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Cozy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (Easy Side Dish)

maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon - featured image

This easy side dish transforms humble Brussels sprouts into something irresistible with a sweet maple glaze and salty bacon. Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Rinse Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat completely dry. Trim off tough ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem; cut large ones into quarters.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Arrange sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet, cut-side down. Do not overcrowd.
  5. Roast for 15 minutes.
  6. While sprouts roast, cook bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar (if using), and reserved bacon fat.
  8. After 15 minutes, remove baking sheet from oven. Flip sprouts over. Drizzle maple glaze over sprouts and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle cooked bacon pieces on top.
  9. Return to oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, until sprouts are tender and caramelized, and bacon is crispy.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest on pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish as desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Pat sprouts completely dry after washing to ensure crispy edges. Add maple glaze halfway through roasting to prevent burning. Use thick-cut bacon for best results. For a vegetarian version, skip bacon and add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple roasted Brussels sprouts, Brussels sprouts with bacon, easy side dish, holiday side dish, roasted vegetables, maple bacon Brussels sprouts