You’re about to discover a game-changing side dish that’ll convert even the staunchest Brussels sprouts skeptic. This recipe combines crispy, halved sprouts with smoky bacon pieces, all glazed in sweet maple syrup that caramelizes to perfection at 425°F. The magic happens when the sprouts develop golden-brown edges while their centers stay tender, creating an irresistible texture contrast. You’ll love how the salty bacon complements the maple sweetness, transforming these humble vegetables into a crave-worthy dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. There’s so much more to uncover about this delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Key Takeaways
- Combine 1 pound Brussels sprouts, 4 slices chopped bacon, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper for this savory-sweet dish.
- Roast Brussels sprouts and bacon at 425°F until golden brown, adding maple syrup during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Trim and halve sprouts before roasting to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption throughout the vegetables.
- The dish combines crispy bacon, caramelized sprouts, and sweet maple syrup for a balanced blend of textures and flavors.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this versatile side dish complements both turkey and chicken meals.
History
Tracing the origins of maple-glazed Brussels sprouts reveals a distinctly North American twist on traditional European cooking.
You’ll find that Brussels sprouts themselves originated in Belgium during the 16th century, where they were first cultivated near Brussels (hence their name). But it wasn’t until North American settlers began experimenting with local ingredients that the magic of maple syrup entered the picture.
In the 1800s, you’d have found Brussels sprouts prepared simply – boiled or steamed – throughout Europe and America. The addition of bacon wasn’t far behind, as smoke-curing meat was a common preservation method.
But it’s the maple syrup that transformed this dish into something uniquely American. Native Americans had been harvesting maple sap for centuries, and when European settlers learned this technique, they began incorporating the sweet syrup into their cooking.
You’ll love knowing that this particular combination – Brussels sprouts, bacon, and maple syrup – gained popularity during the farm-to-table movement of the 1970s, when chefs started embracing regional ingredients and creative combinations.
Today, it’s become a beloved holiday staple that bridges Old World tradition with New World flavors.
Recipe
Transform Brussels sprouts into a luxurious side dish with this maple-glazed recipe featuring crispy bacon. The natural sweetness of maple syrup perfectly balances the savory notes while creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.
Roasting at high heat guarantees perfectly crispy edges while maintaining tender, flavorful centers. The bacon adds a smoky richness that complements the natural nuttiness of the Brussels sprouts, creating an irresistible combination that converts even the most stubborn vegetable skeptics.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread them on a rimmed baking sheet, cut-side down, and scatter bacon pieces evenly over the top.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, then drizzle maple syrup over the sprouts during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Continue roasting until the edges are deeply caramelized and the bacon is crispy.
For ideal results, verify Brussels sprouts are similar in size for even cooking, and leave space between them on the baking sheet to promote proper caramelization. Use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor, and avoid stirring the sprouts during roasting to achieve maximum crispiness.
Serve immediately while hot, as the maple glaze will be at its most vibrant.
Preparation Steps
You’ll want to start by preheating your oven to 425°F while you trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then toss them with olive oil until they’re well-coated.
Next, chop your bacon into small bits and scatter them over your prepared sprouts on the baking sheet.
When there’s about 5 minutes of cooking time left, you’ll drizzle that gorgeous maple syrup over everything, letting it create a sweet, sticky glaze that’ll make these sprouts absolutely irresistible.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 425°F
Getting your oven to the proper temperature is an essential first step for achieving perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. Don’t rush this process – you’ll want to give your oven at least 10-15 minutes to reach that sweet spot of 425°F. This high temperature is vital for creating those irresistibly crispy edges and caramelized surfaces that make this dish so special.
While you’re waiting for your oven to heat up, it’s the perfect time to gather your ingredients and prep your baking sheet. You’ll want to use a heavy-duty, rimmed sheet pan that can handle the high heat without warping.
If you’ve got a convection setting on your oven, now’s the time to use it – it’ll help circulate the hot air evenly around your sprouts, leading to more consistent browning. Just remember to reduce the temperature by 25 degrees if you’re using convection.
Trust me, there’s nothing more disappointing than under-roasted Brussels sprouts, so taking the time to properly preheat your oven will set you up for success with this maple-bacon masterpiece.
Step 2. Trim and Halve Sprouts
Before diving into the roasting process, proper Brussels sprout preparation is essential for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Start by giving your sprouts a quick rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. You’ll notice that some of the outer leaves might look a bit weathered – don’t worry, just peel those off and discard them.
