Description
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon will totally change how you approach this humble vegetable, bringing smoky, sweet magic to your dinner table with crispy bacon bits that make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 4 slices bacon
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat your oven precisely to 400°F, ensuring the rack sits in the center position for even roasting.
- Slice 1 pound of Brussels sprouts in half, removing any discolored outer leaves and trimming tough stems.
- Chop 4 slices of bacon into small ½-inch pieces that will crisp beautifully during roasting.
- Combine Brussels sprouts and bacon in a large mixing bowl, creating a flavorful base for your side dish.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons maple syrup over the mixture, coating every surface evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper across the ingredients.
- Toss everything thoroughly so each Brussels sprout and bacon piece gets seasoned perfectly.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer, ensuring no overlapping for maximum crispiness.
- Roast in the 400°F oven for 22-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to guarantee uniform caramelization.
- Check doneness by piercing a Brussels sprout with a fork – it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Bacon thickness matters, so choose a medium-cut variety that will crisp nicely without burning during roasting.
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are completely dry before seasoning to help them caramelize and get those delicious crispy edges.
- Maple syrup quality impacts the final flavor, so select a pure, high-grade maple syrup for the best results.
- For a vegetarian version, swap bacon with chopped smoked almonds or coconut bacon to maintain a similar smoky complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Roasted
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg