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Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts

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.

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
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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