Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: A Sweet, Savory & Nutrient-Packed Side Dish
If you’re looking for a side dish that is equal parts nutritious and indulgent, look no further than these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts. This dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, crispy textures, and an irresistible aroma that will have your whole family gathered around the dinner table.
As a homemaker and beauty expert, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both nourishing from the inside out and crowd-pleasing. Brussels sprouts are a true superfood, and when paired with crispy bacon and the natural sweetness of maple syrup, they transform into a dish that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Let’s dive into why Brussels sprouts are a must-have in your diet, why maple syrup is the perfect natural sweetener, and how garlic enhances both the flavor and health benefits of this dish. This is one of my family’s favorite dishes and can be made for any meal, any time of day! Yes, if you are wondering, we even have this tasty hint of sweet and oh, so savory side for breakfast.
Why Brussels Sprouts Are a Nutritional Powerhouse
Brussels sprouts have earned a reputation as one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat, and for good reason. These tiny, cabbage-like veggies are bursting with nutrients that support overall well-being.
Here’s why Brussels sprouts deserve a place on your plate:
- High in Antioxidants: Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that help fight free radicals, reducing inflammation and promoting radiant skin.
- Excellent Source of Fiber: The fiber content in Brussels sprouts supports digestion, keeps you feeling full longer, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Packed with Vitamin K: Essential for bone health and proper blood clotting, vitamin K is abundant in Brussels sprouts.
- Supports Detoxification: Brussels sprouts contain compounds like glucosinolates that aid in liver detoxification, helping to remove toxins from the body.
- Great for Heart Health: These little greens are known to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a crispy, caramelized exterior—making them a perfect base for this maple bacon dish.
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Why Maple Syrup Is a Better Sweetener Choice
Many traditional recipes use refined sugars, but maple syrup is a fantastic natural alternative that enhances the flavor while offering additional health benefits.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Maple syrup contains polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
- Lower Glycemic Index: Compared to refined sugar, maple syrup has a lower glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike blood sugar levels as drastically.
- Packed with Minerals: It contains small amounts of zinc, manganese, and calcium—nutrients that support immune function and bone health.
- Pure & Natural: Unlike processed sugars, pure maple syrup is a whole food ingredient without artificial additives.
In this dish, the maple syrup helps balance the smokiness of the bacon and the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, creating a perfectly harmonious bite.
The Magic of Garlic: A Flavor & Health Booster
Garlic isn’t just an incredible flavor enhancer—it’s also a nutritional powerhouse with numerous health benefits.
- Boosts Immunity: Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a great addition to your diet, especially during cold and flu season.
- Supports Heart Health: It helps lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: The sulfur compounds in garlic help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for overall health and longevity.
- Aids in Digestion: Garlic stimulates digestive enzymes, making it a great companion to fiber-rich vegetables like Brussels sprouts.
In this dish, minced garlic is sautéed with the bacon, infusing the entire recipe with a rich, aromatic depth of flavor.
How to Make the Best Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
The secret to perfect Brussels sprouts lies in how you cook them. Roasting at a higher heat caramelizes the natural sugars and creates crispy edges, while the addition of bacon and maple syrup elevates the dish to gourmet status. Here’s how to achieve Brussels sprout perfection:
- Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for small to medium-sized sprouts that are bright green and firm. Avoid any with yellowing leaves or soft spots.
- Cut for Maximum Crispiness: Slice each sprout in thirds on a wooden cutting board to expose the inner layers, which will crisp up beautifully when roasted.
- Cook the Bacon First: Sauté the chopped bacon in a large frying pan until crispy, then remove and set aside. Leave about a tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan—it adds incredible flavor to the Brussels sprouts.
- Roast at High Heat: Toss the Brussels sprouts with the bacon fat and roast them in a (low-tox) frying pan at medium to high heat. This temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Stoves vary so adjust temperature accordingly…we want crispy and browned not blackened!
- Add Garlic & Maple Syrup at the End: Stir in the minced garlic and drizzle with pure maple syrup during the last 3-5 minutes of roasting. This prevents the garlic from burning and allows the maple syrup to caramelize perfectly.
- Finish with a Touch of Salt & Pepper: A final sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper enhances all the flavors and ties the dish together beautifully.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes Total Time: 45 Minutes
Ingredients
-1 1/2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, washed, trimmed, & cut into 3rd’s
-1/2 pound bacon
-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1/2 teaspoon sea salt
-1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
-2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Wash Brussels sprouts and lay on paper towel to dry.
- In a large frying pan, cook bacon on medium heat until brown and just crispy.
- While bacon is frying, chop brussels sprouts into thirds and finely chop your garlic. Make sure to check bacon occasionally and flip as needed.
- Once bacon is cooked just until crispy, remove from pan onto paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Empty all but about a tablespoon of bacon grease from pan (be careful, its still really hot!)
- Keep the frying pan on medium heat with bacon grease. Add olive oil and Brussels sprouts to pan. Keep the heat high enough that the Brussels sprouts begin to brown a bit. Keep tossing every few minutes to brown evenly on all sides. This takes about 12-15 minutes.
- Add garlic to pan and continue to toss all together for 3-5 minutes. Brussel sprouts and garlic are ready when you have a good sear on all sides.
- Crumble bacon into small pieces and add to pan and toss.
- Add salt, pepper, and drizzle maple syrup over everything. Toss all ingredients together and serve!
This recipe is so great because you only need one pan, and the little bit of bacon grease adds so much flavor! The key to tasty Brussels sprouts is to get a slight char on all sides. It crisps them up nicely and brings out a rich flavor. This will also help keep them crisp once the maple syrup is added so they don’t get soggy (I think this is why Brussels sprouts always had a bad rap, nobody likes a soggy veggie). Add extra salt and pepper to taste.
Skip the bacon for a vegetarian twist and add a little paprika and red pepper flakes to spice things up. For another twist, add walnuts for texture and crunch or sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to three days. For best results, heat up leftovers in a frying pan or toss them in the air fryer.
Why This Side Dish Belongs on Your Table
Brussels sprouts are no longer the overcooked, mushy vegetables you remember from childhood. When prepared properly, they become a crispy, caramelized, and flavor-packed dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a simple grain bowl.
This Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is:
- Perfect for Holidays & Everyday Meals: It’s a festive side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Nutrient-Dense & Satisfying: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being full of rich, comforting flavors.
- Balanced in Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and garlicky goodness ensures every bite is delicious.
- Kid-Friendly: Even kids who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts will love them in this crispy, bacon-infused form.
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Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hesitant about Brussels sprouts in the past, this recipe will change your mind. It’s the perfect combination of indulgence and nutrition, making it a side dish that’s just as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Try this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe for your next family dinner and watch as it quickly becomes a household favorite. Have your own twist on Brussels sprouts? Share your favorite ways to prepare them in the comments—I love hearing your creative ideas!
Hey, Sweet Friend!
Welcome! I’m Ashley, a lover of beauty in all its facets. I am a hairstylist, writer, & girl mom passionate about helping women flourish by seeking beauty beyond the surface. I love to encourage women to create clean & healthy beauty habits & homes grounded in faith and live by my motto…clean, pretty, + simple. I would love for you to join me in your healthy beauty journey!
