This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Bacon recipe is pure comfort with a sweet-savory twist. It brings together crisp edges, warm maple flavor, and smoky bacon in a way that feels special, yet still easy enough for a busy weeknight. And because it roasts on one pan, cleanup stays simple too.
What makes this dish shine is the balance of ingredients. You get 2 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved, 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 3/4 tsp fine sea salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped, and a little flaky sea salt, for finishing. The result is rich, earthy, salty, sweet, and a little nutty, with just enough crunch to keep every bite interesting. The maple syrup helps the Brussels sprouts caramelize, while the bacon adds smoky depth and the pecans bring a pleasant finish.
The method is wonderfully simple. First, you preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Then you toss the Brussels sprouts and bacon with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. After that, you spread everything in a single layer and roast for 22 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and deeply browned and the bacon is crisp. Finally, you top it with toasted pecans and flaky sea salt, then serve it warm. Total time is just 35 minutes, and it makes 6 servings.
This is the kind of dish that fits almost anywhere. It is perfect for chilly nights, holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, and potlucks. In addition, it pairs well with simple mains, so you can serve it with almost no stress.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Bacon
- It is quick and easy, so you can make it on a weeknight without a lot of fuss.
- The sweet maple and salty bacon give the Brussels sprouts deep, rich flavor.
- Roasting brings out a natural caramelized taste, which makes the vegetables more appealing.
- The toasted pecans add crunch, so every bite has great texture.
- It works for both everyday meals and special occasions, which makes it very flexible.
Brussels Sprouts Tips
For the best Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Bacon, choose Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and about the same size. That way, they cook more evenly. Also, trim off any dry stem ends and remove loose outer leaves before halving them. If some sprouts are much larger than others, cut the biggest ones into quarters so they roast at the same pace. Most importantly, dry them well after washing, because too much moisture can keep them from caramelizing nicely in the oven.
Options for Substitutions
- Swap bacon for pancetta if you want a slightly richer, saltier flavor.
- Use olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer a different cooking oil with a mild taste.
- Replace pure maple syrup with honey for a similar sweet finish.
- Use walnuts or sliced almonds instead of pecans for a different kind of crunch.
- Try smoked sea salt in place of regular sea salt for a deeper smoky note.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end if you want a little tang with the sweetness.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan. If the Brussels sprouts sit too close together, they steam instead of roast. As a result, you lose those browned edges that make this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Bacon so good. Use a large baking sheet, and spread everything out in a single layer.
Another issue is roasting at the wrong temperature. If the oven runs too low, the Brussels sprouts may turn soft before they caramelize. On the other hand, if the heat is too high, the maple syrup can scorch. For best results, keep the oven at 425°F (220°C) and check near the end of the cook time.
Also, do not add the pecans too early. Nuts can burn fast, so they should go on after roasting, not before. That way, they stay toasty and crisp instead of bitter.
Finally, taste before serving. Bacon adds salt, so sometimes the dish needs only a light finish of flaky sea salt. Therefore, season carefully at the end instead of guessing too much at the start.
What to Serve With Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Bacon?
This dish goes well with roasted chicken, baked ham, pork tenderloin, or even simple grilled salmon. In addition, it makes a great side for mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or warm dinner rolls. If you want a fuller holiday spread, serve it alongside stuffing, green beans, or a fresh cranberry salad for a balanced plate.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, let them cool before storing.
Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, but the Brussels sprouts may soften a bit after thawing. Still, it is a workable option if you need to save extra portions.
Reheat: For the best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and a little crisp again. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts so the bacon does not get rubbery. Then, if needed, finish with a quick stir and a pinch of flaky salt.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: about 1,100 to 1,350
Protein: about 35 to 45 g
Fat: about 80 to 100 g
Carbohydrates: about 55 to 75 g
Ingredients
- 2 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Then line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup and also keeps the Brussels sprouts from sticking as they roast.
Step 2: Toss Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and bacon pieces with the olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well so every piece gets coated. This step helps the flavors mix evenly before roasting.
Step 3: Roast Until Deeply Caramelized
Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, and place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down where you can. Roast for 22 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The Brussels sprouts should be tender and browned, and the bacon should be crisp.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Move the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon to a serving platter. Next, sprinkle the top with the toasted chopped pecans and a small pinch of flaky sea salt. This adds a final layer of crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve the dish while it is still warm for the best taste and texture. The maple flavor, crisp bacon, and roasted sprouts all shine when fresh from the oven. If you have leftovers, store them properly so you can enjoy them again later.
Conclusion
This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Bacon recipe is simple, flavorful, and easy to love. It brings together tender Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy pecans in one warm, satisfying side dish. Plus, it works for weeknights, holidays, and everything in between.
If you make this recipe, give it a try and see how quickly it disappears from the table. Then, come back and share your thoughts, or explore more easy vegetable sides and comforting oven-roasted recipes for your next meal.
Print
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Bacon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting side dish featuring Brussels sprouts roasted with crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts and bacon with olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Spread everything in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 22 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Add the toasted pecans and flaky sea salt on top of the roasted mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy the rich flavors.
Notes
For best results, choose Brussels sprouts that are firm and the same size for even cooking. Dry them well after washing to prevent steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
