Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Delicious Crispy Roast

Okay, let’s talk roasted vegetables. You know how much I adore them, right? There’s something magical about taking simple veggies and transforming them into something truly special in the oven. But if you’ve ever thought Brussels sprouts were… well, boring, then buckle up! My obsession with these **Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts** started years ago when I was trying to make them a dish my whole family would actually get excited about. I wanted that perfect balance – crispy edges, tender centers, a little bit of sweet from the maple syrup, and that irresistible salty crunch from the bacon. It took a few tries, but this recipe? It’s the one. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Seriously Simple: You can get these from the fridge to the table with hardly any fuss. Just toss, roast, toss, and roast again!
Taste Sensation: It’s that perfect mix of sweet maple syrup, salty crispy bacon, and perfectly roasted sprouts that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Brussels Sprouts Conversion: If you think you don’t like sprouts, give these a try! They’re so good, they might just change your mind.
Versatile Sidekick: They’re the perfect partner for almost any main dish, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fancy holiday feast.

Ingredients for the Perfect Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Alright, here’s what you’ll need to whip up these little flavor bombs. I’ve tried to keep it super straightforward so you can get cooking!

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved – make sure they’re about the same size so they all cook evenly!
4 slices of bacon, chopped – I like to get these into little pieces before they hit the pan.
2 tbsp maple syrup – please, please use the real stuff! It makes such a difference.
1 tbsp olive oil – just a little for that initial roast.
1/4 tsp salt – adjust this to your taste, especially with the salty bacon!
1/8 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked is always best if you have it!

See? Easy peasy! Just gather these up and you’re halfway there.

How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Step-by-Step

Honestly, making these is way simpler than you might think! It’s all about getting those sprouts nice and crispy first, then adding that heavenly maple bacon glaze. I’ll walk you through it. Just follow these steps and soon your kitchen will smell amazing!

Prepping and Roasting the Brussels Sprouts

First things first, get that oven roaring! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper – this makes cleanup a breeze, trust me. Now, take your lovely halved Brussels sprouts and pop them into a big bowl. Drizzle in that olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and give them a good toss. You want every single sprout to get a little bit of that seasoning. Then, spread them out on your baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t pile them up! They need space to get crispy, not steam like they’re in a sauna.

Cooking Bacon and Creating the Maple Glaze

Okay, while those sprouts are getting a head start, let’s tackle the bacon. Toss your chopped bacon into a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s perfectly crispy – you know, those lovely little crunchy bits! Once it’s done, carefully drain off most of the bacon fat, but leave just a tablespoon or so in the pan. It’s going to be the base for our glaze! Pour in that gorgeous maple syrup and give it a quick stir. Let it bubble away for about a minute until it thickens up just a little. It’ll start to smell incredible!

Combining and Final Roasting for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Now for the magic moment! Take your sprouts out of the oven – they should be starting to get tender. Pour that delicious bacon-maple mixture right over them on the baking sheet. Grab a spoon or those clean hands, and give everything a good toss to coat those sprouts evenly. Make sure every single one gets a bit of that sweet, salty goodness. Pop the whole tray back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender, a little bit browned, and beautifully caramelized. That’s how you know your **Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts** are ready to rock!

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Okay, let’s talk about getting these sprouts *perfectly* crispy. It’s not super complicated, but a few little tricks I’ve picked up make all the difference. I’ve learned these through a lot of happy kitchen experimenting!

Give Them Space! Seriously, this is number one. When you spread your sprouts on that baking sheet, make sure they aren’t huddled together. They need room to breathe and roast, not steam. If your pan looks too crowded, just grab a second baking sheet. It’s worth the extra pan to wash!
The Right Heat is Key: That 400°F (200°C) oven temperature is your best friend here. It’s hot enough to get those nice crispy edges and caramelization going without burning them. Just keep an eye on them, especially in the last 10 minutes.
Don’t Skip the Double Roast: Roasting them first without the bacon-maple stuff helps them get tender and start browning. Then, adding the glaze and roasting again seals in all that flavor and gives them that irresistible sticky-sweet coating. It’s a two-step dance for ultimate deliciousness!
Trim Those Stems! Make sure you trim off that tough little woody end on the Brussels sprouts. It really makes a difference in texture and how the glaze sticks. I usually just cut off the very bottom bit.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Let’s quickly chat about a couple of things in this recipe, because sometimes you gotta make do with what you have, right?

First up, the maple syrup. Please, please, PLEASE try to use 100% pure maple syrup if you can find it! The imitation stuff just doesn’t have that same complex, rich flavor and it can be a bit too sweet without that depth. If imitation is all you have, it’ll still work, but it won’t be quite the same magic. You can check out these maple syrup substitutes if you’re curious!

And the bacon! Oh, the bacon. It brings that salty, smoky goodness. If you’re going vegetarian or just don’t have bacon on hand, you could try using some really smoky, crispy tempeh or even some chopped pancetta for a different flavor profile. Just remember, bacon adds a certain fat and flavor that’ll be missed, but you can still make these sprouts delicious without it!

Serving and Storing Your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These **Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts** are honestly a total winner for almost any meal! They’re fantastic alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a juicy steak. They also hold their own on a holiday table, nestled next to the turkey or ham. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 2-3 days. To reheat and get that crispy texture back, I like to give them a quick crisp-up in a hot oven or a skillet for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can – it can make them a bit soggy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Got questions about these amazing sprouts? I’ve got answers! It’s no biggie, I get asked these all the time.

Can I make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?

You can totally prep some parts ahead! Cook the bacon and toss the sprouts with the oil and seasonings a day in advance. But honestly? They are *best* roasted fresh, combined right before the final bake for that ultimate crispy texture and sticky glaze. Trying to reheat the glaze can get a little messy.

What if I don’t have bacon?

No bacon? No problem! For a vegetarian twist, try some crispy smoked tofu or tempeh. Pan-fry them until golden and a little crispy, then toss them with the maple syrup. Prosciutto is another great option if you’re okay with pork but want a different flavor! Just remember, the bacon adds a lot of savory depth!

How do I ensure my Brussels sprouts are crispy?

Ah, the quest for crispiness! My biggest tip is to not overcrowd the pan – give those sprouts plenty of space! Also, make sure they’re really dry before you toss them with the oil and seasonings. Patting them with a paper towel after halving really helps them achieve that perfect, delicious char without getting soggy.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but if you’re looking for the nitty-gritty on what’s in these delicious **Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts**, here’s a general idea! Keep in mind that the exact numbers can totally change depending on the brands you use, especially for the bacon and maple syrup. But generally, you’re looking at something like:

Calories: Around 150-200 per serving
Protein: About 5-7g
Fat: Roughly 10-15g (thanks, bacon!)
Carbohydrates: Around 10-15g
Fiber: Typically 3-5g

So, a tasty side that packs a punch of flavor and some good fiber!