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Flavorful Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

maple glazed Brussels sprouts - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring roasted Brussels sprouts glazed with pure maple syrup and crispy bacon, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 to 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: sprinkle of toasted pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim the ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
  4. Spread the Brussels sprouts cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
  5. While the sprouts roast, place the bacon slices in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to the skillet with the bacon fat. Stir over low heat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Crumble the crispy bacon and add it to the skillet with the glaze. Toss in the roasted Brussels sprouts and stir well to coat evenly.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

Roast Brussels sprouts cut side down for better caramelization. Use medium heat when cooking bacon to render fat slowly and avoid burning. Stir glaze gently over low heat to thicken without burning. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep bacon crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, maple glaze, bacon, roasted vegetables, easy side dish, quick recipe, holiday side, gluten-free, low-carb