When the leaves begin to change and the air takes on a crisp edge, my thoughts naturally drift to comforting dishes that evoke warmth and nostalgia. One of my favorite go-tos for gatherings and cozy dinners alike is my 30-Minute Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe. The moment I toss crispy bacon into the skillet, that delightful sizzle fills the kitchen, and I can’t help but smile, knowing something delicious is on the horizon. These bright green sprouts, when glistening with sweet maple syrup and paired with crunchy pecans, create a side dish that steals the show at any table.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—it’s as perfect alongside Thanksgiving turkey as it is accompanying a weeknight roast. Plus, it manages to strike a balance between being indulgent yet quick and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you won’t believe how simple it is to elevate your meals with this delectable dish. So, let’s dive into the joyous world of Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts and create something unforgettable together!
Why are Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts irresistible?
Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of sweet maple syrup and savory bacon makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Versatile Pairing: Great as a Thanksgiving side or a complement to weeknight dinners, this dish fits any occasion.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant green sprouts, crispy bacon, and golden pecans create a visually appealing dish that draws everyone in.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the Brussels sprouts in advance for a hassle-free cooking experience when mealtime arrives.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
For the Sprouts
• Brussels Sprouts – Choose uniform sizes for even cooking and a tender texture.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor during blanching; adjust to taste as needed.
For the Flavor
• Bacon – Cut into ½” lardons for perfectly crispy bites.
• Pecans – Coarsely chopped to add a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
• Ground Mustard – Offers a subtle tang that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup – The star ingredient that sweetens and glazes the sprouts beautifully.
• Ground Pepper – Adds a hint of warmth; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
For the Optional Depth
• Bourbon – Optional for a rich depth; substitute with apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic twist.
Each ingredient in this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe brings its unique flair to the dish, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will impress your family and guests!
How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is crucial as it will allow the Brussels sprouts to blanch properly and retain their vibrant color.
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Blanch Sprouts: Add the Brussels sprouts to the boiling water and blanch for 4-5 minutes. They should be tender yet bright green—just enough to enhance their natural flavors!
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Cool Down: Quickly transfer the blanched sprouts to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will help them maintain that lovely, bright color. Drain well after they’re cooled.
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Cook Bacon: In a skillet, render the cut bacon over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes, or until it’s beautifully crispy. Your kitchen will smell divine during this step!
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Sauté Sprouts & Pecans: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the blanched Brussels sprouts and coarsely chopped pecans to the bacon fat. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become crispy and aromatic.
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Add Flavor: Sprinkle ground mustard over the sautéed mixture and stir for an additional minute. Then deglaze the pan with bourbon (or substitute with apple cider vinegar) and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, drizzle in the maple syrup, and toss everything together. Cook for an additional minute until the syrup slightly thickens and glazes the sprouts.
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Serve Hot: Adjust the seasonings with more ground pepper if desired, and serve your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts hot for the best experience!
Optional: Garnish with extra chopped pecans for added crunch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Uniform Sizes: Ensure Brussels sprouts are all similar in size to guarantee even cooking. This prevents some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
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Bacon Cutting: Use kitchen shears to cut the bacon into lardons easily. This method ensures consistent size and crispiness when cooked.
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Blanch Ahead: You can blanch the Brussels sprouts a day in advance. Refrigerate them until you’re ready to finish the recipe to save time during meal preparation.
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Flavor Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust flavors. If it’s too sweet from the maple syrup, balancing it with a bit more pepper or mustard can enhance the dish.
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Add a Twist: To elevate the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, consider tossing in dried cranberries or red pepper flakes for added sweetness or spice, respectively.
Make Ahead Options
These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can blanch the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance, cooling them in an ice bath and then refrigerating them to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Additionally, you can cook the bacon and store it separately in an airtight container, so it’s fresh and crispy when you’re ready to finish the dish. When you’re set to serve, simply sauté the prepped Brussels sprouts with the bacon and pecans in the rendered bacon fat as per the instructions, drizzling the maple syrup at the end for a meal that tastes just as delicious as if you made it all at once! This way, you save valuable time on busy weeknights without compromising quality.