Next, grab your knife and cut off the tough stem end of each sprout, removing just enough to create a fresh, flat surface. You’ll love how this not only makes the sprouts look neater but also helps them cook more evenly.
Now comes the fun part – halving the sprouts lengthwise through the core. If you’ve got any particularly large ones, you might want to quarter them to match the size of their smaller companions. This uniform sizing isn’t just about looks – it’s vital for ensuring all your sprouts finish cooking at the same time.
For those loose leaves that fall off during cutting, keep them! They’ll become deliciously crispy little chips during roasting, adding an extra layer of texture to your finished dish.
Step 3. Mix Sprouts With Oil
Once your sprouts are trimmed and halved, transfer them to a large mixing bowl where they’ll have plenty of room to move. You’ll want to give these little gems the royal treatment, so don’t skimp on the space – they need room to dance with the oil and seasonings!
Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over your Brussels sprouts, making sure you’re being generous enough to coat them properly. Now’s the time to add a good pinch of salt and several grinds of fresh black pepper – trust me, seasoning is key to bringing out their natural sweetness.
With clean hands (yes, you’ll want to get personal with your sprouts!), gently toss everything together until each piece is glistening with oil and speckled with seasonings.
Take a moment to verify there aren’t any sprouts playing hide-and-seek at the bottom of the bowl without their fair share of oil. If you notice any dry spots, give them another quick toss.
When every sprout is evenly coated, they’re ready for their transformation in the hot oven, where they’ll develop those irresistible crispy edges you’re craving.
Step 4. Chop Bacon Into Bits
While your sprouts are waiting for their starring role, turn your attention to the bacon – the savory sidekick that’ll take this dish to new heights.
You’ll want to slice your bacon strips into small, bite-sized pieces that’ll distribute evenly throughout the dish. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than fighting over those precious bacon bits at the dinner table!
Take your sharp knife and stack the bacon strips neatly on your cutting board. Starting at one end, slice across the strips to create pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide.
Don’t worry about being too precise – rustic cuts add character to your dish. If you’re finding the bacon a bit slippery, try popping it in the freezer for 10 minutes first. This’ll firm it up and make it easier to slice cleanly.
Once you’ve chopped all your bacon, separate any pieces that might be sticking together. You’ll want these bits to scatter freely over your sprouts, ensuring every bite has that perfect balance of smoky, salty goodness.
Step 5. Add Maple Glaze
The maple glaze brings a sweet finale to your roasted Brussels sprouts during their last few minutes in the oven.
You’ll want to time this step perfectly – when your sprouts are nearly done and showing those beautiful golden-brown edges, that’s your cue to drizzle on the maple syrup.
Don’t pour all the syrup at once! Instead, grab your measuring spoons and evenly distribute three tablespoons of pure maple syrup over your sizzling sprouts and bacon.
The heat will immediately start caramelizing the syrup, creating an irresistible glaze that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. Give the pan a gentle shake to help the syrup spread evenly.
Let everything continue roasting for about 5 minutes more – you’re looking for that perfect moment when the maple syrup transforms into a sticky, glossy coating.
Watch carefully during this final stage, as the sugar in the syrup can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt.
You’ll know you’re done when the Brussels sprouts are tender inside, crispy outside, and coated in a shimmering maple glaze that clings beautifully to both the vegetables and bacon bits.
Final Thoughts
Maple-glazed Brussels sprouts offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet that’ll make any dinner table more exciting. The caramelized exterior adds a delightful crunch, while the tender insides provide a satisfying texture. Whether served as a side dish or a centerpiece, these vegetables can elevate any meal, especially when paired with a maple glazed meatball recipe that complements their rich flavors. Together, they create a harmonious dining experience that delights the palate and impresses guests.
You’ll love how the bacon’s smokiness mingles with the maple syrup’s warmth, creating an irresistible combination that transforms these humble vegetables into a crave-worthy side dish. Even those who’ve sworn off Brussels sprouts might find themselves reaching for seconds!
Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe for holiday gatherings or special dinners.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – it’s equally at home next to a perfectly roasted turkey as it’s alongside a simple weeknight chicken dinner.
You’ll find that the caramelized edges and tender centers create a textural experience that keeps you coming back for more.
And while the ingredients are simple, the flavors are anything but.
