Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts offer a unique twist on a classic vegetable dish, combining the rich, smoky flavor of bacon with the sweetness of maple syrup. This dish not only satisfies the cravings for something savory but also brings in a delightful touch of sweetness, making it a perfect side for any occasion. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts lover or not, this recipe is guaranteed to turn even the biggest skeptics into fans.
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Why You’ll Love These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, crunchy pecans, and a touch of maple sweetness. With the added bonus of being easy to prepare, you can have this dish ready in just 30 minutes. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want to impress your guests with a delicious side dish. The beauty of these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts lies in how they blend the best of both worlds—savory and sweet.
Ingredients For Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels Sprouts: These provide a hearty texture and a slightly bitter flavor, which is balanced by the maple syrup and bacon.
- Bacon: Adds richness, smokiness, and crispiness to the dish.
- Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, elevating the dish further.
- Ground Mustard: Adds a mild pungency and enhances the flavor of the dish when activated by bourbon.
- Bourbon: Used for deglazing the pan, bringing a smoky depth to the dish (can be substituted with apple cider vinegar).
- Maple Syrup: The star of the dish, adding a sweet contrast to the salty bacon.
- Kosher Salt & Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you have dietary preferences or allergies, there are plenty of substitutions for the ingredients:
- Bacon: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap out bacon for turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative.
- Pecans: If you don’t enjoy pecans, walnuts work equally well, or you can omit them entirely for a simpler version.
- Bourbon: Not a fan of alcohol? Simply replace the bourbon with apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blanch the Brussels Sprouts: Start by boiling a large pot of water with kosher salt. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 4-5 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Brussels Sprouts and Pecans: Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the blanched Brussels sprouts and pecans to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the edges of the Brussels sprouts are crispy.
- Add Mustard: Sprinkle the ground mustard over the Brussels sprouts and pecans. Stir for about 1-2 minutes to allow the mustard to activate and blend into the dish.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the bourbon (or apple cider vinegar) to deglaze the pan. Stir constantly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
- Add Maple Syrup: Pour in the maple syrup and cook for an additional 1 minute, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet, toss everything together, and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Blanching Time: Be sure not to overcook the Brussels sprouts during the blanching process. They should still be bright green and firm, not mushy.
- Don’t Skip the Maple Syrup: Using real maple syrup is crucial to achieving the right balance of sweetness. Avoid imitation syrup as it won’t offer the same depth of flavor.
- Pan Size: Use a large skillet to ensure that the Brussels sprouts can make good contact with the pan for that desired crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can blanch the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Finish the recipe when you’re ready to serve.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or turkey. It also complements a hearty grain salad or mashed potatoes. If you’re looking to make the dish spicier, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the Brussels sprouts. To make it a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or quinoa.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These Brussels sprouts can be prepped in advance for busy days. After blanching, simply store the Brussels sprouts in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just follow the cooking steps starting from sautéing the Brussels sprouts and pecans. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results, ensuring the Brussels sprouts retain their crispy texture.
Why This Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works
The combination of maple syrup, crispy bacon, and tender Brussels sprouts creates a harmonious dish that’s both savory and sweet. The bourbon (or vinegar) helps neutralize the bitter compounds in Brussels sprouts, making them more palatable. With its easy preparation and incredible flavor, this dish is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any meal that calls for a show-stopping side dish.
Whether you’re already a Brussels sprouts lover or you’re looking to convert someone, this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Conclusion: Why Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Are a Must-Try
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also packed with nutrients and bold flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a holiday feast or as part of a simple dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tender Brussels sprouts create a satisfying harmony, making it an irresistible addition to your recipe rotation. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs About Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Can I make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the Brussels sprouts in advance. Simply blanch and cool them, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just follow the final cooking steps to sauté and finish the dish.
Can I substitute the bourbon in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t want to use bourbon, you can easily substitute it with apple cider vinegar. It will add a similar acidic kick without the alcohol.
How do I avoid overcooking the Brussels sprouts?
To ensure your Brussels sprouts don’t become mushy, be sure to blanch them for just 4-5 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green. Drain them well and immediately cool them under cold water or in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
More Relevant Recipes
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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts offer a sweet and savory side dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor. This easy recipe combines crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and maple syrup for a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 4 strips bacon, diced into ½” lardons
- ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 oz bourbon, or 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- Ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the Brussels sprouts, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process, then dry thoroughly.
- In a 12″ skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until the fat renders and the bacon becomes crisp, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the blanched Brussels sprouts and pecans to the skillet. Sauté until the edges of the Brussels sprouts are crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the ground mustard over the Brussels sprouts and pecans. Stir for 1-2 minutes to allow the mustard to activate.
- Pour the bourbon (or apple cider vinegar) into the pan to deglaze. Stir constantly until the liquid is fully absorbed and any browned bits are scraped from the pan, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the bacon back to the pan and pour in the maple syrup. Cook for another minute until the syrup thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the Brussels sprouts when blanching them.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans or omit them entirely if preferred.
- For a non-alcoholic version, use apple cider vinegar in place of bourbon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 318mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
