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Cozy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Best Easy Side

Maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon - featured image
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These caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and a sweet maple-balsamic glaze are the perfect side dish for cozy nights and holiday feasts. They convert skeptics and delight everyone else.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple sugar or brown sugar (optional)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rinse Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat completely dry. Trim off tough stem ends (about ¼ inch) and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem; quarter any large sprouts.
  3. Stack bacon slices and cut crosswise into ½-inch pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well until every sprout is coated.
  6. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut-side down if possible. Do not overcrowd.
  7. Scatter cut bacon pieces evenly over and around the Brussels sprouts.
  8. Roast for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove pan from oven. Use tongs to flip Brussels sprouts and stir bacon pieces. Drizzle maple-balsamic mixture evenly over everything. Toss gently to coat, then spread back into a single layer.
  10. Roast for another 10-15 minutes until Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized, and bacon is crispy.
  11. Optional: Switch oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness. Watch carefully.
  12. Remove pan from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs if using.

Notes

Dry sprouts thoroughly to avoid steaming. Arrange cut-side down for best caramelization. Add maple syrup halfway through to prevent burning. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add 2 tbsp olive oil plus ½ tsp smoked paprika. For vegan version, replace bacon with smoked almonds or coconut bacon and add ½ tsp liquid smoke to glaze.

Nutrition

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

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