Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Our Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts are tender on the inside, caramelized on the outside and tossed with a drizzle of maple syrup for the ultimate balance of savory and sweet. The crispy bacon adds smoky richness, while the sprouts bring out that nutty flavor, we all love in this classic fall vegetable.
Serve them up as a perfect Thanksgiving side dish, alongside a weeknight meal or part of your holiday spread, this simple recipe is a great choice any time of year.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love These Maple Brussel Sprouts
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
- More Side Dish Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store Maple Brussel Sprouts
- What to Serve with Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions For Maple Brussel Sprouts
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
I personally believe that sides make the meal! Here are some of our favorite side dishes to serve any time: Sautéed Green Beans, Roasted Carrots, Cornbread or a Creamy Coleslaw.
Why You Will Love These Maple Brussel Sprouts
- Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of bacon and sweet maple syrup is unbeatable.
- Perfect Side Dish: This dish works for a holiday season menu or paired with a main dish.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Quick stovetop cooking locks in the best flavor and texture with golden edges.
- Easy Side Dish Recipe: Just four ingredients and one large skillet make this a fuss-free recipe with minimal clean up.
- Double the Batch: Simple enough to double for a larger crowd.
Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients, you'll have a flavorful side dish ready in no time; perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut slices for bold flavor. The rendered fat adds richness and helps caramelize the sprouts as they cook.
- Brussels sprouts: Trim outer leaves and halve larger pieces. Smaller cuts help them cook evenly and crisp up around the edges.
- Water: Adds just enough steam to tenderize the sprouts before they finish browning.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a large pan with a lid, measuring cups, and a spatula.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations for maple Brussels sprouts.
- Lighter Option: Use olive oil instead of bacon grease for a lighter twist.
- Hands-Off Method: Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Sweet Swap: Try honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar instead of maple syrup.
- Smoky Flavor Alternatives: Sub in pancetta, smoked ham, turkey bacon or vegan bacon.
- Flavor Boosters: Finish with balsamic glaze, red chili flakes or a handful of toasted nuts.
- Savory Touch: Add grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an herby finish.
How to Make Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
This simple recipe comes together quickly with just one large skillet.
Over medium high heat, in a large skillet add chopped bacon and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add Brussels sprouts and ½ cup of water and immediately cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes untouched.
Stir and repeat with the remaining ½ cup of water.
Remove the lid and drizzle with maple syrup.
Finally, if you like your Brussels sprouts seared, cook them to your personal preference.
Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Hint: Use pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrup for the richest, most delicious way to glaze.
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How to Store Maple Brussel Sprouts
Here's how to store, reheat or prep your Brussels sprouts in advance.
- Refrigerator: Store cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: We don't recommend freezing cooked sprouts, as the texture can become mushy.
- Reheat: Warm on a sheet pan or in an air fryer at medium heat. Or reheat in a large skillet over medium-low with a lid on and add a splash of water if needed to help re-crisp.
- Make Ahead: You can trim the Brussels sprouts and chop the bacon in advance.
What to Serve with Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are one of those versatile sides that go with just about anything. Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve them with.
- Mains: Herb butter turkey, Slow Cooker brisket, prime rib roast, roasted chicken, fresh ham or chicken thighs with honey.
- Holiday Sides: Honey glazed carrots, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, Idahoan mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes.
Top Tips
- Crispy Edges: Let the sprouts cook undisturbed in a single layer for golden, crispy brussels sprouts.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give them space. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents browning.
- Picking your Sprouts: Try to grab ones that are similar in size for a more consistency texture.
Frequently Asked Questions For Maple Brussel Sprouts
Do you have questions about maple bacon Brussels sprouts? We can help you with some of our most commonly asked questions and answers.
For the freshest Brussels sprouts, look for ones that are firm and tightly packed with green heads. Avoid any that have yellowing leaves or black spots.
It's not required, but halving larger sprouts helps them cook evenly and caramelize better.
Fresh sprouts give the best texture, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
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Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Equipment
- Large Pan with Lid
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts trimmed and cut in half
- 1 cup water divided
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Over medium high heat, in a large skillet add chopped bacon and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add Brussels sprouts and ½ cup of water and immediately cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes untouched.
- Stir and repeat with the remaining ½ cup of water.
- Remove the lid and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Finally, if you like your Brussels sprouts seared, cook them to your personal preference.
- Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrup for the richest, most delicious way to glaze.
- Let the sprouts cook undisturbed in a single layer for golden, crispy brussels sprouts.
- Give them space. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents browning.
- Try to grab ones that are similar in size for a more consistency texture.
Nutrition
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Maple and bacon! I knew my son would like these Brussels sprouts, two thumbs up!
Oh that is so exciting to hear. Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed them!
I love brussels sprouts, and this is a great recipe
So glad you enjoy them! Thank you for the review.
A classic favorite flavor aded to a simple veg, this recipe is perfect to mix up these Brussels Sprouts.
MMM MMM mm, we put these maple brussles sprouts on a fall salad we were having and they were so yummy. They complimented everything perfectly. Thanks for a great recipe 🙂
Oh that is a lovely idea. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!