Maple Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Maple Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it a show-stopping side dish for any occasion. This recipe takes humble Brussels sprouts and elevates them with the richness of crispy bacon, the sweetness of pure maple syrup, and the tanginess of balsamic vinegar. A touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth of flavor, while paprika provides a hint of smokiness that perfectly complements the dish. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a casual family dinner, or just looking to make vegetables irresistible, this dish will surely impress.

The process starts by preparing the Brussels sprouts, which are trimmed and halved for even roasting. Bacon is cooked to crispy perfection, and its rendered fat is used as the base for sautéing the Brussels sprouts. This step ensures that every bite is infused with the savory richness of bacon. Minced garlic and paprika are added during this stage, giving the dish a warm and aromatic foundation. Once the sprouts are lightly browned and fragrant, they are tossed in a luscious glaze made from maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This glaze enhances the natural nuttiness of the Brussels sprouts and creates a beautifully caramelized coating as the dish roasts.

Roasting the Brussels sprouts at high heat allows them to develop crispy, golden edges while remaining tender on the inside. Tossing them halfway through ensures even cooking and helps the glaze adhere to every piece. Adding crispy bacon just before roasting ties the flavors together, creating a balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The final result is a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious, with vibrant green sprouts, glistening with the maple-balsamic glaze, and studded with golden-brown bacon pieces.

This recipe is versatile enough to elevate a weeknight dinner or serve as a side for a decadent Sunday brunch. Pair it with roasted chicken, fresh fish, or even a hearty steak for a complete meal. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, toasted pecans or walnuts can be added as a garnish, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a hint of spice for those who like a little heat.

One of the best parts about this dish is its simplicity. It uses pantry staples like maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, yet delivers a flavor profile that tastes restaurant-quality. Even those who claim they don’t like Brussels sprouts often find themselves converted by this recipe, as the natural bitterness of the vegetable is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the glaze and the savory, smoky flavor of the bacon.

Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a quiet night at home, Maple Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts is bound to become a favorite in your rotation. Try it for yourself and discover how easy it is to make vegetables the star of the meal.

Maple Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SidesCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Maple Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts is a sweet and savory side dish that combines crispy bacon, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a luscious maple-balsamic glaze. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Preheat Oven:
  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cook Bacon:
  Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest.
• Sauté Brussels Sprouts and Garlic:
  Melt the butter with the reserved bacon fat in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts, cut side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown sear. Add the minced garlic and paprika and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
• Prepare the Glaze:
  Whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Pour the glaze into the skillet and toss to coat the Brussels sprouts evenly.
• Combine and Roast:
  Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and mix well. Transfer the glazed Brussels sprouts and bacon to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in an even layer. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
• Serve:
  Remove from the oven and season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately as a savory and sweet side dish.