Elevate your side dish game with these Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. This mouthwatering recipe combines the earthy flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon and the sweet touch of maple syrup. Perfectly crispy and tender, these Brussels sprouts are sure to become a favorite addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a medium mixing bowl.
- Prepare Maple Syrup Mixture: In a separate small bowl, combine the maple syrup, melted butter, and olive oil.
- Coat Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle the maple syrup mixture over the Brussels sprouts and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
- Add Bacon: Once roasted, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and toss them with the cooked, crumbled bacon.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with sea salt to taste, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 6
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve with Style: Present your Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts in a decorative serving dish or platter to make them the star of the table. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance.
- Pairing Perfection: These Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. Consider serving them alongside your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Holiday Favorite: Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a fantastic side dish for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or dinner parties. Their rich and savory flavors are sure to impress guests and leave them coming back for more.
- Make Ahead: Save time on busy weeknights by preparing the Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Simply roast them according to the recipe, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: While Brussels sprouts can be frozen, their texture may change slightly after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Refreshing Leftovers: Transform leftover Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts into a delicious salad by tossing them with mixed greens, diced apples, toasted pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette. This makes for a tasty and nutritious lunch option.
- Enhance with Cheese: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese over the roasted Brussels sprouts just before serving. The creamy and savory cheese complements the smoky bacon and sweet maple flavors beautifully.
- Reheating: To reheat leftover Brussels sprouts, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed to your liking.
- Serve as Appetizers: Serve Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts as bite-sized appetizers by skewering them with toothpicks and arranging them on a platter. They make for a delicious and satisfying finger food option for parties or gatherings.
- Experiment with Additions: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or sliced shallots for added flavor and texture. Get creative and make it your own!
With these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts, whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in this irresistible side dish!
Variations:
- Balsamic Glaze Twist: Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze before serving for a tangy and sweet flavor contrast that enhances the richness of the bacon and maple.
- Garlic Parmesan Delight: Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for a savory and cheesy variation that’s bursting with flavor.
- Honey Mustard Infusion: Mix together honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, then toss the roasted Brussels sprouts in the mixture for a sweet and tangy twist that’s sure to please.
- Asian-Inspired Fusion: Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavor profile that’s both savory and aromatic.
- Cranberry Pecan Surprise: Add dried cranberries and toasted pecans to the roasted Brussels sprouts for a festive and flavorful variation that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
- Spicy Sriracha Kick: Mix Sriracha sauce with melted butter and toss the roasted Brussels sprouts in the spicy mixture for a fiery variation that packs a punch and wakes up your taste buds.
- Lemon Herb Elegance: Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a bright and herbaceous flavor profile.
- Mushroom Madness: Add sautéed mushrooms to the roasted Brussels sprouts for an earthy and hearty variation that’s perfect for mushroom lovers and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Caramelized Onion Charm: Top the roasted Brussels sprouts with caramelized onions for a sweet and savory addition that enhances the natural sweetness of the maple syrup and complements the smoky bacon.
- Tangy Apple Cider Glaze: Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with a reduction of apple cider, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon for a tangy and seasonal variation that’s perfect for autumn.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe? While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting.
- How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy? To ensure crispy Brussels sprouts, make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even roasting.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can omit the bacon and use plant-based butter or olive oil to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly. You can also substitute vegan bacon or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to pork bacon and can be used in this recipe for a lighter option that still provides a smoky flavor.
- What can I serve with Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts? These Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or even Thanksgiving turkey. They also make a delicious addition to holiday feasts and potluck dinners.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While these Brussels sprouts are best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and roast them just before serving. Alternatively, you can reheat leftover Brussels sprouts in the oven or microwave.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the maple syrup? Yes, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more maple syrup, or reduce the amount for a less sweet variation.
- How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator? Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Can I use different types of bacon for this recipe? Yes, you can use your favorite type of bacon, such as applewood-smoked, maple-glazed, or peppered bacon, to add different flavor profiles to the dish.
- What can I do with leftover Brussels sprouts? Leftover Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed in salads, omelets, pasta dishes, or even as a topping for pizza. Get creative and experiment with different ways to incorporate them into your meals.
Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in these Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts, perfect for adding a savory and satisfying element to any meal.