Maple Roasted Apple Brussels Sprouts

The Perfect Sweet-Savory Fall Side Dish

When the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, our taste buds naturally crave warmth, sweetness, and earthy flavors. That’s where maple roasted apple brussels sprouts come in—a cozy side dish that perfectly captures the essence of autumn in every caramelized bite.

This dish brings together crispy roasted brussels sprouts, tender apple slices, and a luscious maple glaze that turns an everyday veggie into the highlight of your table. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just looking for a colorful side for weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Bold contrast: Sweet apples + earthy sprouts = perfect balance
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Perfect for meal prep or entertaining
Works as a holiday or weekday side dish

It’s a celebration of fall produce in the simplest, most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need much to create magic. Just a few pantry staples and fresh produce:

🥦 Vegetables & Fruit:

Fresh brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great), sliced or chopped

🍁 Flavor Boosters:

Maple syrup (pure, not pancake syrup)
Olive oil
Dijon mustard (optional but adds depth)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for garnish)

This short ingredient list still brings plenty of flavor—and flexibility.

How to Choose the Best Apples and Sprouts

🍎 Best Apples for Roasting:

Honeycrisp – Sweet, tart, and holds shape
Fuji – Mild, juicy, and slightly firm
Pink Lady – Tangy and vibrant
Avoid: Red Delicious (too soft), McIntosh (gets mushy)

🥬 Best Brussels Sprouts:

Choose sprouts that are firm, tight, and bright green
Smaller sprouts are sweeter and roast more evenly
Trim stems and remove any yellowing leaves before use

Step-by-Step: How to Make Maple Roasted Apple Brussels Sprouts

🔥 Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
Slice apples into thin wedges or chunks
Trim and halve the brussels sprouts

🥣 Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

2–3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
A pinch of salt and pepper

🥄 Step 3: Toss and Spread

In a large mixing bowl, toss the brussels sprouts and apples with the glaze until evenly coated.

Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded—use two sheets if necessary.

🔄 Step 4: Roast

Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until:

Brussels sprouts are golden and crisp on the edges
Apples are tender and starting to caramelize

Optional: In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per 1-cup serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~130 kcal
Protein	~2g
Carbohydrates	~17g
Sugars	~8g (natural)
Fiber	~4g
Fat	~6g
Saturated Fat	~1g
Sodium	~100 mg
Vitamin C	High (from sprouts)
Antioxidants	Excellent (from both)

✅ Whole food ingredients
✅ Naturally gluten-free
✅ Plant-based & nutrient dense

Flavor Variations & Additions

This recipe is versatile—try these twists to make it your own:

🧄 Add Garlic

Toss in a few smashed garlic cloves or sprinkle with garlic powder before roasting.

🧀 Add Cheese (Non-Vegan)

Top with crumbled goat cheese or shaved parmesan right before serving.

🌶 Add Heat

A dash of chili flakes or cayenne can balance the sweetness beautifully.

🥓 Add Crunch

Add crumbled roasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for texture and richness.

Tips for Roasting Success

Don’t overcrowd the pan — Crowded veggies steam instead of crisp.
Use parchment paper — Prevents sticking and helps caramelization.
Flip halfway through — Even roasting = more crispy bits.
Roast at high heat — 400°F or higher for best texture.
Use fresh, not frozen — Frozen sprouts won’t crisp well in this recipe.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

🧊 Make Ahead:

Trim and cut the sprouts and apples a day ahead
Store them separately in airtight containers
Make the glaze in advance and refrigerate
Combine and roast just before serving

♨️ Reheating:

Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5–10 minutes to crisp
Microwave reheating will soften texture but still taste great

❄️ Storage:

Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days
Great as a salad topper or grain bowl addition the next day

Perfect Pairings for Your Table

Whether you’re serving a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these brussels sprouts pair beautifully with:

Pairing	Why It Works
Roast chicken or turkey	Savory meat balances sweetness
Quinoa or wild rice	Soaks up glaze + adds texture
Butternut squash soup	Doubles down on cozy fall flavors
Kale or spinach salad	A crisp, green contrast
Warm rolls or cornbread	Mop up every last drop of glaze

Hosting Tip: Make It a Fall Veggie Medley

Want to stretch the recipe or build a bigger side dish? Add:

Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Red onion wedges
Parsnips

Toss everything in the same maple glaze and roast together—it’s like autumn on a tray.

A Personal Fall Cooking Moment

The first time I made this dish, it was purely accidental. I had half a bag of brussels sprouts, one lonely apple, and a craving for something cozy. I tossed it all on a tray with maple syrup and a bit of mustard.

Thirty minutes later, I had this beautiful, sweet-savory mess that disappeared in minutes—no main dish needed. Now, it’s a go-to every fall.

Sometimes the best dishes start with a “what if?”