You can make a batch of maple bacon brussels sprouts in just 30 minutes! They turn out so crisp and beautifully caramelized every time. Only 6 ingredients!
The BEST Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Take your roasted brussels sprouts to the next level and make maple glazed brussels sprouts! Truly, if anything on my website could be called a flavor bomb, this recipe would be it. These sprouts are lightly sweet with a sticky maple glaze, smokey paprika, and crisp bacon. They are so amazing, I could barely take any photos because everyone just wanted to eat them right off the baking sheet!
Why you need to try them:
- Pairs well with so many dishes, from pulled chicken to glazed salmon.
- Just 30 minutes from start to finish! Most of that is passive time, too, meaning you can focus on your main course.
- A show-stopping, simple side that will be the star of the dinner table. These are great for serving on holidays or just your average weeknight dinner!
- Did I mention flavorful they are? Between the bacon, maple syrup, and sprinkling of smoked paprika they’re truly amazing. I’d bet you’ve never had brussels sprouts like this before.
What You Need
I’m keeping this recipe super simple and using just six ingredients! Let’s briefly go over them before we get started.
- Brussels sprouts. Stick with fresh brussels sprouts as frozen tend to be mushier. Also, don’t throw away the little leaves that fall off while you’re cutting your sprouts in half–those will get nice and crispy on the baking sheet!
- Maple syrup. Just like with my maple glazed salmon, make sure to use pure maple syrup for your maple bacon brussel sprouts. Do not use pancake syrup! It will be much too sweet.
- Bacon. Use raw bacon (not pre-cooked bacon “bits”); it will cook on the baking sheet alongside the brussels sprouts (and you guys know I like cooking my bacon in the oven anyway). This will infuse the sprouts with SO much flavor!
- Smoked paprika. A secret ingredient in my chicken and rice soup, smoked paprika adds a subtle flavor that pairs SO well with the bacon and maple flavors here.
- Salt and pepper. Add these to taste. If your brussels sprouts taste anything but super flavorful, they simply need more salt!
SAM’S TIP: If you have some larger brussels sprouts in the mix, consider quartering them instead of just cutting them in half. The goal is to have all of the brussels sprouts cut to the same size so they cook evenly.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Whisk together the maple syrup, spices, and salt in a bowl, then add the brussels sprouts and bacon and toss to coat. Evenly distribute the mixture onto a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes on high heat (425F).
- Remove from the oven, stir, then bake for another 10 minutes. Stir once more, then bake for an additional 5 minutes before removing. Check for doneness: the bacon should be crisp and the sprouts should be caramelized. Bake for longer if needed, but be careful not to let them burn.
SAM’S TIP: Make sure to watch your sprouts closely as they can go from caramelized to burnt fast. If yours need to bake longer than the indicated time, watch closely and stir often.
Frequently Asked Questions
You could make these brussels sprouts ahead of time; however, they really are best served immediately after preparing. If you do need to reheat them, I highly suggest doing so in the oven as the microwave could make them soggy.
Truthfully, maple bacon brussel sprouts taste best warm from the oven. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, over medium-low heat on the stovetop, or in the oven. The sprouts will be softer after reheating.
Soggy brussels sprouts are tasty, but not nearly as tasty as perfectly caramelized, crispy brussels sprouts! To prevent this, preheat your oven ahead of time so its nice and hot, make sure you don’t overcrowd your pan, and place most (if not all) of the brussels cut side-down on the baking sheet.
Toss in some pecans for even more texture and flavor!
Enjoy!
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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb (453 g) brussels sprouts ends trimmed and sprouts cut in half lengthwise
- 4 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- ¼ heaping teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (makes cleanup much easier).
- Whisk together maple syrup, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add brussels sprouts and chopped bacon and stir together until well coated.1 lb (453 g) brussels sprouts, 4 strips bacon, ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup, ¼ heaping teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and pepper to taste
- Pour ingredients evenly onto prepared baking sheet and transfer to center rack of 425F (220C) oven. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring at the 10 minute and 20 minute mark.
- Brussels sprouts are finished when the bacon is cooked and crisp, the sprouts are caramelized in color and tender when pierced with a fork. If yours need more time than indicated, keep a close eye on them as they can go from perfectly baked to burnt fast.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Margo
Very good!
My Family, especially my 7 year old grandson, really love brussels sprouts prepared this way! Thank you for sharing! 😉
Sam
You’re welcome, Margo! I’m so glad they were such a hit! 🙂