A delightful aroma filled my kitchen as I sautéed crispy bacon, and I couldn’t help but smile at the magic about to unfold. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts—a remarkable side dish that effortlessly marries the sweet allure of maple syrup with the salty crunch of bacon. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish skyrockets from mundane to magnificent, perfect for your next holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. With vibrant green sprouts that boast a tender interior and crisp edges, these maple Brussels sprouts not only charm the taste buds but also offer a healthy upgrade to your usual side options. Are you curious to learn the simple steps to bring this mouthwatering dish to life? Let’s dive in!
Why Are Maple Brussels Sprouts Irresistible?
Savory-Sweet Harmony: The rich combination of crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup creates a flavor explosion that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite.
Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its vibrant color and delicious taste, these maple Brussels sprouts are sure to impress family and friends, making them a must-have on your holiday table.
Healthier Side Option: Rich in vitamins and low in calories, this dish swaps traditional heavy sides for something nutritious yet delightful. For more nutritious ideas, check out my recipe for Pumpkin Maple Cookies.
Versatile Dish: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or even plant-based bacon for a creative twist! The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility while maintaining mouthwatering flavor.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
• Get ready to gather the essentials for your delicious Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts!
For the Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels Sprouts – Trimmed and halved, these provide a fresh, slightly bitter base that beautifully balances the sweetness.
For Cooking
- Kosher Salt – Utilize during boiling to enhance the flavors; adjust to your taste preferences.
- Bacon – The star of umami flavor and richness; turkey bacon can substitute for a lighter version.
For Crunch and Flavor
- Pecans – Adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; feel free to swap for walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Ground Mustard – This optional ingredient provides a pleasant depth to the flavor profile, making it worth considering!
For Sweetness and Depth
- Bourbon – Introduces a complex sweetness; apple cider vinegar serves as a great non-alcoholic alternative.
- Maple Syrup – Use pure maple syrup for a caramelized finish that makes this dish stand out.
- Ground Pepper – Adjust this classic seasoning to your taste for a perfectly seasoned dish.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Blanch Sprouts
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and cook them for 4-5 minutes until tender but still a vibrant green. Once blanched, immediately drain the sprouts and transfer them into an ice bath to quickly cool and stop the cooking process. This ensures they maintain their delightful color and crunch.
Step 2: Cook Bacon
In a large skillet, place diced bacon over medium heat and sauté for 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the bacon becomes crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, allowing excess grease to drain on paper towels. The rendered bacon fat will be used to enhance the flavor of the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
Step 3: Sauté Sprouts
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the blanched Brussels sprouts along with the pecans to the skillet with bacon fat. Sauté the mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sprouts develop a crispy exterior and a beautiful golden hue. This step adds texture and depth to your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, making them irresistible.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Once the sprouts are nicely sautéed, sprinkle in the ground mustard for an extra kick of flavor. Carefully pour in the bourbon (or apple cider vinegar) to deglaze the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and absorb into the sprouts, intensifying the savory-sweet flavor profile of the dish.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Next, add the crispy bacon and pure maple syrup to the skillet with the sprouts. Toss everything together well, ensuring the sprouts are fully coated in the sticky syrup. Continue to cook for around 1 minute, allowing the maple syrup to thicken slightly and glaze the Brussels sprouts beautifully. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 6: Serve
Immediately plate your luscious Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts for the best texture and presentation. The warmth and vibrant appearance of this mouthwatering side dish make it an excellent companion for your holiday feast or a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy this sweet and savory delight right away!
Expert Tips for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Bacon Alternatives: Enjoy a lighter version by using turkey bacon or plant-based bacon, which can provide the same savory depth without the added fat.
- Size Matters: For even cooking, choose Brussels sprouts of similar sizes. Halve larger ones and leave smaller sprouts whole to ensure perfect tenderness.
- Don’t Skip the Ice Bath: Cooling the blanched sprouts in an ice bath is essential for retaining their bright color and crunchy texture—don’t skip this step!
- Maple Syrup Quality: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality pure maple syrup. It enhances the sweetness and results in a glossy finish for your Maple Brussels Sprouts.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with different nuts; walnuts or almonds can add unique flavors and textures to this dish.
- Advance Prep: If you’re short on time, blanch the sprouts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before sautéing.
What to Serve with Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that perfectly complement the savory-sweet characters of these Brussels sprouts.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food, the buttery smoothness enhances the savory crunch of the sprouts, creating a balanced plate.
