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Cozy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – Easy Side Dish

maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon - featured image

These caramelized maple roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory. An embarrassingly simple side dish that converts even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 6 slices (about 170g) thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons (60ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat them completely dry. Trim off the tough, woody ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem; quarter any large sprouts so they’re roughly the same size.
  3. Cut the bacon crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon. Pour the maple glaze over the top and toss until every sprout is well coated.
  6. Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, placing the sprouts cut-side down as much as possible. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  7. Roast for 20-25 minutes. After 12-15 minutes, remove the pan and flip the sprouts and redistribute the bacon. Return to the oven and continue roasting for another 8-10 minutes, until the sprouts are tender on the inside and deeply caramelized on the outside, and the bacon is crispy.
  8. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra caramelization, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Let the sprouts rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a serving dish. Optionally, drizzle a tiny bit more maple syrup over the top before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure sprouts are completely dry before glazing and arrange cut-side down. If using thin-cut bacon, add it halfway through roasting to prevent burning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive crispiness.

Nutrition

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