Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

Why you'll love this recipe

When it comes to side dishes, these roasted Brussels sprouts check every single box. Here's why this will become one of your go-to veggie recipes:

Simple ingredients - You don't need anything fancy to make these. A few pantry staples, some fresh Brussels sprouts, and a little maple syrup magic do the trick.

Easy to make - Toss, roast, drizzle, and serve. That's it! Most of the work happens in the oven, leaving you free to work on the rest of your meal.

Customizable - Want them sweeter? Add more syrup. Spicier? Extra cayenne in the pecans. You can tweak them to match your taste buds.

Flavor balance - They're salty, sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy all in one bite. Honestly, it's the best flavor combo ever.

Textures - Tender roasted sprouts, crunchy pecans, and crispy bacon. There's a little something for everyone.

Gluten free - A naturally gluten-free side dish that's perfect for sharing with a crowd.

Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas - Brussels sprouts + maple syrup + bacon = holiday deliciousness.

Ingredients and their part in the dish

A handful of simple ingredients come together to make these Brussels sprouts shine:

For the Brussels Sprouts:

Brussels sprouts - The main ingredient! Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and gives them the crispy edges we all love.

Maple syrup - Adds a touch of natural sweetness and creates the glossy glaze.

Balsamic vinegar - Tangy and slightly sweet, it balances the richness of the bacon and syrup.

Bacon - Smoky, salty, and perfectly crisp. It adds richness and bold flavor. 'Cause after all, everything's better with bacon, right?!

Olive oil - Helps everything roast evenly and get that golden brown finish.

For the Maple Roasted Pecans

Pecans - Roasted with maple, butter, and a hint of cayenne for crunch and a pop of flavor.

Butter, brown sugar & maple syrup - Gives the pecans their sweet, caramelized coating.

Salt & black pepper - Essential seasonings that highlights all the flavors.

Cayenne (optional) - Just a pinch for a little kick.

How to make these oven roasted Brussels sprouts

Making these crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with maple balsamic glaze is easier than you think. Here's how it's done, starting with the sweet maple roasted pecans.

1. In a microwave-safe dish, combine butter and brown sugar. Heat until butter is melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in maple syrup, salt and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour this sweet, slightly spicy butter-maple syrup mixture over pecans and stir well.
3. Place on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking time. Set aside to cool.

Pro Tip: Make the maple roasted pecans earlier in the day or the day before. And you'll want to make extra because they make one deliciously addictive snack!

To make brussels sprouts:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F while halving brussels sprouts and taking off any excess stem and tough leaves.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove to a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Let cool then crumble.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet to bring the total fat to 3 tablespoons. Toss the halved brussels sprouts in the bacon fat-oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour onto a foil line baking sheet. Spread them into a single layer.
5. Roast for 10 minutes, toss, and roast another 10 minutes.
6. Combine maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Remove brussels sprouts from oven, toss with ¾ of the bacon, then pour the maple balsamic mixture over all. Give them another good toss and put the baking sheet back into the oven to another 5 minutes.

Remove roasted brussels sprouts from the oven. Pour into a serving dish and toss with the remaining crumbled bacon and the maple roasted pecans. Dive in and enjoy!

Recipe tips for success

Keep these tips in mind to make these delicious Brussels sprouts that are anything but boring:

• Don't crowd the pan. Spread the sprouts out in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
• Flip halfway through. This helps them crisp up on all sides for that perfect golden finish.
• Adjust the glaze. Love them sweeter? Add a little extra syrup. Want more tang? Drizzle in a splash more balsamic.
• Make the pecans ahead. You can roast the pecans a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
• Serve right away. Brussels sprouts taste their best fresh from the oven while they're still crispy.

Recipe variations to make it your own

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun swaps to try:

• Butter - Swap in coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.
• Olive oil - Use avocado oil if that's what you have on hand.
• Maple syrup - Honey or agave syrup will also work beautifully.
• Vegan version - Use plant-based butter and vegan bacon.

Main dishes to serve them with

These glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon pair perfectly with all your holiday favorites and beyond:

• Air Fryer Frozen Whole Chicken - Easy, juicy chicken made right in the air fryer.
• Bacon-wrapped Pork Tenderloin - Double the bacon, double the flavor.
• Baked Turkey - Classic Thanksgiving centerpiece.
• Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham - A sweet and savory ham that pairs perfectly with Brussels sprouts.
• Standing Rib Roast - An elegant main dish for special occasions.

How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, here's how to keep them tasting great:

Storing - Place cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing - For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind they'll lose a little crispiness once thawed.

Reheating - Warm them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to bring back some of that roasted crunch. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a quick fix.

More tasty side dish recipes

With or without bacon, these sides are sure to be a hit at your table:

• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - Crispy, smoky, and so easy.
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese - Creamy comfort food with a fall twist.
• Cheesy Corn Pudding - A rich, cheesy classic side.
• Maple Bacon Wrapped Carrots - Sweet carrots wrapped in smoky bacon.
• Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes - Tender and caramelized with a maple glaze.
• Roasted Parmesan Broccoli - A quick and easy veggie side that goes with anything.

Find lots of easy side dish recipes and the best recipes for Thanksgiving right here on 2CM!