Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is here to change minds! This dish transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a culinary masterpiece, combining the nutty flavor of perfectly roasted sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon and the sweet, decadent glaze of maple syrup. It’s an irresistible combination of sweet and savory that’s perfect as a side dish for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even a fancy brunch. Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts – this recipe will make you a believer!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of savory bacon, nutty Brussels sprouts, and sweet maple syrup creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and is straightforward to execute, even for novice cooks.
* **Versatile:** Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts pair well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and pork loin to grilled salmon and steak.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This dish is always a hit at parties and gatherings. Even Brussels sprout skeptics will be converted!
* **Elevated Side Dish:** This recipe elevates simple Brussels sprouts into a restaurant-quality side dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Brussels Sprouts:** Fresh Brussels sprouts are essential for this recipe. Look for firm, bright green sprouts that are roughly the same size.
* **Bacon:** Use your favorite type of bacon, thick-cut or regular. Applewood smoked bacon adds a delicious depth of flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Pure maple syrup is a must for the best flavor. Avoid using pancake syrup, which contains artificial ingredients.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil helps the Brussels sprouts roast evenly.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic adds a savory note that complements the other flavors.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
* **Optional additions:** Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat), chopped pecans or walnuts (for added crunch), grated Parmesan cheese (for a salty, savory finish).

## Ingredient Measurements

* 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
* 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

## Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is broken down into clear, easy-to-follow steps to ensure perfect results every time. Follow along, and you’ll be enjoying delicious Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in no time!

**Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts**

* Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Remove any outer leaves that are yellowed or damaged.
* Trim the stem end of each Brussels sprout and discard.
* Halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts, depending on their size. Aim for roughly equal-sized pieces so they cook evenly. If the Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**

* Place the bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet (discard the rest or save it for another use).

**Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* In a large bowl, toss the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
* Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
* Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned, flipping them halfway through.

**Step 4: Make the Maple Balsamic Glaze**

* While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the maple balsamic glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar until well combined.

**Step 5: Combine and Glaze**

* Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven.
* Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease.
* Add the cooked bacon to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts.
* Pour the maple balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts and bacon.
* Toss everything together to coat evenly.
* Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has slightly thickened and is sticky.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**

* Transfer the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts to a serving dish.
* If desired, garnish with red pepper flakes, chopped pecans or walnuts, or grated Parmesan cheese.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the Brussels sprouts to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy sprouts. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **Use High Heat:** Roasting the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) helps them to caramelize and develop a slightly crispy exterior.
* **Don’t Overcook the Bacon:** Cook the bacon until it is crispy but not burnt. Burnt bacon will have a bitter taste.
* **Use Good Quality Maple Syrup:** Pure maple syrup is essential for the best flavor. Avoid using pancake syrup, which contains artificial ingredients.
* **Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of maple syrup. If you like it sweeter, add a little more.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup. You can also use a squeeze of lemon juice instead.
* **Experiment with Add-Ins:** Feel free to experiment with other add-ins, such as red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch, or grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory finish.
* **Fresh is Best:** Using fresh Brussels sprouts and bacon will yield the best flavor and texture.
* **Even Cuts:** Ensure Brussels sprouts are cut into roughly equal sizes for even cooking.
* **Don’t Rinse After Cutting:** Rinsing cut Brussels sprouts can make them soggy. Wash them whole, before trimming and cutting.

## Variations and Add-ins

This recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

* **Spicy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the maple balsamic glaze for a touch of heat.
* **Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pecans or Walnuts:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the skillet along with the maple balsamic glaze for added crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan Cheese:** Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts before serving for a salty, savory finish.
* **Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Dried Cranberries:** Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries to the skillet along with the maple balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
* **Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Apples:** Add diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) to the pan during the last few minutes of roasting.
* **Bacon Substitute:** For a leaner option, use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. The cooking time may need adjustment.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan bacon alternatives and maple syrup. Omit the parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan parmesan alternative.
* **Roasted Garlic:** Roast a head of garlic alongside the Brussels sprouts. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the glaze for a richer, sweeter, caramelized garlic flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Holiday Dinners:** Serve Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner.
* **Weeknight Dinners:** Pair Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with roasted chicken, pork loin, grilled salmon, or steak for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
* **Brunch:** Add Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts to your brunch menu for a sweet and savory treat.
* **Potlucks and Parties:** Bring Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts to your next potluck or party – they’re sure to be a hit!
* **As a Topping:** Serve them over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
* **Salad Addition:** Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool slightly and add them to a hearty fall salad with roasted squash, apples, and a vinaigrette.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

To save time, you can prepare certain components of this recipe ahead of time:

* **Trim and Halve/Quarter the Brussels Sprouts:** You can trim and halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Cook the Bacon:** You can cook the bacon up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Maple Balsamic Glaze:** You can make the maple balsamic glaze up to 1 week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to cook the dish, simply follow the remaining steps in the recipe.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Microwaving is also an option, but the Brussels sprouts may become slightly soggy.

## Nutritional Information (estimated)

(Per serving, approximate):

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?**

A: While fresh Brussels sprouts are preferred, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts in a pinch. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting. Keep in mind that frozen Brussels sprouts may be a bit softer than fresh ones.

**Q: Can I use a different type of bacon?**

A: Yes, you can use any type of bacon you like. Applewood smoked bacon adds a delicious depth of flavor, but regular bacon works just as well. You can also use turkey bacon for a leaner option.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?**

A: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. To make it vegan, use a vegan bacon alternative and maple syrup. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan Parmesan alternative.

**Q: My Brussels sprouts are bitter. How can I prevent this?**

A: Some Brussels sprouts can be naturally bitter. To reduce bitterness, try soaking them in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting. You can also choose smaller Brussels sprouts, which tend to be less bitter than larger ones. Roasting them at high heat also helps to caramelize the sugars and reduce bitterness.

**Q: Can I grill the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them?**

A: Yes, you can grill the Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them over medium heat until they are tender and slightly charred, about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Add the bacon and maple balsamic glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.

**Q: What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?**

A: If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon juice. These will all add a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of maple syrup?**

A: While maple syrup is the key ingredient in this recipe, you can experiment with other sweeteners, such as honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

**Q: How can I prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy?**

A: To prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy, make sure to spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them. Also, don’t overcook the Brussels sprouts. They should be tender but still slightly firm.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?**

A: Yes, you can add other vegetables to this dish, such as diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash. Add them to the baking sheet along with the Brussels sprouts and roast them until they are tender.

## Conclusion

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a delicious and easy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors, these Brussels sprouts are sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the boring steamed vegetables and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!