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Herb-Roasted Chicken: Juicy and aromatic, this dish brings a savory richness that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet maple flavors.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tart zing of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bacon and maple, invigorating each bite.
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Quinoa Salad: Light and refreshing, a lemony quinoa salad adds texture and enhances the wholesome goodness of your meal. Its nutty flavor complements Brussels sprouts perfectly.
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Grilled Salmon: The flakiness and rich taste of salmon combined with the sprouts create a satisfying symphony of flavors and textures.
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Sparkling Cider: A light, bubbly drink that brings out the refreshing flavors of the dish while complementing the sweet notes of maple syrup.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a delightful finish, echoing the sweet theme of your main dish.
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Roasted Carrots: These bring an earthy sweetness that plays off the maple syrup, creating a comforting, cozy dinner experience.
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Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: If you’re a Brussels sprouts lover, serve them twice! A variant with honey glaze will highlight the central ingredient while adding a unique twist.
Make Ahead Options
These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy holidays or weeknight dinners! You can blanch the Brussels sprouts and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This maintains their vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing any unwanted browning. Additionally, you can cook the bacon in advance and refrigerate it, making it easy to combine with the sprouts when ready to finish the dish. When it’s time to serve, simply sauté the prepped sprouts with the cooked bacon and follow the remaining steps, giving you that same deliciously rich flavor with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Fridge: Store any leftover maple Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
Make-Ahead Tip: Blanch the Brussels sprouts in advance and keep them stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time when preparing this delightful dish.
Maple Brussels Sprouts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore and customize this recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the bacon with a vegan bacon alternative to create a completely plant-based dish while still enjoying that savory punch.
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Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or replace them with crunchy sunflower seeds for a delightful texture without the nuts. This swap maintains the crunch factor that complements the sprouts beautifully.
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Low-Carb: For a keto-friendly option, use a sugar-free maple syrup or a keto sweetener instead of regular maple syrup. This way, you can enjoy the dish without the extra carbs!
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Extra Crunch: Swap out pecans for crispy fried onions to give a different layer of crunch and flavor. Fried onions bring a savory sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sprouts.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat. This adjustment will elevate the flavors and add a surprising little zing to each bite.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika along with the ground mustard for an additional layer of flavor. This creates a delightful smokiness that complements the bacon beautifully.
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Sweet & Savory Boost: For added sweetness, mix in a tablespoon of balsamic glaze right before serving. The glaze will enhance the flavors and offer a deliciously tangy contrast to the sweetness of the maple syrup.
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Vegan Alternative: Use coconut aminos in place of bourbon and maple syrup to create a sweet and salty balance that still delivers that warm, comforting vibe. It’s a perfect way to enjoy this dish on a vegan diet!
Feel inspired? For another delectable twist on sweetness, check out my recipe for Pumpkin Maple Cookies and discover a new favorite! Each variation allows you to create your own masterpiece while still relishing that irresistible maple Brussels sprout goodness.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs
How do I select fresh Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for firm, vibrant green, and tightly closed buds. Avoid any that have yellowing leaves or dark spots all over, as these are signs of age.
How should I store leftover Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
Store any leftover maple Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation, which could make them go soggy.
Can I freeze Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
Yes, you can freeze them! Spread the cooked Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
What if my Brussels sprouts are overcooked?
If you accidentally overcook your Brussels sprouts and they turn mushy, don’t worry! Try sautéing them in a hot skillet for an additional minute or two to crisp up the exterior. Adding a bit of fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar can also reinvigorate their flavor.
Are Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts suitable for vegetarians?
Very! For a vegetarian or plant-based version, substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative or keep the dish veggie-friendly by eliminating the bacon entirely. You can also amp up the umami flavors with smoked paprika and nutritional yeast.
Can I prepare Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can blanch the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before finishing the dish. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve! Just sauté them straight from the fridge when ready.
Irresistibly Sweet Maple Brussels Sprouts Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and cook them for 4-5 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Drain and transfer to an ice bath.
- In a skillet, place diced bacon over medium heat and sauté for 7-8 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, allowing excess grease to drain.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the blanched Brussels sprouts and pecans to the skillet with bacon fat. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Sprinkle in the ground mustard and pour in the bourbon (or vinegar) to deglaze the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to intensify flavors.
- Add the crispy bacon and pure maple syrup to the skillet. Toss together and cook for 1 minute to thicken the syrup coating the sprouts.
- Plate the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts immediately for the best texture and presentation. Enjoy this sweet and savory delight!
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