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Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Easy 30-Minute Side

crispy maple bacon brussels sprouts - featured image

These crispy maple bacon Brussels sprouts with pecans are a quick and easy 30-minute side dish that combines smoky bacon, sweet maple glaze, and crunchy pecans for an irresistible flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Rinse the Brussels sprouts and pat them completely dry. Trim the tough stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem. If any sprouts are very large, cut them into quarters so they’re all roughly the same size.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat. Once cool, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with the reserved 2 tablespoons of bacon fat, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well until every sprout is evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  6. Roast for 15 minutes undisturbed.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the Brussels sprouts, then sprinkle the pecan halves and crumbled bacon over the top. Gently toss everything together.
  8. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 10-12 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the edges are deeply caramelized.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the sprouts rest on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use fresh Brussels sprouts and real maple syrup. Do not crowd the pan to ensure crispiness. Add maple syrup after the first 15 minutes to prevent burning. Let the sprouts rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the glaze to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, bacon, maple syrup, pecans, side dish, holiday, 30-minute, crispy