Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the savory crunch of bacon. It's the perfect side dish to add a touch of gourmet flair to any meal, especially during the cooler months when Brussels sprouts are at their best.

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts are the star of this dish, offering a slightly nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Bacon provides a smoky, salty contrast that elevates the sprouts. Olive oil helps to cook the sprouts evenly and adds a hint of fruitiness. Pure maple syrup is used here for its natural sweetness, which caramelizes beautifully during roasting. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness. Finally, seasoning with salt and pepper enhances all these flavors without overpowering them.

Why This Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Works

During the first few minutes in the pan, the bacon cooks and gives off its fat. That bacon fat mixes with the olive oil, so the Brussels sprouts are coated in a layer of hot fat on all sides. Because of that, their cut sides start to brown instead of just steaming. As they brown, the outside gets a little crisp while the inside starts to soften.

Once the maple syrup and balsamic go in, they cling to the warm sprouts and form a thin, sticky coating. In the oven, that coating thickens and darkens. The sugars in the maple syrup tighten up on the surface, so the sprouts come out with a shiny, slightly chewy glaze instead of a watery sauce. At the same time, the heat finishes softening the centers so they are tender when bitten into.

Right at the end, the crispy bacon goes back on top. It stays crunchy because it is added after roasting, so every bite has soft sprouts, a sticky sweet-sour glaze, and salty, crisp bits of bacon.

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet; it can prevent the sprouts from browning properly.
  • If you like an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you drizzle the syrup and vinegar.

Mistakes To Avoid

Letting the Brussels sprouts go into the pan wet from rinsing makes them steam instead of brown. Water on the surface keeps them from getting that deep color in the skillet, so they soften on the outside but stay a bit hard in the center. In the oven, they then turn limp instead of getting those crisp, caramelized edges.

Crowding the skillet with too many sprouts in one tight layer often leads to uneven cooking. The ones in the middle sit in moisture and stay pale and firm, while the ones on the edges brown faster and can start to burn. The final dish ends up with a mix of undercooked cores and bitter, overdone pieces.

Adding the maple syrup and balsamic too early over high heat can cause the sugars to burn in the pan. The glaze then turns sticky and dark before the sprouts are tender, and the bits stuck to the skillet can scorch in the oven. Instead of a shiny, lightly thickened coating, the sprouts come out with hard, almost burnt patches.

Equipment Used:

Large skillet, Oven-safe skillet, Tongs

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  2. 4 slices bacon, chopped
  3. 2 tbsp olive oil
  4. 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  5. 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  6. Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove it and set aside.
  3. 3. In the same skillet, add olive oil, and Brussels sprouts, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to brown.
  4. 4. Drizzle the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar over the sprouts, stirring to coat evenly.
  5. 5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
  6. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with crispy bacon before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used, but it might not be as crispy or flavorful. You might need a bit more olive oil to compensate.
What if I don't have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain the crisp texture.

Serving Ideas for Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or a juicy pork tenderloin. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a hearty grain salad or creamy polenta. It also shines as a standalone dish at any holiday meal.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.