These oven-roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts are tossed in syrup and thick-cut bacon for a tasty balance of sweet and smoky. Made with just 6 ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, this easy side dish is great for holidays and weeknights.
If you're looking for a way to make Brussels sprouts more flavorful, this is it! The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon coats the sprouts perfectly and pairing it with maple syrup brings a rich, caramelized sweetness to the dish.
This is a dish even the kids will eat! I love that this recipe doesn't require cooking the bacon first and that it's a simple chop and bake process.
If you'd like more quick prep vegetable dish ideas, try my Sautéed Asparagus or Sautéed Spinach. We also love these two green bean dishes: Crispy Baked Green Beans and Country Style Green Beans made in the crock pot.
Reader Review: "I took this recipe and made it on the smoker. Made it even that much better! The family loved this." - Patrick C
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- 30 Minutes Recipe - This side dish takes only 5 minutes of prep and 20-25 minutes of cook time in the oven. It's so simple!
- Easy To Make - After chopping the bacon and Brussels, you coat with seasonings and toss in the oven. Just let the oven do the work.
- Bold Flavors - This combo is a great way to level up a vegetable. We all know bacon makes everything better. Combine it with sweet maple syrup and you have a masterpiece!
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: They'll get tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside. The nutty flavor pairs great with the bacon and syrup.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Using a thick cut bacon will allow more flavor to coat the sprouts. If it's too thin, it may over cook and get too crispy.
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance the flavors.
- Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetness instead of adding brown sugar or granulated sugar. This will allow for a caramelized golden edge on the sprouts.
- Olive Oil: This will allow the vegetable to roast and not dry out.
Tim's Tip: A thick-cut bacon will give more flavorful fat to coat the Brussels, make them even tastier! It'll also be less likely to burn.
How to Make Maple bacon Brussels Sprouts
1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Prep Work: Trim the bottom of the sprouts and cut them in half. Remove any loose leaves. Chop the bacon.
3. Mix: In a medium mixing bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts, bacon, maple syrup, salt, pepper and olive oil.
4. Bake: On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spread out the sprouts evenly making sure non are stacked. Place the sprouts cut side up for a more crispier texture. Bake for 25 minutes (don't over cook because the syrup will burn).
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Expert Tips
- How to Make it Crispy - Cook the Brussels cut side up for a crispier texture. Cooking them cut side down will trap the moisture and make them softer.
- Check for Doneness - To avoid burning, check on them after 10 minutes and 15 minutes. If they're cooking too quickly, lower the temp.
- Toss Half Way - The maple syrup will turn a dark color and cook quickly. Toss everything on the cooking sheet to keep it from burning.
Variations | Cooking Methods
- Make it Mediterranean - As soon as it comes out of the oven, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
- This recipe is a great diary-free and gluten-free option for enjoying this vegetable and not sacrificing flavor! *always double check your ingredients*
- Different Cooking Methods - These Brussels sprouts can also be cooking on the smoker, pellet grill or in the air fryer! When cooking them on the pellet grill or smoker, we lower the temp to 350°F and place the ingredients in a cast iron skillet. If using the air fryer, set it to 400°F and cook for 15-18 minutes, tossing half way through.
Storage
Refrigerate - Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze - Place in a freezer safe ziplock, pressing as much air out as you can. Store in the freezer for up to 10 months.
Make-Ahead - Pre-cut your Brussels and bacon up to 2 days ahead of time. Then, simply toss ingredients together and cook before serving.
Reheat - Reheat in the oven or in an air fryer at 400°F to bring back that crispy texture. If reheating from the freezer, first thaw it in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Make sure you roast the Brussels with the cut side up so you don't trap moisture in the sprouts. Make sure they aren't overcrowded in the pan.
If you want them crispy, uncover while baking. If you want them to cook faster, cover them with aluminum foil.
This allows them to cook faster and gives more surface area for browning. You want the Brussels to finish cooking the same as the bacon to prevent burning. Smaller Brussels can be left whole.
What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts
- Pair with Meat Dishes - This vegetable can be paired with any meaty main dish or pasta. Serve it with items from the grill like a Grilled Meatloaf or easier pair it with slow cooker meals. We love serving it with a Slow Cooker Cube Steak!
- More Sauces and Toppings - Skip the maple syrup and drizzle the sprouts with balsamic vinegar or a bit of fresh lemon juice.
- Cheeses - Top with parmesan cheese, feta or goat cheese right before serving.
- Sides - We pair this with more carb based side dishes like a Creamy Mashed Potatoes. It also goes great with Oven Roasted Rosemary Potatoes and Garlic and Parmesan Potatoes.
More Under 30 Minute Recipes
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Recipe
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Oven
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts trimmed and cut in half
- 3 slices Thick Cut Bacon chopped
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Balck Pepper
- 3 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 3 tablespoon Olive Oil extra virgin
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prep Work: Trim the bottom of the sprouts and cut them in ½. Remove any loose leaves. Chop the bacon.
- Mix: In a medium mixing bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts, bacon, maple syrup, salt, pepper and olive oil.
- Bake: On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spread out the sprouts evenly making sure non are stacked. Place the sprouts cut side up for a more crispier texture. Bake for 25 minutes (don't over cook because the syrup will burn).
Comments
No Comments