Gather your family and friends around the table for a delightful and memorable holiday feast with this Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe. This dish is a delicious celebration of the season, featuring tender Brussels sprouts tossed in a rich, maple-infused bacon glaze. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
This Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts dish is a true showstopper that will impress your guests and leave them craving more. The combination of caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a maple-based glaze creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. The result is a cozy, indulgent side dish that perfectly complements any holiday spread. Plus, the easy-to-follow recipe ensures reliable results every time, making this dish a stress-free addition to your festive feast.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients, including fresh Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and a delectable maple-based glaze. The ingredient list is designed to highlight the natural sweetness and earthiness of the Brussels sprouts, while the bacon and maple syrup add a warm, craveable element to the dish.
- 1 lb (450g) – Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 oz (170g) – Bacon, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (60ml) – Maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: Use a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian/vegan option.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Make Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
This recipe is easy to prepare and yields delicious results every time. Follow these simple steps to bring this festive dish to life.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by thoroughly washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts, removing any damaged or discolored leaves. Slice the sprouts in half, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. Next, dice the bacon into small pieces and mince the garlic. These prep steps will have you well on your way to a flavorful and visually appealing dish.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Carefully transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the hot bacon fat and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked to perfection, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Finally, drizzle the maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top, ensuring a delightful blend of flavors in every bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crunchy Topping: Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the Brussels sprouts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Bacon Flavor: Experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or maple-cured, to find your perfect flavor pairing.
- Crispy Texture: To achieve the ultimate crispy texture, be sure not to overcrowd the Brussels sprouts in the skillet during the cooking process.
- Spicy Twist: For a zesty kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the maple glaze.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts dish is an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats, turkey, or a variety of holiday main dishes.
Storage: For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the Brussels sprouts in a skillet or the oven until heated through, being careful not to overcook them.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon ahead of time. Simply cook the bacon and sauté the Brussels sprouts, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the Brussels sprouts in a skillet with the bacon and maple syrup, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Nutrition Information
This Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of Brussels sprouts, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The maple syrup and bacon add a touch of indulgence, but the overall dish remains a relatively healthy and balanced side option for your holiday feast.
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 205 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 19 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon ahead of time. Simply cook the bacon and sauté the Brussels sprouts, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the Brussels sprouts in a skillet with the bacon and maple syrup, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can certainly use frozen Brussels sprouts in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before sautéing to ensure they brown and caramelize properly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. It’s a great option for those following a gluten-free diet or for hosting guests with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
To make this dish vegan or vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon alternative or a drizzle of tahini or nut butter instead. The maple syrup and Brussels sprouts will still create a delicious and satisfying side dish.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
For a zesty twist, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the maple glaze. This will give the Brussels sprouts a delightful kick of heat that complements the sweet and savory flavors.
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Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Festive Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an ideal side dish for your holiday gatherings. Crispy bacon pairs beautifully with caramelized brussels sprouts, all drizzled with a touch of maple syrup.
Ingredients
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
3. 3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and sprinkle the chopped bacon over them.
4. 4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are golden brown and crispy, and the bacon is cooked.
5. 5. Remove from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup, stirring to coat.
6. 6. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
7. 7. Garnish with chopped pecans before serving.
Notes
• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.
• These Brussels sprouts can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, bacon, maple syrup, festive, holiday