There’s something special about fall bruschetta—it’s rustic, flavorful, and the perfect way to start a cozy meal. This recipe brings together crispy toasted bread, creamy burrata, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and crispy bacon for a bite that’s both comforting and elegant. A drizzle of honey and a hint of lemon add just the right balance of sweetness and brightness.
I love serving this at Italian-themed dinner parties or holiday gatherings. It’s one of those easy Italian appetizers that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough to make at home. While it takes a little time to prepare, every step is worth it when you see how quickly these disappear from the table.
Caramelized Brussels Sprout Bruschetta with Burrata & Bacon
Equipment
- Oven
- Sheet pan
- Cast-iron skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw hazelnuts or substitute with pecans or walnuts
- 6 oz raw bacon diced
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts roots trimmed, halved, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp honey plus more for drizzling
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Kosher salt
- 6 large slices of crusty bread or 12 if not cutting in half
- 2 balls burrata cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Flaky sea salt optional
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Roast the Hazelnuts: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the hazelnuts on a sheet pan and roast for 8-10 minutes until golden. Let them cool slightly, then use a kitchen towel to rub off any loose skins. Roughly chop the hazelnuts and set them aside.½ cup raw hazelnuts
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon in an even layer and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for about 10 more minutes, stirring often, until the bacon is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.6 oz raw bacon
- Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts: Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high. Add the Brussels sprouts, stirring to coat them in the bacon fat. Spread them into an even layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender. If they brown too quickly, reduce heat slightly to prevent burning. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt to taste.1 lb Brussels sprouts, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, Kosher salt
- Toast the Bread: Place the bread slices on a sheet pan and drizzle both sides with olive oil. Toast in the oven at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.6 large slices of crusty bread, Olive oil for drizzling
- Assemble the Fall Bruschetta: Tear the burrata into pieces and spread it over the toasted bread slices, covering most of each piece. Lightly season with a pinch of salt (flaky sea salt if using) and black pepper.2 balls burrata cheese, Flaky sea salt, Freshly cracked black pepper
- Top with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Pile the caramelized Brussels sprouts onto each bruschetta slice. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts and crispy bacon over the top.
- Finish with Honey and Seasoning: Drizzle each bruschetta with more honey. If desired, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and more freshly cracked black pepper. Cut each bruschetta slice in half and serve immediately.
Brussels Sprout Bruschetta Secrets – Tips, Tricks & Tasty Swaps from a Fall Appetizer Pro!
Alright, let’s talk about this Caramelized Brussels Sprout Bruschetta with Burrata & Bacon like I’ve made it a hundred times—because, well, I basically have. If you’re looking to impress guests, treat yourself to a killer appetizer, or just make your house smell like a dream, you’re in the right place. Here are my best tips, tricks, and swaps to make this bruschetta absolutely next-level.
✨ Tips for Making the Best Brussels Sprout Bruschetta
🔥 Get that Bread Crispy!
Don’t just lightly toast your bread—really go for it. You want a deep golden brown with crispy edges that can hold up to all those toppings. Flip it halfway through for even toasting, and don’t skimp on the olive oil!
🥓 Bacon: The Crispier, The Better
Nobody likes chewy, sad bacon. Cook it low and slow so the fat renders properly, then crank up the heat at the end for extra crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, try pancetta instead for a more Italian vibe.
🥬 Brussels Sprouts Done Right
The secret to perfectly caramelized Brussels sprouts? Leave them alone. After you spread them in the pan, let them sit for a minute or two before stirring. This gives them time to develop that golden, crispy goodness instead of steaming.
🍯 The Honey Trick
That drizzle of honey at the end? It’s not just for sweetness—it actually balances out the Brussels sprouts’ natural bitterness. But don’t go overboard! A little goes a long way.
🧀 Burrata Basics
Burrata is magic, but it’s delicate. Let it come to room temp before tearing it apart so it spreads more easily. And always season it with a pinch of salt and black pepper—makes a world of difference.
🍋 Lemon = Your Secret Weapon
The lemon zest and juice add just the right amount of brightness. If you really want to go all in, finish with a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving.
🌿 Make It Fancy
Want to impress? Sprinkle on some fresh thyme or chopped chives for an herby touch. Or, if you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick.
🛠️ Easy Ingredient Swaps
🚫 No Bacon? Try crispy prosciutto or even chopped salami. Or skip it altogether for a vegetarian version—it’s still packed with flavor!
🧀 No Burrata? Ricotta works great too! Whip it up with a little olive oil and salt for extra creaminess.
🌰 Hazelnuts Not Your Thing? Swap them for toasted pecans, walnuts, or even almonds. They all bring that essential crunch!
🥖 Bread Alternatives? If you want something extra special, try using sourdough or ciabatta instead of basic baguette.
🍊 Citrus Swap? No lemon? Use a little orange zest for a slightly sweeter twist.
🎉 Make It Ahead? Sure! You can toast the bread, crisp the bacon, and caramelize the Brussels sprouts in advance. Just warm them up a little before assembling so everything is at its best!
Now you’ve got all the tricks up your sleeve to make the best fall bruschetta out there. So grab your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine (because why not?), and get ready to impress! 🍷✨