How to Store and Freeze Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Fridge: Store leftover cooked Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for even warmth without losing texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled, cooked Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen to retain crunch.
Blanched Sprouts: If you prepare Brussels sprouts ahead of time, blanch them and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 24 hours before finishing the dish. This makes mealtime even simpler!
Reheating: When reheating, avoid microwave use for best results. Instead, sauté in a hot skillet until warmed through, allowing that crispiness to shine again in your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Variations
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a unique twist on a beloved classic!
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Vegetarian: Replace bacon with a plant-based alternative like smoked tempeh for a meat-free version that’s just as savory.
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Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté for a delightful kick that perfectly balances the sweet maple syrup.
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Fruity: Include dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds during the last minute of cooking to introduce surprising bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
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Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or slivered almonds for different crunchiness and nutty flavors that complement the dish well.
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Herbs: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary while sautéing for an aromatic herbal note that elevates the overall taste.
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Maple Enhancements: Experiment with different types of maple syrup, such as bourbon barrel-aged for complex flavor notes that pair beautifully with the other ingredients.
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Tangy Twist: Substitute balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar to add a rich tanginess that brightens the dish even further.
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Sweet & Savory Crunch: For added texture, consider topping your Brussels sprouts with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs during the last moments of cooking.
What to Serve with Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
These lovely Brussels sprouts dish offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory, creating an exciting canvas for a complete meal.
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Roasted Chicken: Juicy and tender, chicken provides the perfect counterpart with its mellow flavors that balance the dish’s richness.
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Grilled Steak: The robust, meaty flavor of steak complements the caramelized sweetness of the Brussels sprouts to perfection.
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Quinoa Salad: A light and fresh quinoa salad adds a delightful contrast in texture while enhancing the meal with healthy grains.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, these mashed potatoes offer comfort and can soak up the delicious maple glaze.
Sipping a chilled glass of white wine during your meal can elevate the experience—it adds a refreshing contrast to the savory aspects of the dish.
- Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp with a hint of cinnamon brings home that cozy feeling and pairs beautifully with the meal.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm and compact with vibrant green color. Avoid any that have dark spots or yellow leaves, as these are signs of overripeness. Choosing uniform sizes ensures even cooking, so inspect your batch carefully!
What is the best way to store leftover Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
You can store your leftover cooked Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture!
Can I freeze Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the cooked Brussels sprouts to cool completely. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, then once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, reheat directly from frozen in a hot skillet to maintain that delightful crunch.
What should I do if my Brussels sprouts turn mushy?
Very important! If your Brussels sprouts turn mushy, it’s often due to overcooking. To avoid this in the future, make sure to blanch them only for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green. Cooling them in an ice bath immediately stops the cooking process and helps maintain their texture.
Are Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This recipe is gluten-free as prepared, but if there are any specific allergens (like tree nuts for the pecans), consider substituting with sunflower seeds or leaving them out altogether. Enjoying this dish while accommodating dietary needs is entirely possible—just be creative with your alternatives!
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in this recipe?
Yes, a fantastic alternative is apple cider vinegar, which provides a similar tanginess without the alcohol. Simply use the same amount as you would bourbon in the recipe, and it will still add layers of flavor to your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts dish.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Sweet & Savory Perfection
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Blanch Sprouts: Add the Brussels sprouts and blanch for 4-5 minutes.
- Cool Down: Quickly transfer the blanched sprouts to an ice bath.
- Drain well after they’re cooled.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet, render the cut bacon over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes.
- Sauté Sprouts & Pecans: Increase heat to medium-high and add the blanched Brussels sprouts and pecans.
- Add Flavor: Sprinkle ground mustard and stir for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the crispy bacon, drizzle in the maple syrup, and toss everything.
- Serve Hot: Adjust seasonings and serve hot.