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Easy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – The Best Side

maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon - featured image
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Sweet maple and salty bacon transform Brussels sprouts into an irresistible side dish that even picky eaters love. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Rinse 1 ½ pounds of Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat them completely dry. Trim the tough, woody ends—about ¼ inch off the bottom. Remove any yellow or loose outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem. If any are very large (bigger than a golf ball), quarter them instead.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon for 3-4 minutes, just until it starts to render some fat but isn’t fully crispy. Drain on paper towels, but save 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add the reserved tablespoon of bacon fat if desired.
  5. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and partially cooked bacon to the bowl with the glaze. Toss well until every sprout is evenly coated.
  6. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut-side down. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  7. Roast for 20-25 minutes. Roast without disturbing for 15 minutes. Then use a spatula to flip the sprouts and bacon. Roast for another 5-10 minutes, until the sprouts are tender on the inside and crispy on the edges.
  8. Remove from the oven. If using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the top right away. Let the sprouts rest on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the sprouts—wet sprouts steam instead of roast. Cut-side down is non-negotiable for caramelization. If sprouts brown too quickly but aren’t tender, lower oven to 375°F and roast 5 more minutes. Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple roasted Brussels sprouts, Brussels sprouts with bacon, easy side dish, holiday side dish, roasted vegetables, gluten-free side dish

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-maple-roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-bacon-the-best-side/