Discover the perfect balance of sweet and savory with Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts, a side dish that brilliantly combines caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and a touch of sticky maple syrup. This mouthwatering recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a star-worthy plate that everyone will love. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a family dinner or just craving something deliciously different, these Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts bring warmth, crunch, and richness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Combining sweet maple syrup with salty bacon creates a delightful contrast that enlivens the Brussels sprouts.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks at any skill level.
Perfect Side Dish: It complements a variety of main dishes, from roasted chicken to hearty pork chops.
Healthy Made Delicious: Brussels sprouts offer great nutrition, and this recipe keeps them flavorful without overwhelming fat.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or holiday feast, Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts add a cozy and welcome twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts lies in its simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor, texture, and appeal. Fresh Brussels sprouts provide a tender base, crispy bacon adds salty crunch, and pure maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that ties everything together.

Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Choose firm, bright green sprouts for the best texture and flavor.
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for authentic sweetness and natural depth.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon crisps beautifully and adds irresistible smokiness.
Olive Oil: Helps roast Brussels sprouts evenly and enhances their caramelization.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Optional Garlic: Adds a flavorful kick if you want a slight savory complexity.

Variations for Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Feel free to experiment with Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. This recipe adapts beautifully to add new flavor layers or tweak ingredients for health considerations.

Make it Vegan: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for plant-based smokiness.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and earthy flavor.
Spice Things Up: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to introduce heat.
Swap Sweeteners: Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different sweet note.
Add Citrus Zest: Grate lemon or orange zest over the final dish for bright freshness.

Why Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts Are a Must-Try

How to Make Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare and Trim the Brussels Sprouts

Start by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and trimming off the tough stems. Slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and enhanced caramelization during roasting.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp but not burnt. Remove it and set it aside on paper towels to drain excess fat. Reserve the bacon fat in the pan for roasting the sprouts if desired.

Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway so they brown evenly on all sides.

Step 4: Combine with Bacon and Maple Syrup

Once the Brussels sprouts start to caramelize, add chopped crispy bacon back into the pan, drizzle with pure maple syrup, and toss everything gently to coat evenly. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the syrup glaze the sprouts beautifully.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Transfer your Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm, showcasing their savory, sweet, and smoky layers of flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Perfect Roasting: Cut Brussels sprouts in similar sizes for even cooking and browning.
Use Pure Maple Syrup: Avoid flavored syrups for authentic taste and better caramelization.
Crisp Bacon Matters: Cook bacon until just crispy to maintain texture without being dry.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give sprouts space on the baking sheet to roast properly rather than steam.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley can add an aromatic punch at the end.

How to Serve Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to add a vibrant green note. A scattering of toasted nuts or a zest of lemon can also enhance freshness and texture.

Side Dishes

These sprout are fantastic with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or even a hearty grain bowl. Their savory-sweet profile pairs especially well with pork, chicken, and fall-inspired dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a cozy vibe, or plate them elegantly alongside a main course for a refined dinner. They also make a stunning component in holiday spreads or buffet tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They remain flavorful and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked Brussels sprouts in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispness, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I make Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with plant-based bacon alternatives or smoked nuts to maintain the smoky flavor without meat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

While fresh Brussels sprouts are best for roasting, frozen can work if thawed and dried thoroughly, though the texture might be softer.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper before roasting to introduce a gentle kick without overpowering the sweetness.

What is the best type of bacon to use?

Thick-cut, high-quality bacon is ideal for this recipe as it crisps up nicely and holds up well during roasting without becoming too greasy.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a way to elevate your vegetable side dishes, trying Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts is an absolute must. With the perfect marriage of savory bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tender roasted Brussels sprouts, it’s sure to become a household favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give this recipe a go and enjoy every flavorful bite together with your loved ones!

Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Print Recipe

Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts is a perfectly balanced side dish combining caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy thick-cut bacon and a sticky glaze of pure maple syrup. This easy-to-make recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a flavorful, warm, and crunchy dish complemented by sweet, smoky, and savory notes, ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you crave a delicious twist.

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, firm and bright green, trimmed and halved
4 slices thick-cut bacon
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prepare and Trim the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trim off the tough stems, and slice each sprout in half lengthwise for even cooking and better caramelization.
Cook the Bacon Until Crispy: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crisp but not burnt. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving the bacon fat in the pan if you wish to use it for roasting.
Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even browning.
Combine with Bacon and Maple Syrup: Once the Brussels sprouts are caramelized, return the chopped crispy bacon to the pan, drizzle with pure maple syrup, and toss gently to coat. Place the mixture back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes so the syrup glazes the sprouts beautifully.
Serve Warm: Transfer the Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm, savoring their sweet, smoky, and savory layers.

Notes

Cut Brussels sprouts into similar sizes for even roasting.
Use pure maple syrup, not flavored syrups, for authentic taste and glaze.
Cook bacon until just crispy to maintain perfect texture.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; leave space so sprouts roast, not steam.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end for aromatic freshness.
For vegan variation, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
Consider adding toasted nuts, citrus zest, or red pepper flakes for extra layers of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 180
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, bacon, side dish, roasted vegetables, gluten free, easy recipe, fall side dish