The moment the rich aroma of sizzling bacon hits your kitchen, you know something special is about to happen. I’m thrilled to share with you my easy 30-minute Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe, a delightful side dish that transforms humble veggies into a crowd-pleaser. Not only does this dish feature tender sprouts with crispy edges, but it also marries the sweetness of maple syrup with the savory crunch of bacon and pecans. It’s perfect for any gathering, allowing you to serve up comfort food that’s both gluten-free and quick to prep. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Curious how to create this delightful balance of sweet and savory? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why will these Brussels Sprouts dazzle you?
Rich, Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet maple syrup and savory bacon creates an irresistible harmony that will excite your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: Prepared in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with roasted meats or serve it at holiday feasts—it fits any occasion!
Healthy Indulgence: With gluten-free ingredients and nutrient-packed Brussels sprouts, you can enjoy comfort food guilt-free.
Looking for more quick and delightful ideas? Check out my easy side dishes for more inspiration!
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
• Dive into the rich flavors of these delightful Brussels sprouts!
For the Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels sprouts – The star of the dish; trim and halve for even cooking.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the natural flavor; adjust based on your preference.
For the Flavor Base
- Bacon – Adds savory richness; use diced lardons for best texture.
- Ground mustard – Provides subtle heat and depth to elevate the dish.
- Ground pepper – For seasoning, tweak to suit your palate.
For the Crunch
- Pecans – Introduces a nutty crunch; coarsely chop for even distribution.
For Sweetness and Glaze
- Maple syrup – Adds the perfect sweetness and glossy finish to the dish.
- Bourbon – Optional for a flavor depth; substitute with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar if avoiding alcohol.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Blanch the Brussels Sprouts
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, allowing them to cook for 4–5 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green. Once done, promptly drain them in a colander and transfer to an ice bath to halt the cooking process, ensuring they maintain their vibrant color and crispness.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Allow it to cook for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes nice and crispy. Once browned and aromatic, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, letting the excess grease drain on a paper towel-lined plate while leaving the rendered fat in the skillet to enhance the flavors of the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
Step 3: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts and Pecans
Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the blanched Brussels sprouts and coarsely chopped pecans to the hot bacon fat. Sauté the mixture for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts develop a golden, crispy exterior. The lovely aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the delightful flavors to come.
Step 4: Add Ground Mustard
Sprinkle the ground mustard over the sautéed Brussels sprouts and pecans. Stir the mixture continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the heat to awaken the mustard’s complex flavors. This step will deepen the savory profile of the dish, elevating your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts to delightful new heights.
Step 5: Deglaze the Skillet
Next, pour in the bourbon or apple cider vinegar as a deglazing agent, scraping up any bits stuck to the skillet. Allow the liquid to simmer for about 2–3 minutes, stirring until it is mostly absorbed. This process brings out all the concentrated flavors, enhancing the overall deliciousness of your side dish.
Step 6: Combine Bacon and Maple Syrup
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and drizzle in the maple syrup, tossing everything together to ensure even coating. Cook for an additional minute until the sauce has thickened slightly and glistens over the Brussels sprouts and bacon. The sweet aroma of maple will beautifully blend with the savory notes, making your dish irresistibly inviting.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Finally, taste your delectable Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and ground pepper to your liking. Once seasoned to perfection, transfer to a warm serving dish and serve immediately, allowing everyone to savor the delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Expert Tips for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Bacon Cutting Tip: Use kitchen shears to cut bacon into lardons for quicker, easier preparation and perfectly-sized pieces that crisp up beautifully.
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Blanching Ahead: Blanch your Brussels sprouts ahead of time to streamline dinner prep. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours to save time on busy nights.
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Reheating Wisely: If reheating, slightly undercook your Brussels sprouts initially to avoid mushiness. This ensures they maintain their delightful texture when served.
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Seasoning Savvy: Taste and adjust seasoning gradually. Starting with less salt can help you control the final flavor profile of your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
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Nut Alternatives: Want a twist? Substitute pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of maple syrup.
Maple Brussels Sprouts Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and explore different flavors and textures to make it your own!
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Nut Substitution: Swap pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor that still adds crunch.
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Vegetarian Delight: Omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon alternative for a delicious vegetarian version that’s equally satisfying.
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Cheesy Twist: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or feta cheese right before serving for a rich, creamy finish that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Heat It Up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts a delightful kick.
