Bacon-Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts: The Ultimate 2-Ingredient Appetizer for Any Occasion
Discover your next go-to appetizer with this incredibly simple yet irresistible recipe! In just two steps and with only two ingredients – savory bacon and flavorful Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts – you can create a snack that’s perfect for game day, parties, or a delightful bite anytime. Cook them quickly in your air fryer or bake them to crispy perfection in your oven, then simply add toothpicks and serve these delightful morsels to eager guests. Get ready for rave reviews and an empty platter!
Effortless Entertainment: Your New Favorite Snack Awaits
Are you on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’s unbelievably easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in about 30 minutes? Look no further! These Bacon-Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts are destined to become your new favorite snack. They combine the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon with the unique, zesty kick of Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts for a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist.
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A Game-Day Favorite (Even When the Game Isn’t)
Friends, you absolutely have to try these. Last weekend, we hosted a watch party for our football team’s away game. The game was a nail-biter, ultimately lost in the final two minutes – quite a devastating blow! But amidst our collective sorrow, these incredible Bacon-Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts provided a delicious silver lining. They were the perfect comfort food to help us drown our sorrows and still enjoy the gathering.
I strategically prepared these appetizers before the game kicked off, then cooked them fresh for halftime. To offer variety and test efficiency, I cooked one batch in the air fryer and another in the oven. Because who doesn’t love options, right? The air fryer method proved incredibly fast, cutting the cooking time by more than half, but both batches were delightfully ready to enjoy in approximately 30 minutes. The convenience and speed make them an ideal choice for spontaneous get-togethers or when you need a quick snack.
Elevating the Flavor: The Smoked White Cheddar Cheese Sauce
These bacon-wrapped delights were fantastic on their own, boasting that irresistible combination of salty bacon and savory Brussels sprouts. But then, a brilliant idea struck! I had some smoked white cheddar cheese in the fridge, and I quickly whipped up a simple cheese sauce. Dipping the crispy Brussels sprouts into this creamy, smoky sauce took them to an entirely new level of deliciousness. It added a rich, velvety counterpoint to the crispy texture and slightly spicy pickled flavor, creating a truly gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Introducing Paisley Farm Brussels Sprouts: A Flavorful Secret Weapon
Have you had the pleasure of trying the pickled Brussels Sprouts from Paisley Farm? They come in two distinct and equally delicious flavors: Dilled and Hot. While both varieties would be fantastic for this bacon-wrapped recipe, I opted for the “Hot” variety to give these appetizers an extra kick. My kids and I are particularly fond of the hot ones, though we thoroughly enjoy the refreshing dill flavor as well.
One common misconception about the “Hot” variety is that those who aren’t keen on spicy foods might find them too intense. However, these Brussels sprouts are pickled with red peppers, lending them a pleasant medium heat – a warmth that enhances rather than overwhelms. It’s a subtle spice that should absolutely not deter you from giving them a try. The vibrant pickling liquid infuses them with a tangy, robust flavor that perfectly complements the rich bacon.
That delightful hint of heat from the pickled Brussels sprout, coupled with the savory crispness of the bacon, creates a truly harmonious bite. Each morsel offers a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you reaching for more.
And when they’re generously dunked into that luxurious homemade smoked white cheddar cheese sauce? It genuinely elevates these already fantastic bacon-wrapped hot Brussels sprouts to an entirely new realm of culinary delight! The creamy, tangy, and smoky notes of the cheese sauce perfectly balance the salty bacon and the zesty, slightly spicy Brussels sprouts, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
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The Versatility of Paisley Farm Brussels Sprouts
Paisley Farm Brussels Sprouts are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly convenient and ready on demand. You can serve them straight from the jar for an instant side dish or incorporate them into your favorite recipes for an added layer of taste and texture. What’s more, Paisley Farm Brussels Sprouts are vegan! (Of course, that particular aspect takes a delicious detour when you wrap them in bacon.)
We absolutely adore adding them to cheese platters. Remember the Mediterranean Cheese Board I crafted? I simply opened a jar of the dill flavor and placed them alongside an array of cheeses and other delights. They added a fantastic briny crunch that complemented everything beautifully. So good!
Another wonderfully quick way to utilize these versatile pickled Brussels sprouts is to simply open a jar and toss them into a fresh salad. We incorporated the dill flavor into this vibrant Greek Cauliflower Rice Salad, and they were absolute perfection! Their tangy bite provided a bright contrast to the other ingredients.
Last year, for our Thanksgiving feast, I featured the Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts in a comforting Brussels Sprouts Gratin. It was incredibly simple to prepare: just open a jar, mix them with some creamy white cheddar cheese, top with crunchy bread crumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly. It was a huge hit and a flavorful twist on a traditional holiday side dish.
You can easily find the generous 24-ounce sized Paisley Farm products at all Kroger and Kroger affiliate stores. Keep an eye out for them in the pickled vegetables aisle!
Simple Preparation: Two Ingredients, Two Steps
As I mentioned, you truly only need two core ingredients for this incredible appetizer: a pound of your favorite bacon and a 24-ounce jar of Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprouts, thoroughly drained. The preparation couldn’t be simpler. Just cut each strip of bacon in half, then neatly wrap one half-strip around each drained Brussels sprout. Secure with a toothpick if desired, although placing them seam-side down often works perfectly to hold them together as they cook.
Air Fryer Method: Fast & Crispy
For a lightning-fast and exceptionally crispy result, the air fryer is your best friend. These little bites cook up beautifully in about 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The circulating hot air ensures that the bacon gets wonderfully crisp without becoming greasy, creating a perfect texture contrast with the tender Brussels sprout inside.
The air fryer method yields super crispy bacon and minimal grease, making for a cleaner and often healthier cooking experience. Remember not to overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping and optimal airflow around each bacon-wrapped sprout.
Oven Method: Classic & Reliable
If you prefer baking, or if you’re preparing a larger batch, the oven is an excellent choice. To ensure perfectly crispy bacon and allow excess grease to drip away, place a wire rack over a sturdy cookie sheet. Arrange the bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts on the rack, seam-side down.
Baking these appetizers in the oven will take a bit longer than the air fryer, but the results are just as delicious. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Mine were typically done in about 30-35 minutes, achieving that beautiful golden-brown crispness that bacon lovers crave. Of course, cooking times can vary depending on your specific oven and how crispy you prefer your bacon. Always keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent over-browning.
Once cooked to your liking, remove them from the oven or air fryer. For easy serving, insert a toothpick into each bacon-wrapped Brussels sprout and serve them hot. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven or air fryer while the bacon is at its crispiest.
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For more delicious recipes, product information, and store locations where you can find these fantastic pickled products, be sure to check out the official Paisley Farm website. You can also stay connected and get inspired by following them on their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
It’s time to gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these quick, easy, and utterly addictive Bacon-Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts! They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts Recipe
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Print Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Hot Brussels Sprouts
Your next new appetizer is just two ingredients away! Wrap a Paisley Farm Hot Brussels Sprout in a piece of bacon and cook them in your oven or your air fryer. Add toothpicks and serve.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Course: Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 2 ingredients, Air Fryer, Appetizers, Bacon Wrapped, Brussels Sprouts, Hot Pickled Brussels Sprouts, oven, Paisley Farm
Servings: 30 pieces
Calories: 101 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
- 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
- Take a half piece of bacon and wrap it around one drained Brussels Sprout. Continue this process for each sprout.
- Place each wrapped Brussels sprout seam side down either in your air fryer basket or on a wire rack over a cookie sheet.
- To prepare in an air fryer: Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 minutes. Ensure not to crowd them in the basket; you may need to cook these in a couple of rounds for even crisping.
- To prepare in the oven: Place wrapped Brussels sprouts seam side down on a wire rack over a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes, or until your bacon is cooked to your desired crispness.
- If you want to serve with the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking thoroughly until there are no lumps. Stir in the shredded cheese and reduce the heat to low. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve Brussels sprouts hot, with toothpicks, either plain or with the delicious cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can skip the cheese sauce entirely for a super quick, two-ingredient appetizer. Alternatively, for convenience, purchase a pre-made dip from the store.
- Remember that air fryer models can vary in cooking power. Keep a close eye on your Brussels sprouts to ensure they are not cooking too quickly or burning. Adjust cooking time as needed to achieve perfect crispness.