Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle Delight

Name: Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 6 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; ½ teaspoon sea salt

Recipe By:

Rollins

Posted:

October 26, 2025

Updated:

October 26, 2025

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Brussels sprouts, those tiny green orbs often misunderstood by culinary novices, can transform into a heavenly dish when paired with crispy bacon and a sweet maple drizzle. Imagine the delightful crunch of roasted Brussels, the smoky goodness of bacon, and a luscious layer of maple syrup dancing on your palate. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that’ll have your taste buds singing in harmony.

Growing up, my family had a rather strained relationship with Brussels sprouts. They were often boiled to mush and served as punishment for not eating enough veggies. But when I discovered the magic of roasting them with bacon and maple syrup, everything changed. Now, this dish is a staple at our holiday gatherings, bringing everyone together in blissful unity over the joy of Brussels sprouts.

Why You'll Love This Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle

This incredible Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

My friends’ eyes widened in delight when I served these at last year’s Thanksgiving dinner—everyone went back for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Brussels Sprouts: Choose firm sprouts with tight leaves for optimal flavor and texture; avoid any that are yellowing or wilted.
Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness; it adds a lovely smoky flavor that complements the sprouts perfectly.
Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup for that rich sweetness; artificial syrups simply won’t cut it here.
Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances the roasting process; extra virgin olive oil works best to elevate flavors.
Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a hint of spice; adjust to your taste preference.
Salt: A pinch of sea salt brings out all the wonderful flavors in this dish; don’t skip it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle

How to Make Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later—trust me on this one.

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and trim off any brown ends. Cut larger ones in half so they cook evenly.

Add the Bacon: Chop your thick-cut bacon into bite-sized pieces and toss them together with the prepared Brussels sprouts on your baking sheet.

Season Generously: Drizzle olive oil over everything and sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss well until everything is evenly coated—you want each sprout adorned like it’s ready for a gourmet ball.

Roast Away: Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until the sprouts are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Add Maple Magic: In the last five minutes of roasting, drizzle pure maple syrup over the mixture. Give it one final toss to coat everything beautifully before letting it caramelize slightly in the oven.

Serve warm as an unbelievable side dish at your next festive gathering or simply indulge during weeknight dinners because you deserve it! Enjoy those crispy edges and sweet-salty bites as they become an instant favorite at your table!

Content: Here are three essential tips to help you master Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle.

Fresh is Best: Always choose fresh Brussels sprouts for better flavor and texture. The smell of fresh sprouts is simply delightful, and they’ll give your dish a vibrant taste. I once grabbed a bag of frozen ones in a pinch and learned my lesson the hard way—flavorless mush is not what you want.

Cook Them Right: Ensure even cooking by cutting larger sprouts in half. This way, they brown nicely while soaking up that maple drizzle. I remember the first time I skipped this step; some were charred while others were still crunchy like tiny cabbages—definitely not ideal.

Don’t Rush the Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture contrast. The sound of sizzling bacon wafts through the kitchen, instantly making your mouth water. I learned that undercooked bacon just doesn’t cut it when it comes to this recipe; trust me, crispy is the way to go.

You Must Know About Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle

This showstopping Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve crispy Brussels sprouts and perfectly rendered bacon, start by cooking the bacon first in a skillet. Remove it when crisp, then in the same skillet, add halved Brussels sprouts to soak up that smoky flavor. Sauté them until tender and caramelized for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they get that beautiful golden brown color.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with ingredients! Swap out bacon for pancetta or add walnuts for crunch. You can also enhance flavors by using different spices like garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Customize the maple drizzle by adding balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist or even orange zest for brightness!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through—about 10 minutes should do it! This method helps retain that sought-after crispiness rather than using a microwave which could make them soggy.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle

This professional-quality Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sharing this delightful dish at family gatherings has become my favorite tradition—a memorable moment when my cousin asked if he could marry it! It’s not just food; it’s love served on a plate that brings everyone together.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms to retain that savory flavor profile without sacrificing taste or texture. Season these alternatives well to ensure they complement those delicious Brussels sprouts perfectly.

What other toppings can I use?

Consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or toasted pecans as toppings instead of bacon for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. These additions will elevate your dish while keeping it festive and delicious!

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?

They should be tender when pierced with a fork and have a nice golden-brown exterior. If they’re charred but still firm inside, give them a few more minutes in the pan—they should be perfectly crispy yet soft when ready.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

While fresh is always best, you can use frozen ones in a pinch! Just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking to avoid excess moisture affecting their crispiness during sautéing.

Conclusion for Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle

In summary, mastering Festive Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Maple Drizzle involves selecting fresh ingredients, perfecting your cooking technique, and customizing flavors to your liking. Whether you’re preparing this dish for holiday celebrations or cozy weeknight dinners, its delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy every bite as you create delicious memories around your table!