Easy Smoked Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Maple Bacon

I’m passionate about fresh Brussels sprouts. While I understand that they might not be everyone’s favorite, I’m excited to change your mind with this incredible smoked Brussels sprouts recipe.

I promise you will love this easy side dish when we add bacon and dates, then smoke them, and add a balsamic drizzle. 

Can You Smoke Brussels Sprouts?

Yes, you can smoke Brussels sprouts. They are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many different ways, and smoking is a great way to add a unique flavor and texture.

You will need a Smoker to smoke Brussels sprouts. You can use a pellet smoker with your favorite pellets, like cherry, apple, or hickory. Or you can use a traditional smoker with your favorite hardwood.

We used a Traeger pellet grill, our favorite outdoor kitchen appliance.

What Ingredients are Needed?

• 1/2 pound of chopped Maple bacon (if you don’t have maple bacon, you can use regular bacon and add maple syrup to the pan)
• 1 1/2 Pounds of Brussels sprouts
• Kosher Salt
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Black Pepper 
• Wright Rub (one of our favorite bbq seasonings)
• 1/2 cup of dried dates sliced
• 1 cup of Balsamic vinegar
• 2-3 Tbsp. of white sugar 
• 3 Tbsp of Dijon mustard 

How To Smoke Mini Cabbages

If you enjoy the yummy wood flavors of smoking, this is an excellent option for dinner tonight. If you are not a sprouts fan, you could replace them with another favorite vegetable.

Here are the simple steps to making the best smoked Brussels sprouts recipe

•  Preheat your favorite smoker to 225 degrees. Use a pellet scoop to ensure the hopper contains your favorite kind of pellets. If you are using a traditional smoker, be sure to add hickory wood chips. 
• Gently wash and trim a small portion from the stem end of the mini cabbages, being careful not to cut them too short. This will help them stay intact. Also, be sure to remove any loose leaves or the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts. 

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•  Cut the Brussels sprouts in half. 
• Chop the bacon into small bite-size pieces. 
• Place the bacon bits in a cast iron skillet and cook on the stovetop on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes. Wait to cook the bacon all the way through while smoking the Brusselsl sprouts.

• Add the cut Brussels sprouts to the cast iron pan cut side down in a single layer. Do not remove the bacon or bacon fat.
• Add your seasonings to taste. You can be generous with this, as smoking can mellow out the flavors.
• Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the face of the sprouts are caramelized.

• Slice up your dates and place on top of the bacon and Brussels sprouts. 
• Remove the pan from the stove and place it in the smoker using pot holders. 
• Allow the best Brussels sprouts to cook for up to 45 minutes, ensuring they are fork tender.  

Balsamic Drizzle

While the Brussels sprouts are smoking, you will want to prepare your balsamic drizzle. This dressing or dipping sauce is fantastic and adds the perfect sweetness to this side dish.

• Add 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. 
• Turn down the heat to simmer and reduce the vinegar by 30%.
• Add 2-3 Tbsp. of white sugar and boil, stirring constantly until the mixture is thickened. 
• Turn the heat off and allow to rest for 5 minutes. 
• Whisk in 3 Tbsp. of Dijon mustard until it is fully incorporated. 

Drizzle over the top of the Brussels sprouts and serve while hot. You can also serve the tangy balsamic glaze as a dipping sauce in small dishes. 

How Long to Smoke Brussels Sprouts

Smoking Brussels sprouts typically takes about 45 minutes, depending on your temperature and desired smokiness. Here’s a basic guideline for smoking Brussels sprouts:

• Preheat your smoker: Set up your smoker and preheat it to a temperature between 225°F and 250°F (107°C to 121°C).
• Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Follow the recipe to prepare the Brussels sprouts while the smoker is heating. 
• Smoke the Brussels sprouts: Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the smoker in the cast iron pan. Ensure they are in a single layer for even smoking.
• Add wood chips: Add your choice of wood chips (such as hickory, apple, or cherry) to the smoker box. This will provide a smoky flavor to the Brussels sprouts.
• Monitor the temperature: Maintain the smoker temperature between 225°F and 250°F (107°C to 121°C) throughout the smoking process.
• Smoke until done: Smoke the Brussels sprouts for about 45 minutes or until tender and have a nice smoky flavor. You can occasionally check them and rotate or flip them for even smoking.
• Serve: Once done, remove the smoked Brussels sprouts from the smoker and serve them hot as a delicious side dish or appetizer.

Remember that the exact cooking time may vary based on the size of the Brussels sprouts and your specific smoker setup. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of tenderness and smokiness.

Smoked Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Be sure to print the recipe card below for reference.

Tips for Smoking Brussels Sprouts

• Preheat the Smoker: Ensure your smoker is preheated to the desired temperature (usually between 225°F and 250°F or 107°C to 121°C) before adding the Brussels sprouts. A consistent temperature is critical for even smoking.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: This pan is a must to cook the perfect Brussels sprouts as you want to put this pan directly in the smoker. Be sure your skillet will fit into the smoker. 
• Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Start with fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and vibrant in color. Avoid ones with brown or wilted leaves. 
• Season Well: Don’t be shy with your seasonings. The smoking process can mellow out flavors, so a generous seasoning helps.
• Soak your Brussel Sprouts: If you want to add more smoke flavor, soak the Brussels sprouts in water for 30 minutes before smoking them.
• Add other Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the smoker with the Brussels sprouts, such as potatoes, onions, or carrots.
• Cooking Option: If you don’t have a smoker, cook Brussels sprouts in the oven at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.

They are frighteningly delicious!

Now that you’re enthusiastic about preparing Brussels sprouts for tonight’s dinner let’s dive right into the recipe. For a comprehensive list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, please take a look at the printable recipe card provided below.