Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into an irresistible side dish with this crowd-pleasing recipe. Sweet maple syrup, crispy bacon, and toasted pecans create a perfect balance of flavors that will convert even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics.
Ingredients for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pecans: The Perfect Holiday Side Dish
- 18oz Brussels Sprouts
- 6oz Bacon
- 3.5oz Pecans
- 1.5oz Maple Syrup
- 1oz Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pecans: The Perfect Holiday Side Dish
- Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F. Trim and halve 18oz Brussels sprouts
- Cut 6oz bacon into 1-inch/2.5cm pieces
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with 1oz olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet and arrange bacon pieces among them
- Roast for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and add 3.5oz pecans
- Drizzle with 1.5oz maple syrup, toss everything together, and return to oven for 10 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are golden brown and bacon is crispy
- Remove from oven and serve hot
Fall in Love with Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: A Holiday Game-Changer
Let's be honest - Brussels sprouts haven't always had the best reputation. But this recipe for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pecans isn't just another vegetable side dish; it's a game-changing combination that will make you wonder why you ever doubted these little green gems. In just 40 minutes, you'll transform humble Brussels sprouts into a dish that's worthy of the most prominent spot on your holiday table.
What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of maple syrup harmonizes beautifully with the salty, crispy bacon, while toasted pecans add a delightful crunch that takes the whole dish to another level. It's a combination that's both sophisticated and comforting - exactly what you want in a holiday side dish.
With only 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven, this recipe proves that impressive doesn't have to mean complicated. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a dish to a Christmas potluck, these Brussels sprouts are guaranteed to steal the show.
Tips for Perfect Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Every Time
After making this recipe countless times, I've picked up some tricks that will help you achieve the best results:
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Size matters: Try to choose Brussels sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking. If you end up with some larger ones, quarter them instead of halving to ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
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Don't overcrowd the pan: Give your Brussels sprouts space to breathe on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, and you'll miss out on those crispy, caramelized edges we're aiming for.
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Bacon selection: While any bacon works, thick-cut bacon holds up better during roasting and provides meatier bites. However, if regular bacon is what you have, that's perfectly fine too!
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Maple syrup tip: Use pure maple syrup rather than artificial syrup - it makes a world of difference in flavor and caramelizes beautifully. Also, wait to add it until the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
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Make-ahead strategy: You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
Serving Your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are at their absolute best served hot from the oven, when the bacon is at its crispiest and the maple syrup is still creating those gorgeous glossy coatings. The recipe serves 4 as a side dish, providing about 380 calories per serving - though in my experience, people often come back for seconds!
For a stunning presentation, serve them in a warm, shallow bowl or on a platter with a slight lip to catch any maple syrup that might run off. You can garnish with extra pecan pieces or even a light drizzle of maple syrup if you're feeling indulgent.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham for holiday meals, but don't limit it to special occasions - it's equally delicious alongside a simple roasted chicken or pork chop for a regular weeknight dinner.
From Brussels Sprouts Skeptic to Believer: My Personal Journey
I'll never forget the first time I served these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts at a family gathering. My brother-in-law, a notorious Brussels sprouts avoider, eyed the dish suspiciously as it made its way around the table. "Just try one," I urged, knowing the magic that was about to unfold.
Reluctantly, he took the smallest portion possible - you know, the polite "I'll try it but I won't like it" amount. But then something wonderful happened. Mid-bite, his eyes widened, and before the meal was over, he had helped himself to seconds and was asking for the recipe.
This has become something of a pattern when I serve these Brussels sprouts. The combination of sweet maple syrup, salty bacon, and crunchy pecans seems to have the power to convert even the most steadfast Brussels sprouts skeptics. It's now my go-to contribution for holiday gatherings, and I love watching people's surprised reactions when they discover that Brussels sprouts can actually be the star of the show.
