These roasted brussels sprouts are cooked with crispy bacon and drizzled with maple syrup. They’re the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that are sure to please even those who are not fans of vegetables. Bring them to any holiday gathering as they’re sure to impress!
It seems like people either love or hate brussels sprouts. Most people have probably only had them boiled or steamed, which leaves them bland, mushy, and bitter. However, when prepared the right way, those leafy buds transform into something truly delicious.
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Why roasting brussels sprouts is the best cooking method
The secret to delicious brussels sprouts is roasting them. This method of preparing them allows them to brown and get a crispy exterior. It also removes the bitterness and brings out their natural sweetness.
Maple syrup and bacon- winning combination!
Maple syrup adds another layer of sweetness and helps to caramelize the brussels sprouts. No need to expound upon why adding bacon enhances the dish, everything tastes better with a little bacon! The end result is a vegetable dish that is absolutely addictive. Even the pickiest eaters will become fans of brussels sprouts with this recipe!
What are Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, and more. They look like mini cabbages, and can be found in the grocery store or farmers’ markets either still attached to fresh long stalks or sold loosely. They are a cold-weather vegetable, with peak season falling between September and February.
Nutrition
Cruciferous vegetables offer a wide variety of nutrients and should be incorporated in your diet for maximum health benefits. For instance, cruciferous vegetables contain a sulfur-containing phytochemical called glucosinolate, which is responsible for the distinctive odor and bitter flavor. Cooking and digestion break down the glucosinolate into other compounds that have been researched for potentially protecting cells from DNA damage and protecting against cancer.
In addition, like other cruciferous vegetables, brussels sprouts are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate , potassium, manganese, and more. Also, they are low in calories and a good source of fiber to keep you feeling full.
How to trim and cut the brussels sprouts
Like I said earlier, brussels sprouts look like mini cabbages. While you normally remove the hard core of cabbage, it is not necessary to remove the core of brussels sprouts. If you removed the core, you would just be left with a bowl of leaves.
So how do you prep the brussels sprouts?
To prepare the brussels sprouts, trim the flat stem ends and then peel away the first layer of leaves, removing any discolored leaves until a fresh sprout is revealed. You can leave the sprouts whole if they are small, or cut them in half or in quarters through the stem.
Here’s some other recipes you can add to your holiday menu:
Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 -1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Ground black pepper to your liking
- Salt to taste optional
- 4-5 pieces of bacon nitrate free, cut into small pieces *
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper (or aluminum foil, lightly greased).
- Trim the flat stem ends of the brussels sprouts and then peel away the first layer of leaves, removing any discolored leaves until a fresh sprout is revealed. Cut each sprout in half through the stem or leave them whole if they are small.
- Place the cut brussels sprouts in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, 1 Tablespoon maple syrup, black pepper and salt. Stir until evenly coated. Evenly spread the brussels sprouts on the parchment-lined baking pan.
- Roast for 30 minutes, stirring every ten minutes. Meanwhile heat a small skillet over medium high heat. Add the cut up bacon and cook until crispy. Place the bacon on a paper towel lined bowl to absorb the grease.
- After 30 minutes, remove the brussels sprouts from the oven. Mix in the cooked bacon until well incorporated. Then drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup over the whole thing. Stir well to combine and return the pan to the oven for an additional 5- 10 minutes until nicely caramelized and fork tender.
Nutrition Facts
These maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon is guaranteed to become everyone’s favorite vegetable dish! They will be a mouth-watering Thanksgiving side dish, but they are so tasty you’ll want to add them to any meal all fall and winter long!
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