead of skewers as a passed appetizer.
- Pair with a creamy aioli or Dijon dipping sauce for extra flair.
FAQs
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and brush the skewers with a bit of olive oil before roasting—the maple-Dijon mix still brings the flavor.
Do I need to blanch the Brussels sprouts first?
Nope! Roasting them straight in the oven gives the best texture—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Can I use turkey bacon?
You sure can! Just keep an eye on the cook time as turkey bacon tends to cook a bit faster.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 8 oz thick-cut bacon, sliced into thirds
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a lined baking sheet with a rack.
- Par-cook bacon in a skillet for 3–4 minutes until just starting to brown.
- Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss sprouts with half the sauce. Thread on skewers with bacon.
- Brush with remaining sauce and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Broil briefly for extra crispiness, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition: ~180 calories per skewer
Made these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprout Skewers? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid so I can see your delicious creations. Sharing is caring—send this to a friend who needs a new party appetizer in their life!
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