Creative Substitutions for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Let me share some tried-and-true substitutions that keep this dish delicious while accommodating different dietary needs. As someone who's experimented with this recipe countless times, I can assure you these alternatives work beautifully:
For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with:
- Smoky tempeh bacon
- Mushrooms (8 oz/225g) sautéed with 1 tsp liquid smoke
- Coconut bacon
- Extra pecans with a pinch of smoked paprika
Don't have maple syrup? No worries! Try:
- Honey (use the same amount)
- Agave nectar (use slightly less, about 1 oz/30ml)
- Brown sugar (1 oz/28g) mixed with 2 tsp water
- Date syrup (same amount as maple)
Nut alternatives if you're out of pecans:
- Walnuts
- Almonds (sliced or slivered work best)
- Hazelnuts
- Pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option
For the olive oil, you can substitute:
- Avocado oil
- Melted butter
- Duck fat (for an extra luxurious version)
- Coconut oil
If Brussels sprouts aren't your thing or you can't find them, try:
- Cabbage wedges (adjust cooking time up by 5-10 minutes)
- Broccoli florets (reduce cooking time by 5 minutes)
- Cauliflower florets
- Baby gem lettuce halves (reduce cooking time by 10 minutes)
Nutrition Facts: What's in Your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
Let's break down what you're getting in each serving of these delicious Brussels sprouts. Each portion (about 1.5 cups/200g) contains:
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 14g
What makes this dish nutritionally special? Brussels sprouts are powerhouses of nutrition, packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. The pecans add heart-healthy fats and additional protein, while the bacon provides satisfying protein and that irresistible smoky flavor.
The maple syrup, while adding sugar, is used moderately and provides natural sweetness along with minerals like manganese and zinc. This combination of ingredients creates a well-balanced side dish that offers:
- Healthy fats from pecans and olive oil
- Complete protein from bacon
- Fiber from Brussels sprouts
- Antioxidants and vitamins from the vegetables
- Natural sugars for energy
While this isn't a low-calorie dish, it's nutrient-dense and satisfying. The fat content helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the Brussels sprouts, making it a smart combination.
Allergy Considerations for Your Holiday Side Dish
When serving these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, it's important to be aware of potential allergens. Here's what you need to know:
Main Allergens Present:
- Tree Nuts (pecans)
Possible Hidden Allergens:
- Some bacon brands may contain soy or wheat in their curing process
- Cross-contamination risks in maple syrup processing facilities
For various dietary restrictions:
Gluten-Free:
- Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free
- Double-check bacon brand for gluten-free certification
- Pure maple syrup is gluten-free
Nut Allergies:
- Omit pecans entirely
- Alternative: use pumpkin or sunflower seeds
Soy Allergies:
- Check bacon ingredients carefully
- Use soy-free bacon brands
Low FODMAP Considerations:
- Brussels sprouts are high FODMAP
- Consider reducing portion size or substituting with green beans
Smart Storage Tips for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Let me share my professional tips for storing this delicious side dish properly:
Fresh Storage (2-3 days):
- Cool completely before storing
- Place in an airtight container
- Store in refrigerator at 40°F/4°C
- Best consumed within 2-3 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F/175°C for 5-7 minutes
Freezing (up to 2 months):
- Cool completely
- Place in freezer-safe container
- Remove as much air as possible
- Label with date
- Freeze at 0°F/-18°C
- Note: texture may change slightly after freezing
Prep-Ahead Storage:
- Cut Brussels sprouts up to 2 days ahead
- Store raw, prepped sprouts in sealed container in fridge
- Cut bacon 1 day ahead, store separately
- Measure other ingredients and store separately
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy? Make sure you're not overcrowding the pan - give them space! Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F/200°C. Using too much oil can make them soggy rather than crispy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prep components ahead, but for the best results, roast just before serving. If needed, reheat at 350°F/175°C for 5-7 minutes.
Why did my pecans burn? Pecans can burn quickly due to their oil content. That's why we add them halfway through cooking. If they're still burning, try moving the pan to a lower oven rack.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? While fresh is best, you can use frozen. Thaw completely and pat dry before roasting. You might need to increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done? They should be golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. The bacon should be crispy, and the maple syrup should have created a nice glaze.
Wrapping Up This Delicious Brussels Sprouts Journey
This Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe truly transforms the humble Brussels sprout into something spectacular. The combination of sweet maple syrup, crispy bacon, and toasted pecans creates a side dish that's become a staple at my holiday table - and I bet it will at yours too!
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you're serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a regular Tuesday night dinner, it fits right in. The balance of flavors - sweet, salty, and nutty - makes it appealing even to those who normally shy away from Brussels sprouts.
Remember, the key to success lies in not overcrowding your baking sheet and getting that perfect caramelization. Don't be afraid to play with the substitutions we discussed to make it your own. And if you're cooking for a crowd, this recipe doubles beautifully - just use two baking sheets instead of crowding one.
Give these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts a try, and I'm confident they'll become one of your go-to side dishes too. Happy cooking!
