Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

This content originally appeared here. Republished with permission.

These sweet and savory maple bacon brussels sprouts are a great side dish for many meals! Crispy bacon and sticky sweet maple syrup add so much flavor to these crispy brussels sprouts. A go-to side dish that everyone will enjoy.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

The holiday season is often full of really unhealthy dishes. Delicious, yes, but not necessarily something that is great to consume on a regular basis. That’s why I love to have some healthier options for our Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner.

Recipes like these maple bacon brussels sprouts are my favorite way to add healthy dishes to the table that lack nothing in flavor. This sweet and savory combination is irresistable and makes for a great side dish, no matter the time of year.

My favorite way to cook this veggie when I’m in a time crunch is to make air fryer frozen brussel sprouts. But when I have a few more minutes to prep, then I turn to this recipe. Whether I’m preparing a holiday table or not, these maple bacon brussels sprouts are always a great pairing.

Pair these with some brown sugar pork chops for the best cozy dinner. These are truly the best roasted brussels sprouts and the touch of sweetness with salty bacon is an irresistible combo. You’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Even if you’re not a veggie lover, this is a fun recipe that anyone will enjoy:

  • These are a fantastic healthier option for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table. It always helps to keep some tasty veggies on the menu.
  • The texture of these brussels sprouts is fantastic. Tender, yet crispy on the outside, with just a little touch of caramelization from the maple syrup.
  • Maple bacon brussels sprouts are entirely gluten free! A great option to serve if you need a savory and sweet side dish.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these delicious maple bacon brussels sprouts:

  • brussels sprouts
  • bacon
  • maple syrup
  • olive oil
  • pomegranate arils
  • salt and black pepper

Substitutions and Variations

You can use turkey bacon if you prefer! I personally like to grab some sugar free bacon so that the only sweetness is the pure maple syrup.

Feel free to add even more sweetness to this recipe with just a sprinkle of brown sugar.

If you don’t like pomegranate, you can leave the pomegranate arils out of this recipe. Though the tangy flavor they add is so yummy.

How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Follow these step by step instructions to make this delicious side dish:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat, and then cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the halved brussels sprouts. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to brown slightly.

Drizzle the olive oil over the Brussels sprouts and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the maple syrup and toss everything together to coat evenly.

Transfer the brussels sprouts to a baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are fork tender and caramelized.

Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces and pomegranate over them. Toss gently to combine.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Store Leftover Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and allow to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing leftovers as they will be pretty mushy after being thawed and reheated. To reheat, pop into the oven until warmed through and crispy.

What to Serve with Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These yummy brussels sprouts go great with many different dishes. For an easy dinner, serve them up with Instant Pot pork chops or air fryer pork chops. Pair it with maple mustard pork loin for a yummy fall flavored meal. Add pumpkin cheesecake for dessert for an extra cozy touch.

Of course, you can serve it with a Thanksgiving turkey too — or even a roast chicken. Even some simple air fryer grilled chicken or air fryer filet mignon is so yummy with this side dish.

Tips for Success

The maple flavors of this yummy dish are so great! Check these few tips to ensure

  • Make sure to choose firm, bright green brussels sprouts that don’t have an yellow leaves or black spots. This will ensure the best flavor and texture of this easy side dish.
  • Sautéing the brussels sprouts in the bacon grease before roasting helps infuse them with flavor and ensures a crispy exterior. You can skip this step and roast them directly, but they may be less crispy, so I don’t recommend skipping.
  • Don’t overcook your salty bacon. Cook until crispy and easy to crumble into tiny pieces so that they mix well with the brussels sprouts!

FAQ

Why aren’t my brussels sprouts crispy?

Roasting at a high temperature helps the brussels sprout become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. If they’re not crispy, you may not have roasted at a high enough temperature.

Can I use frozen brussels sprouts?

Fresh brussels sprouts are best for a crispy texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can make them soggy.

More Side Dish Recipes

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These sweet and salty maple bacon brussels sprouts are a show stopper! Whip up this easy side dish for a tasty dinner addition or even add to your holiday meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 207kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  • 1 lb 450g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4-6 slices of bacon chopped
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup pomegranate arils
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
  • In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the halved Brussels sprouts. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to brown slightly.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the Brussels sprouts and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the maple syrup and toss everything together to coat evenly.
  • Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
  • Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces and pomegranate over them. Toss gently to combine.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25lb | Sodium: 175mg | Calcium: 61mg | Vitamin C: 97mg | Vitamin A: 863IU | Sugar: 10g | Fiber: 5g | Potassium: 531mg | Cholesterol: 15mg | Calories: 207kcal | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Fat: 13g | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 19g | Iron: 2mg


Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending
on the specific brands of products used. We encourage everyone to check specific
product labels in calculating the exact nutritional information.

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