If you’re thinking, “Brussels sprouts? Really?”—hang tight, because these maple bacon Brussels sprouts are about to change your mind. Sweet, smoky, salty, and a little bit crispy, this recipe will convert even the most die-hard veggie skeptic at your table. (Trust me, I used to hate Brussels sprouts—until bacon and maple syrup came along.)
Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or just want to up your veggie game, this dish is the perfect blend of bold flavor and simple comfort. Plus, with a short ingredient list and easy steps, you can pull this off even if you’re not a “fancy” cook. Ready for the best Brussels sprouts ever? Let’s go.
Table of Contents
- Why Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Work (Even for Picky Eaters)
- Choosing the Best Ingredients
- Step-by-Step: How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Nutrition Table: What’s Really Inside?
- Tips, Variations & Common Mistakes
- Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- FAQs About Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Final Thoughts & Invitation
Why Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Work (Even for Picky Eaters)
So, what’s the secret to making Brussels sprouts totally irresistible? It’s all about flavor balance. The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with the rich, smoky bite of bacon and the sweet, caramelized notes of maple syrup.
Why this recipe is a winner:
- Sweet, salty, and savory in one bite: Bacon brings the umami, maple syrup brings the sweet, and the sprouts get perfectly roasted and crisp.
- Perfect texture: Crispy edges and tender centers make every bite interesting.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even veggie skeptics (and most kids) love this combo. I’ve seen it disappear at potlucks faster than mac and cheese!
- Effortless, but feels gourmet: This dish is fancy enough for a holiday, easy enough for Tuesday night.
Real talk: My own family’s “Brussels sprout hater” admitted these were “pretty addictive” after three servings. 😏
Choosing the Best Ingredients
You don’t need a mile-long shopping list, but quality ingredients make all the difference.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Brussels sprouts: Go for bright green, firm sprouts (smaller is often sweeter).
- Thick-cut bacon: It crisps up better and adds a deeper flavor.
- Pure maple syrup: Real maple syrup (not pancake syrup) gives that signature caramelized glaze.
- Olive oil: Helps roast everything evenly.
- Salt and black pepper: A must for balance.
Optional Flavor Boosters
- Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
- Garlic cloves (roast with the sprouts for mellow, sweet garlic flavor)
- Balsamic vinegar (a splash at the end for brightness)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Trim & halve the Brussels sprouts. Cut off the tough stem, remove any yellow leaves, and slice in half lengthwise.
- Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toss and Season
- In a large bowl, toss sprouts and bacon with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange & Roast
- Spread everything in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For max crispiness, make sure the cut sides of sprouts are facing down.
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
4. Glaze with Maple Syrup
- After 20 minutes, drizzle maple syrup over the sprouts and bacon. Use a spatula to toss everything well.
- Return to the oven and roast another 10–15 minutes, until the sprouts are caramelized and bacon is crisp.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot. (Optional: sprinkle with fresh herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar.)
Pro tip:
For ultra-crispy bacon, bake separately and toss in at the end. But honestly, roasting everything together makes cleanup easier and flavors blend perfectly.
Nutrition Table: What’s Really Inside?
| Ingredient | Calories | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts (1 cup) | 38 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Bacon (1 slice) | 42 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Maple syrup (1 Tbsp) | 52 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Olive oil (1 tsp) | 40 | 0 | 0 | 4.5 |
| Total per serving | 172 | 21 | 6 | 7.5 |
Nutrition highlights:
Each serving is satisfying but not heavy. The dish is rich in vitamin C and fiber from Brussels sprouts, plus a hit of protein from bacon. Using less maple syrup or bacon makes it even lighter!
Tips, Variations & Common Mistakes
Pro Tips
- Dry your sprouts well after washing—excess water = steaming, not roasting.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Overlapping = soggy, not crispy.
- Toss halfway through for even caramelization.
Flavor Variations
- Balsamic glaze: Drizzle on top after roasting for tang.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle with toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds before serving.
- Vegetarian twist: Skip bacon and add smoked paprika for a similar depth.
Common Mistakes
- Using frozen sprouts: They steam, not roast—fresh is best.
- Too much syrup at once: Wait until the end for the glaze; adding syrup early leads to burning.
- Uneven slicing: Consistent size means even cooking!
Side note:
Leftovers are delicious chopped into salads or tossed with scrambled eggs the next morning. IMO, breakfast leftovers are underrated.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Maple bacon Brussels sprouts are perfect for:
- Holiday dinners (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
- Weeknight meals (with roast chicken, pork chops, or salmon)
- Potlucks (they reheat well!)
- Brunch tables (yes, with eggs!)
Pair with:
- Roasted meats
- Quinoa or wild rice bowls
- Other roasted veggies
Real-life example: I once served these with mashed potatoes and grilled steak—every plate was clean!
FAQs About Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Roast, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat on a sheet pan at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Totally. Use vegan bacon (or skip), and add smoked paprika for that bacon-y flavor.
Q3: Are Brussels sprouts healthy?
Absolutely—full of fiber, vitamins K and C, and antioxidants.
Q4: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but honey is sweeter and stickier—start with less and taste as you go.
Q5: Why are my sprouts mushy, not crispy?
You may have crowded the pan, used too much oil, or not roasted at high enough heat.
Final Thoughts & Invitation
Here’s the thing: Maple bacon Brussels sprouts are more than just a trendy side—they’re a celebration of everything great about comfort food. Sweet, smoky, and a little bit salty, they’re proof that Brussels sprouts can be totally crave-worthy.
Have you tried these, or have your own Brussels sprout twist? Drop your favorite add-ins, epic wins, or kitchen fails below. (We’ve all burned bacon at least once, right? 😅)
Your tips and tweaks make the food world better—so share away!
External Links
- Nutritional info on Brussels sprouts – USDA
- Maple Syrup Nutrition – Healthline
- Tips for Cooking Bacon – Food Network
Go forth and roast! And if you win over a Brussels sprout hater, let me know. That’s a kitchen badge of honor if there ever was one. 🥓🥬✨