Description

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with salty bacon and sweet maple syrup, roasted to perfection. A crowd-pleasing side dish that converts even the biggest skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds (680 grams) Brussels sprouts
6 slices thick-cut bacon (about 200 grams)
3 tablespoons (60 milliliters) pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon (3 grams) fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) garlic powder (optional)
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Rinse Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat completely dry. Trim tough ends, remove any yellow leaves, and cut each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem. Quarter any very large sprouts.
In a large mixing bowl, toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until evenly coated.
Arrange sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down. Do not overcrowd; use two sheets if needed.
Roast for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. In a small bowl, mix bacon pieces with maple syrup until coated.
After 15 minutes, remove baking sheet from oven. Scatter maple-coated bacon pieces over the sprouts, spreading them out as much as possible.
Return to oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until bacon is crispy and sprouts are deep golden brown with charred edges. Watch closely during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. If bacon darkens too quickly, tent pan loosely with foil.
Let rest on hot pan for 2 minutes. Use a metal spatula to loosen any stuck caramelized bits.
Transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Taste and adjust salt or pepper. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Notes

Dry sprouts thoroughly for crispy edges. Don’t stir halfway through; keep cut-side down for best caramelization. For make-ahead, trim and halve sprouts up to 24 hours in advance. Reheat in oven or air fryer, not microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 10
Sodium: 380
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 5
Protein: 8

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, maple roasted, bacon, side dish, holiday, gluten-free, easy