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Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts – Easy Side Dish Recipe

Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts - featured image

These crispy maple bacon Brussels sprouts are the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory. Roasted to perfection with a sticky maple-balsamic glaze and crispy bacon, this easy side dish converts even the biggest sprout skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 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 foil.
  2. Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat them completely dry. Trim off the tough stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise; quarter any very large sprouts so they are roughly the same size.
  3. Cut the bacon slices crosswise into 1-inch pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss with your hands until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Spread the mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
  7. Roast for 15 minutes. Do not open the oven door.
  8. Remove the pan from the oven. Use tongs to flip each sprout so the cut side is facing up. Drizzle the maple-balsamic glaze evenly over the sprouts and bacon. Toss gently to coat, then spread back into a single layer.
  9. Roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are deeply caramelized and browned on the edges. Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes.
  10. Check for doneness: sprouts should be fork-tender with dark, crispy edges, and bacon should be crisp. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan or the sprouts will steam instead of roast. Dry sprouts thoroughly after washing to ensure crispiness. Add maple syrup halfway through cooking to prevent burning. For extra crispy bacon, pre-cook in a skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to sprouts. Let sprouts rest for 5 minutes after roasting to firm up the exterior.

Nutrition

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