If you’re looking for the best way to turn Brussels sprouts into an irresistible side dish, these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are exactly what you need. The combination of crispy Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon pieces, and pure maple syrup creates a delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. Whether you're preparing for a holiday season gathering or just need an everyday dinner side, this recipe will make even the pickiest of eaters go back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Brussels sprouts sometimes get a bad reputation, but roasting them with thick-cut bacon and sweet maple syrup transforms them into a flavorful, caramelized dish with the perfect balance of nutty flavor and salty bacon. The best part? You can whip it up quickly, which makes it a great choice for a weeknight meal or Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ lbs. fresh Brussels sprouts
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. freshly-ground black pepper
How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
1. Prepare Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F. A preheated oven ensures the sprouts get crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
2. Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Using a sharp knife, trim the ends off the sprouts if needed. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise, and quarter any larger pieces. Discard any outer leaves that look discolored.
3. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss the small pieces of Brussels sprouts with olive oil, sweet maple syrup, bacon pieces, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Preheat the Baking Sheet
Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven for about 3 minutes. This helps to get an even crisp on the sprouts. Once heated, carefully spread the sprouts out in a single layer on the sheet.
5. Roast to Perfection
Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The sprouts should be crispy bacon perfection—caramelized and slightly charred around the edges.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and serve immediately! You can use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a serving dish and soak up any excess bacon grease with a paper towel if needed.
Cooking Tips & Variations
Use an Air Fryer for Extra Crispiness
If you prefer an even crispier texture, try making these in an air fryer. Set it to medium heat and cook for about 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Swap Out the Bacon
For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You’ll still get that smoky, savory combination with slightly less fat.
Add Extra Flavor
A splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving can enhance the rich flavor of the sprouts. You can also sprinkle on some sweet potatoes for a perfect match of flavors.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into a large skillet over medium low heat until warmed through.
Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. fresh Brussels sprouts
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 3 slices bacon chopped
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. A preheated oven ensures the sprouts get crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
- Prep the Brussels Sprouts
- Using a sharp knife, trim the ends off the sprouts if needed. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise, and quarter any larger pieces. Discard any outer leaves that look discolored.
- Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, toss the small pieces of Brussels sprouts with olive oil, sweet maple syrup, bacon pieces, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the Baking Sheet
- Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven for about 3 minutes. This helps to get an even crisp on the sprouts. Once heated, carefully spread the sprouts out in a single layer on the sheet.
- Roast to Perfection
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The sprouts should be crispy bacon perfection—caramelized and slightly charred around the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately! You can use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a serving dish and soak up any excess bacon grease with a paper towel if needed.
Video
Notes
Use an Air Fryer for Extra Crispiness
If you prefer an even crispier texture, try making these in an air fryer. Set it to medium heat and cook for about 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.Swap Out the Bacon
For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You’ll still get that smoky, savory combination with slightly less fat.Add Extra Flavor
A splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving can enhance the rich flavor of the sprouts. You can also sprinkle on some sweet potatoes for a perfect match of flavors.Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into a large skillet over medium low heat until warmed through.Pairing Suggestions
These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts make a perfect side dish for a variety of meals:
- Serve them with Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots.
- Pair them with The Ultimate Prime Rib Sliders.
- Add them to your holiday season menu alongside bacon roasted potatoes and stuffing.
The Flavors are Next Level
This cooking method ensures the Brussels sprouts get that perfect texture—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The rendered bacon fat and pure maple syrup create an irresistible caramelization, making this a sweet dish that still leans savory. It’s an ideal balance of subtle flavor and so much flavor at the same time! Savor your “tiny cabbages” any time of year.
Get Cooking!
If you’re looking for the best flavor in a Brussels sprouts dish, this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is a must-try. With simple ingredients and an easy recipe card to follow, it’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight meal to a festive Thanksgiving dinner. Give it a try and let us know your favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts!
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