Sweet, smoky, and salty! Brussels sprouts, bacon, and apples are baked together in a foil bag for the perfect fall side dish.
This aluminum foil package is Fall Camping Food: Crispy bacon, baby Brussels sprouts and tart apple slices cooked with maple syrup.
It's the perfect balance of smoky, salty, and sweet that makes a simple side dish feel special. Prepare everything at home ahead of time, then let the fire (or grill) do the work while you relax.
Serve with grilled steak, sausage or chicken. It pairs well with baked or mashed potatoes or toasted bread. Here’s the perfect fall side dish to help you start channeling those camping activities resonance!
I knew this recipe was going to be a hit because Megan had snuck a bite before I even finished taking a picture of it! This post would have had more photos, but nothing was left!
-Michael
Tips for doing this camping trip
- Chop all the ingredients and add them together in a bowl. This will ensure everything is evenly coated.
- use Heavy duty foil To prevent tears, especially when cooking over a campfire.
- Cutting a slit in the foil bag (after flipping it over) will help release the steam and allow the bacon to crisp better.
- When done, the Brussels sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork, the bacon should be crisp, and the apples should be soft but not mushy.
Preparation before departure
- Chop, mix and assemble foil packets at home. Make sure the edges have a good curl. Place them in a waterproof zipper bag and store them in a cooler while shipping.
Ingredient description and substitutions
- Cut the Brussels sprouts in half or quarters depending on size so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
- Choose firm apples, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, that won't turn to mush during cooking.
- If you don't have maple syrup, a little brown sugar or honey can work as a substitute.
- 2 cup Brussels sprouts
- 4 slice bacon Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 apple slice
- 2 spoon maple syrup
- 1 spoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Elective
-
Halve or quarter it Brussels sproutscut bacon Cut into 1-inch chunks and then mince apple. Place everything into a medium bowl maple syrup, olive oil, Saltand red pepper flakes. Throw on coat.
2 cups Brussels sprouts, 4 slices bacon, 1 apple, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, ⅛-¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
-
Tear off 2 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (10-12 inches long). If using regular foil, double layer for added strength. Place foil on a flat surface and add Brussels sprout mixture to center. Cover the package with a second piece of foil and fold down a 1/2-inch crease to create a tight seal. Leave some space inside for steam circulation.
-
Place the wrapper on the grill over medium coals or embers. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through. After flipping, use a knife to cut vents in the top layer of foil. This will help some steam escape and crisp up the bacon.
-
Once the Brussels sprouts are tender, remove the package from the grill. Unwrap carefully (watch out for steam!) and enjoy.