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Balsamic Boost: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar in place of the bourbon or apple cider vinegar for a tangy depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
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Cranberry Addition: Toss in some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds before serving for a burst of fruity sweetness and a pop of color.
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Sweet Potato Pairing: Add roasted sweet potato cubes to the mix for a heartier dish with an extra layer of sweet flavor.
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Maple Mustard Glaze: Blend more maple syrup with a dash of Dijon mustard to create a sticky glaze that enhances both the sweetness and savory elements of the dish.
Embrace the possibilities! These variations can elevate your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts to new heights, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. If you’re looking for brightening up your meals, don’t forget to explore my easy side dishes for more tempting ideas!
How to Store and Freeze Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. Reheat them in a skillet to regain their delicious crispness.
Freezer: You can freeze blanched Brussels sprouts (without the bacon) for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool them completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat to maintain their texture.
What to Serve with Easy 30-Minute Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Pairing the rich sweetness of these Brussels sprouts with complementary dishes will elevate your meal to new flavors and textures.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety smoothness of mashed potatoes perfectly balances the crispy texture of sprouts, adding comfort to every bite.
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Garlic Roasted Chicken: Juicy and flavorful roasted chicken enhances the savory elements of the meal while the Brussels sprouts bring a bright contrast on the plate.
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Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots: These tender-glazed carrots provide a sweet, tangy profile that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet maple notes.
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Herb Quinoa Salad: A light, fluffy salad tossed with fresh herbs and citrus adds a refreshing contrast. Its nutty undertones play well with the pecans in the Brussels sprouts.
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Spinach Strawberry Salad: This vibrant mix offers crispness and a splash of color, bridging the sweet and savory elements in your meal.
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Sautéed Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans bring a crunchy texture, while the garlic lifts the overall flavor profile, balancing the dish perfectly.
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Rosemary Focaccia: The fragrant herbs in this fluffy bread add an inviting touch, serving as a perfect side to soak up any leftover maple glaze.
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Chardonnay or Riesling: These white wines offer a crisp acidity that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup and the richness of the bacon, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy evenings or holiday gatherings! You can blanch the Brussels sprouts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before you plan to serve the dish. Simply follow the initial blanching step, cool them in an ice bath, and store them in an airtight container. For the bacon, you can cook it ahead of time as well; just reheat it briefly in the skillet before adding the sprouts. When you’re ready to finish, sauté the prepared Brussels sprouts with the bacon and pecans, deglaze the pan, and add the maple syrup just before serving for that fresh, delicious taste!
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe Brussels sprouts?
When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for vibrant green, firm sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that exhibit yellowing or dark spots all over, as these can indicate overripeness or decay.
How should I store leftover Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil, allowing them to regain their original crispness.
Can I freeze blanched Brussels sprouts before cooking?
Absolutely! You can freeze blanched Brussels sprouts for up to 3 months. After blanching, cool them completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. When ready to use, just thaw and prepare as desired.
What can I do if my Brussels sprouts are mushy after cooking?
To prevent mushiness, always blanched sprouts just until tender (4-5 minutes), then cool them in an ice bath. If you’re reheating, slightly undercook them initially to maintain texture. If they turn out mushy, a quick sauté in a hot pan can help revive their crunch.
Are Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts safe for pets?
While Brussels sprouts themselves are safe for pets in small amounts, bacon can be harmful due to its fatty nature and sodium content. It’s best to withhold this dish from pets and focus on giving them safe, vet-approved snacks instead.
What if I have a nut allergy—can I still make this recipe?
If you’re avoiding nuts, simply omit the pecans from the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe, or you can replace them with crispy toasted breadcrumbs for added texture. Feel free to further enhance flavor with herbs to complement the dish.
Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender, then drain and transfer to an ice bath.
- In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat for 7–8 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon and drain excess grease, leaving fat in the skillet.
- Increase skillet heat to medium-high, add blanched Brussels sprouts and chopped pecans. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until greens are crispy.
- Sprinkle ground mustard over the mixture, stir continuously for about 1 minute to enhance flavors.
- Pour in bourbon or apple cider vinegar, scrape any bits off the skillet, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until mostly absorbed.
- Return bacon to skillet, drizzle in maple syrup, and toss to coat. Cook for an additional minute until sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately in a warm dish.
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