When the holidays roll around, things can get a little hectic. You have family coming over, the main course to worry about, and a dozen other things on your mind. The last thing you need is a complicated starter. That’s where this recipe comes in. It is one of the best Thanksgiving appetizers you can make.
We are making savory, crispy beef bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts. They are salty, a little sweet from the vegetable, and totally delicious. This is the kind of Thanksgiving party food that disappears in minutes. Seriously, even people who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts will be reaching for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this is a truly simple recipe. If you’ve been searching for Thanksgiving appetizers easy to prepare, you have found a winner. There is no complex technique or fancy equipment needed. Just a bit of wrapping and roasting. It is a fantastic job for a kitchen helper if you have one!
The flavor combination is just incredible. The earthy Brussels sprouts become tender and slightly sweet in the oven. The beef bacon crisps up beautifully, adding a rich, smoky flavor that is just delightful. We also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a nutty, salty kick that ties everything together.
Another reason to love this dish is that it is a perfect example of Thanksgiving Appetizers Finger Foods. No forks or plates required! Just set them out on a platter with the homemade ranch dip on the side, and watch them fly. This makes cleanup so much easier, which is always a bonus on a busy holiday.
They are also visually appealing. Each little bundle comes out of the oven looking golden brown and delicious. They look so festive and inviting on a serving tray. Your guests will be impressed before they even take their first bite. It is one of those simple recipes that looks way more complicated than it actually is. What’s not to love about that?
This recipe is also quite adaptable. You can play around with the seasonings to match your taste. It’s a great way to get some greens onto the appetizer table in a fun and delicious format. Let’s be honest, finding enjoyable thanksgiving appetizers that include a vegetable can be a challenge, but this one nails it.
Ingredients
The beauty of these Thanksgiving appetizers easy bites is the short and simple ingredient list. Here is what you will need.
For The Bacon Wrapped Sprouts
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, halved if large
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch each kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pound beef bacon
For The Homemade Ranch Dip
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- kosher salt and black pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Making this fantastic Thanksgiving party food is as simple as it gets. Just follow these steps for a delicious result every time.
Step 1: Prep The Oven And Sprouts
First things first, get your oven ready. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat it to 425 degrees F. Placing the rack lower helps the bottom of the bacon get nice and crispy. While the oven heats up, prepare your Brussels sprouts.
On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the sprouts with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Make sure each sprout is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle over the fresh thyme and grated parmesan cheese. Give it all one last toss to combine everything. This is one of the simplest Thanksgiving appetizers you could imagine.
Step 2: Wrap In Bacon
Now for the fun part. Take your beef bacon and cut each strip into thirds. Depending on the size of your bacon slices, you might want to do halves, but thirds usually work well. Take one piece of bacon and wrap it snugly around a Brussels sprout. Place it seam side down on the baking sheet. This helps the bacon stay in place while it cooks.
Repeat this process until all of your sprouts are wrapped up. Make sure to leave a little space between each one on the baking sheet. This ensures they roast instead of steam, which is the key to getting them crispy. Proper spacing makes for the best Thanksgiving appetizers.
Step 3: Roast To Perfection
Place the baking sheet on the lower rack in your preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes. At this point, the bacon should be browning and the sprouts should be getting tender. Take the pan out, carefully flip each sprout over, and return it to the oven.
Cook for another 10 minutes or so. You are looking for the bacon to be deeply browned and wonderfully crisp. The sprouts themselves should be tender and caramelized. This final cooking time is what makes them such great Thanksgiving Appetizers Finger Foods.
Step 4: Make The Ranch Dip
While the sprouts are roasting, you have the perfect amount of time to whip up the ranch dip. It is so easy. In a small bowl or a glass jar, combine the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until it is smooth.
Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can serve the sprouts warm right out of the oven with the cool, creamy ranch on the side for dipping. This combination of hot and cold makes these Thanksgiving appetizers easy to fall in love with.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is unlikely, storing them is simple. Let the bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from making them soggy in the fridge. These are some of the best Thanksgiving appetizers to enjoy the next day.
Place the cooled sprouts in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the ranch dip separately in its own airtight container in the fridge. The dip will also stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
When you are ready to reheat, the best way is to use an oven or an air fryer. This will help the bacon crisp up again. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through. In an air fryer, a few minutes at 375 degrees F should do the trick. I would avoid the microwave, as it can make the bacon soft.
Tips
To make this Thanksgiving party food even better, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, choose the right Brussels sprouts. Look for sprouts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Smaller sprouts are often a bit sweeter and more tender.
Do not crowd the baking sheet. This is a crucial tip for any roasted vegetable. If the sprouts are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, and you will miss out on that delicious crispy texture. Use two baking sheets if you need to. It is an extra dish to wash but well worth it.
Feel free to experiment with the seasonings. A pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of maple syrup towards the end of cooking can add a wonderful new dimension of flavor. This is one of those thanksgiving appetizers that is fun to customize.
You can also prepare these ahead of time to make your Thanksgiving day even easier. Simply wrap the sprouts in bacon and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, just pop them in the oven. This is a great time saver when making Thanksgiving appetizers easy is the goal.
Conclusion
There you have it, a wonderfully simple yet impressive appetizer that is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. These beef bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts are the definition of delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers Finger Foods. They are savory, crispy, and so easy to make.
The homemade ranch dip is the perfect cool and creamy complement to the warm, salty bites. It is a recipe that proves that the best Thanksgiving appetizers do not need to be complicated or stressful. They just need to be full of flavor and made with a little bit of love.
I hope you give this recipe a try for your next get together. It is a reliable crowd pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy making these Thanksgiving appetizers easy and delicious!
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Pork Bacon?
Absolutely. Regular pork bacon works great for this recipe. The cooking time might be slightly different depending on the thickness of your bacon, so just keep an eye on it. It will release more fat than beef bacon, which will make the sprouts extra flavorful.
Can I Make These In An Air Fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is a fantastic way to make these. You will get super crispy results. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F. Place the wrapped sprouts in a single layer in the basket and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp.
Is There A Substitute For Greek Yogurt In The Ranch?
Of course. Sour cream is a classic substitute for Greek yogurt in ranch dip and will give you a similarly tangy and creamy result. If you want an even richer dip, you could use mayonnaise as part or all of the base. It is a very flexible recipe.
My Sprouts Aren’t Getting Crispy, What Did I Do Wrong?
The most common reason for soggy sprouts is a crowded pan. Make sure there is space between each one. Another reason could be that your oven was not hot enough. A high temperature is key for roasting. Finally, ensure you are not using too much oil, as that can make them greasy instead of crispy.
How Do I Know When The Brussels Sprouts Are Cooked Through?
The best way to tell is by piercing one with a fork or a knife. It should be tender all the way through. Visually, the bacon will be deeply browned and crisp, and the sprouts themselves will have a lovely caramelized appearance. They will be perfect for your Thanksgiving party food spread.
Beef Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
These savory, crispy beef bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts are the perfect simple appetizer. Salty, a little sweet, and served with a homemade ranch dip, they’re a crowd-pleasing finger food for any holiday party.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F with a rack in the lower third. On a large baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with thyme and parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Cut beef bacon strips into thirds. Wrap one piece of bacon around each sprout and place seam-side down on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes. Carefully flip each sprout and roast for another 10 minutes, or until the bacon is deeply browned and crisp and the sprouts are tender.
- While the sprouts roast, combine all dip ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the warm Brussels sprouts immediately with the cool ranch dip.
Notes
Choose Brussels sprouts that are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly.
Do not crowd the baking sheet; use two if necessary. This helps the sprouts roast and get crispy rather than steam.
To save time, you can wrap the sprouts in bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
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