Print

Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

crispy maple bacon brussels sprouts - featured image

A simple yet impressive side dish featuring roasted Brussels sprouts glazed with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and garlic, topped with crispy thick-cut bacon. This recipe skips boiling for a shatteringly crisp texture and balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim stem ends of Brussels sprouts, halve them lengthwise, remove loose leaves, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  3. Lay bacon strips on a large sheet pan and roast for 10-12 minutes until partially cooked but still flexible.
  4. Remove pan, let bacon cool slightly, then crumble into bite-sized pieces. Leave the bacon fat on the pan.
  5. Add halved sprouts to the sheet pan with the bacon fat. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  6. Return pan to oven and roast for 10 minutes.
  7. While sprouts roast, mix maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create the glaze.
  8. Remove pan from oven. Brush the glaze over the sprouts and sprinkle the crumbled bacon back on top.
  9. Return to oven for another 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent the sugar from burning.
  10. Let cool for 2 minutes to allow glaze to set. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using and serve immediately.

Notes

[‘Ensure Brussels sprouts are completely dry before roasting to ensure crispiness; moisture causes steaming.’, ‘Do not crowd the pan; use two pans if necessary to allow space for air circulation.’, ‘Watch the sugar closely during the final roasting stage as maple syrup burns easily.’, ‘If glaze is too thin, reduce it on the stove before brushing.’, ‘For air fryer method: Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, adding glaze and bacon in the last 3 minutes.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, bacon, maple syrup, roasted vegetables, side dish, game day food, easy recipes, gluten-free, comfort food