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Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe Easy Sweet Glaze Side Dish

maple bacon brussels sprouts - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring crispy roasted Brussels sprouts glazed with a sweet maple syrup and apple cider vinegar mixture, topped with crispy bacon bits for a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Trim the stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the sprouts. Toss well to coat evenly.
  4. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut side down. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through to brown evenly.
  5. While the Brussels sprouts roast, chop the bacon into small pieces. Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pan.
  6. In the same skillet with bacon fat, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the glaze thickens slightly.
  7. Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted and browned, transfer them back to the mixing bowl. Pour in the maple glaze and sprinkle the crispy bacon bits over the top. Toss gently to coat all the sprouts.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure sprouts crisp up instead of steaming. Keep an eye on the glaze to avoid burning. Warm maple syrup slightly if too thick to help it coat the sprouts evenly. For extra crispiness, broil the sprouts for 1-2 minutes at the end. Leftovers can be reheated gently in a skillet to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, bacon, roasted vegetables, sweet glaze, side dish, easy recipe, crispy Brussels sprouts