Pin This maple-bacon brussels sprouts recipe transforms the often-maligned vegetable into an addictive side dish that even skeptics can't resist. The natural bitterness of brussels sprouts balances perfectly with sweet maple syrup, while crispy bacon adds that irresistible savory element everyone craves.
I discovered this recipe when trying to convince my brussels sprout-hating husband to give them another chance. The combination of maple and bacon worked such magic that it's now requested at every holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts: Fresh sprouts should feel firm and tight with vibrant green color. Look for smaller ones as they tend to be sweeter and more tender.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut for meaty texture and robust flavor. The fat renders beautifully and coats the sprouts for extra flavor.
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the roasting process without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Maple syrup: Use real maple syrup not pancake syrup for authentic flavor. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Kosher salt: The coarser texture of kosher salt distributes more evenly and enhances all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper provides subtle heat and complexity that complements the sweetness.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated provides the best texture and nutty flavor. The saltiness balances the maple sweetness perfectly.
- Lemon wedges: Fresh citrus brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of bacon and cheese.
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment for easier cleanup. Trim the woody stems from brussels sprouts and halve them lengthwise. Chop bacon into approximately half-inch pieces. The uniform size ensures even cooking and perfect crispy texture in every bite.
- Sheet Pan Assembly:
- Spread the halved brussels sprouts on your prepared sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then toss thoroughly to ensure every sprout is coated. For maximum caramelization, arrange them cut-side down on the pan. This direct contact with the hot surface creates that beautiful golden crust that makes roasted vegetables irresistible.
- Bacon Distribution:
- Scatter the chopped bacon pieces evenly over and between the brussels sprouts. The bacon will render its fat during roasting, which bathes the vegetables in savory flavor. Spacing the bacon properly ensures each serving gets plenty of that smoky goodness.
- Initial Roasting:
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 18-22 minutes. At the halfway point approximately 10 minutes in stir everything to promote even browning. You want the edges of the sprouts to become deeply caramelized and the bacon to turn crispy but not burnt. The sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Maple Glazing:
- Remove the pan from the oven and drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the hot brussels sprouts and bacon. Return to the oven for just 2-3 minutes more. This brief final roast allows the maple syrup to form a glossy glaze without burning. The sugars will caramelize quickly, so watch carefully during this final step.
- Finishing Touches:
- Transfer the hot brussels sprouts and bacon to a serving bowl. While still warm, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently to combine. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating little pockets of savory goodness throughout the dish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, acidic finish.
Pin The maple syrup is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power by accident when I ran out of honey one Thanksgiving. The deeper, more complex sweetness of real maple syrup created such a perfect balance with the salty bacon that I never went back to my original recipe.
Selecting Perfect Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts shopping requires a bit of strategy for the best results. Look for bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves and no yellowing. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender, while larger ones can develop a stronger, more cabbage-like flavor. If possible, buy them still attached to the stalk for maximum freshness. During fall and early winter, brussels sprouts are at their peak season and will offer the best flavor for this dish.
Make-Ahead Options
This dish can be partially prepared ahead of time to streamline holiday cooking. Clean and halve the brussels sprouts up to two days before cooking and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also measure and prepare all other ingredients in advance. When ready to cook, simply assemble on the sheet pan and proceed with the recipe. The finished dish is best served fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days and reheated in a hot skillet to restore some crispness.
Dietary Adaptations
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and increase olive oil to 2 tablespoons. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to replace some of the smoky flavor. Those following a dairy-free diet can substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese, which provides a similar umami quality. For a paleo or Whole30 approach, use compliant bacon and replace the maple syrup with an equal amount of date paste for natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Pin Pairing Suggestions
These maple bacon brussels sprouts pair beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, making them perfect for holiday meals. For everyday dinners, serve alongside a simple grilled steak or pork tenderloin. The sweet-savory profile also works surprisingly well with robust fish like salmon. For wine pairings, reach for a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, both of which complement the dish's complex flavors without overwhelming them.
Enjoy this addictive take on a classic vegetable, perfectly balanced with sweet maple and savory bacon. It's a dish sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve crispy bacon and browned sprouts?
Spread sprouts cut-side down on the pan and scatter bacon over top. Roasting at high heat ensures caramelization and crispness.
- → Can I use thick-cut bacon?
Yes, thick-cut bacon lends a meatier bite and deeper flavor. Just adjust salt to taste, as thicker bacon can be saltier.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead?
This dish is best fresh from the oven, but you can prep ingredients in advance and combine just before roasting.
- → What does maple syrup add?
Maple syrup brings a subtle sweetness and helps glaze the sprouts and bacon, creating caramelized edges.
- → How can I add heat to the dish?
Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes when roasting if you want gentle spice to complement the sweet and savory notes.
- → Is Parmesan essential for this dish?
Parmesan adds richness and finish, but you can substitute with Pecorino or omit for a dairy-free version.