Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but with the right preparation, they can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece. This recipe for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a testament to that transformation. The inherent bitterness of the sprouts is beautifully balanced by the salty, smoky bacon and the sweet, caramelized maple syrup. Roasting them brings out their nutty flavor and creates a delightful crispy texture. This dish is perfect as a side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight meal where you want to impress your guests (or yourself!).

## Why This Recipe Works

* **The Balance of Flavors:** The combination of sweet, salty, smoky, and slightly bitter is what makes this recipe irresistible. The maple syrup complements the bacon perfectly, while the roasting process mellows the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.
* **Texture is Key:** Roasting the sprouts at a high temperature ensures they get nice and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Crispy bacon adds another layer of texture that elevates the dish.
* **Simple Ingredients, Big Impact:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile Side Dish:** Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon pair well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and pork to grilled salmon and vegetarian options like lentil loaf.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Brussels Sprouts:** Fresh Brussels sprouts are essential for this recipe. Look for sprouts that are firm, bright green, and tightly packed. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing, wilting, or have loose leaves.
* **Bacon:** Use your favorite type of bacon for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon will add more flavor and texture, but regular bacon works just as well. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
* **Maple Syrup:** Pure maple syrup is preferred for its rich, complex flavor. Avoid using pancake syrup, which is often made with artificial ingredients.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil helps the Brussels sprouts roast evenly and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** A touch of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that balances the other flavors.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the dish.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season to taste. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, pecans or walnuts for added crunch, Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Total Time:** 40-45 minutes
**Serves:** 4-6

### Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

1. **Wash and Trim:** Thoroughly wash the Brussels sprouts under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. **Trim the Ends:** Using a sharp knife, trim off the stem end of each Brussels sprout. Remove any loose or yellowing outer leaves.
3. **Halve or Quarter:** Depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts, halve or quarter them. Smaller sprouts can be halved, while larger sprouts should be quartered to ensure even cooking. The goal is to have roughly similar sized pieces.

### Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. **Dice the Bacon:** Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. **Cook in a Skillet:** Place the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
3. **Remove Bacon and Reserve Fat:** Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet – this will add incredible flavor to the Brussels sprouts.

### Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Toss with Bacon Fat and Garlic:** Add the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Add the minced garlic. Toss well to coat the sprouts evenly with the bacon fat and garlic.
3. **Season:** Season the Brussels sprouts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
4. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and ensure even browning. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the sprouts to steam instead of roast.
5. **Roast:** Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.

### Step 4: Add Maple Syrup and Balsamic Vinegar

1. **Drizzle with Maple Syrup and Balsamic Vinegar:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Toss gently to coat.
2. **Return to Oven:** Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 5-7 minutes, or until the maple syrup has caramelized and the Brussels sprouts are nicely glazed. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

### Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. **Add Bacon:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the crispy bacon to the roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss gently to combine.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts, and/or freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon immediately while they are still warm and crispy. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** As mentioned earlier, overcrowding the baking sheet can cause the Brussels sprouts to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure they are spread in a single layer.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup. Alternatively, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor. You can also add some toasted nuts for extra crunch.
* **Use Different Types of Bacon:** Experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood smoked bacon or peppered bacon, to add unique flavors to the dish.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Brussels sprouts before roasting.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to roast, simply toss them together and follow the remaining steps.
* **Add Dried Cranberries:** A sprinkle of dried cranberries after roasting adds a burst of tartness that complements the other flavors.
* **Consider Different Vinegars:** Instead of balsamic vinegar, try using apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

## Serving Suggestions

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

* **Roasted Chicken:** The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the savory flavor of roasted chicken perfectly.
* **Pork Tenderloin:** This dish is a delicious accompaniment to pork tenderloin, especially when paired with an apple cider glaze.
* **Grilled Salmon:** The crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts add a delightful contrast to the richness of grilled salmon.
* **Steak:** Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a great alternative to traditional steakhouse sides like creamed spinach or mashed potatoes.
* **Lentil Loaf:** For a vegetarian option, serve this dish with a lentil loaf or other plant-based protein.
* **Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner:** This recipe is a crowd-pleasing addition to any holiday feast.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** While not ideal, you can reheat the Brussels sprouts in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be aware that they may lose some of their crispness.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 10-12g
* Protein: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of sweet maple syrup, salty bacon, and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts is a flavor sensation that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish for a weeknight meal or a show-stopping addition to your holiday table, this recipe is sure to impress. So, give it a try and discover the magic of transforming humble Brussels sprouts into a culinary delight!