Crispy Brussels Sprout Bites with Cheese and Turkey Bacon

There’s something magical about bite-sized appetizers—they’re the life of any party, and these cheesy, crispy Brussels sprout bites are no exception. Whether you’re a game-day fanatic or just there for the snacks, this recipe will steal the show. The savory crunch of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly with the salty, crispy turkey bacon, creamy blue cheese, and a drizzle of sweet honey to balance it all out. Trust me, these little bites are an absolute flavor explosion.

I still remember the first time I made these. It was one of those days where I wanted something fancy but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Brussels sprouts happened to be the only vegetable in the fridge, and after a quick brainstorm, this recipe was born. Now, it’s a staple for every gathering—whether it’s a casual weekend hangout or a holiday feast. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a handful of staples, a little bit of roasting magic, and you’re good to go. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe of Crispy Brussels Sprout Bites

These cheesy Brussels sprout bites check all the boxes for the ultimate appetizer. Here’s why:

Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, with simple steps like roasting, assembling, and a quick bake to finish. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to nail it.

Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters tend to love these! The crispy texture and cheesy topping win over kids and adults alike.

Full of Flavor: Each bite has a perfect balance of flavors. The sprouts are nutty and caramelized, the turkey bacon is smoky and salty, the blue cheese adds tang, and the honey drizzle ties everything together with just a hint of sweetness.

Customizable: Whether you prefer feta over blue cheese or want to make it vegetarian, there are so many ways to adapt this recipe to your taste.

Perfect for Any Occasion: From game-day parties to elegant dinners, these bites are versatile enough to fit any menu. Plus, they’re easy to transport if you’re bringing a dish to share!

Imagine the crispy edges of the Brussels sprouts combined with the melted cheese and crunchy pecans—honestly, they’re impossible to resist.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Preparation time:10 minutes
• Cooking Duration:30 minutes
• Overall Time Needed: 40 minutes

🍽 Servings: 4–6 as an appetizer

Ingredients of the Crispy Brussels Sprout Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these tasty bites:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved. These will be the base for your bites, so pick fresh, firm sprouts for the best results.
• 1/2 cup blue cheese (crumbled): Adds a creamy tanginess to the dish. Feel free to swap with feta or mozzarella if you’re not a fan.
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For extra crunch and a touch of nuttiness.
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts roast to golden perfection.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle, savory depth.
• 6–8 strips turkey bacon: Cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces. Turkey bacon is a lighter, halal-friendly alternative to traditional pork bacon.
• Honey (for drizzling): A little bit goes a long way in balancing the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions to make a Crispy Brussels Sprout Bites

1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Start by washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts. Cut off the tough stems and slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This not only helps them roast evenly but also creates a flat surface for maximum caramelization.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will save you from scrubbing sticky bits later!

2. Season and Roast

In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Make sure each sprout is evenly coated.

Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down. This positioning is key for that gorgeous golden-brown crisp. Roast them for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crispy and caramelized.

3. Prepare the Turkey Bacon

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook your turkey bacon. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the strips until they’re crispy. Once cooled, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.

4. Assemble the Bites

When the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Now comes the fun part—assembling!

Top each halved Brussels sprout with a small piece of turkey bacon, a sprinkle of blue cheese, and a few chopped nuts if you’re using them.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pop the assembled bites back into the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes. This step melts the cheese and allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Drizzle and Serve

Once the bites are out of the oven, drizzle them with a little honey while they’re still warm. That sweet, sticky glaze takes them to the next level. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

How to Serve

These Brussels sprout bites are incredibly versatile, so here are some serving suggestions:

• Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
• Pair them with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for an extra indulgent touch.
• Serve them alongside other appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or mini sliders for a game-day spread.

Additional Tips

1. Roast Like a Pro: To get the crispiest Brussels sprouts, make sure they’re spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam them instead of roasting.

2. Drain the Cheese: If you’re using a softer cheese like feta, pat it dry with a paper towel before sprinkling it on top of the sprouts. This prevents excess moisture.

3. Double the Recipe: These bites are so addictive that you might want to make extra. They disappear quickly!

4. Add a Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the bites before baking for a touch of heat.

5. Use Fresh Nuts: If you’re adding nuts, toast them lightly before using. This step enhances their flavor and adds even more crunch.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey bacon and load up on extra nuts or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your blue cheese and other ingredients to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.

Cheese Swap: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, try feta, goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Nut-Free: Omit the nuts and add crunchy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips instead.

Sweet and Spicy: Add a dash of hot honey instead of regular honey for a sweet-and-spicy combo that’s out of this world.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

To freeze, assemble the bites but skip the second bake. Freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh is best for this recipe, as frozen sprouts tend to release more moisture, which can affect the texture.

What can I substitute for turkey bacon?
You can use beef bacon, chicken sausage, or even veggie bacon for a vegetarian option.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the turkey bacon ahead of time. Assemble and do the final bake just before serving.

What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No problem! Swap it out for your favorite cheese—feta, goat cheese, or shredded mozzarella all work great.

Can I skip the honey?
Absolutely. The bites will still be delicious without it, but the honey does add a lovely touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

These cheesy, crispy Brussels sprout bites are a surefire way to win over any crowd. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your appetizer lineup. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, holiday gathering, or simply craving something fun and delicious, this recipe is the perfect choice.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me—I’d love to see how yours turn out!

Print