Irresistible Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

You know that moment when you take a bite of something so perfectly balanced between sweet and savory that you just have to close your eyes and savor it? That’s exactly what happened when I first tried these maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon at a cozy autumn potluck. The crispy edges of the sprouts, the smoky bacon bits, and that sticky sweet maple glaze – I’ve been obsessed ever since. As someone who’s roasted more sheet pans of sprouts than I can count (and converted countless Brussels sprout skeptics), trust me when I say this easy side dish is absolute magic. It’s become my go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts because that irresistible combination of flavors wins every time.

Ingredients for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen on your baking sheet The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just six ingredients transform humble sprouts into something extraordinary. Pay attention to those prep notes; they make all the difference between good and oh-my-goodness results.

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (trust me, halving them creates more crispy edges)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces (thick-cut works wonders)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff coats every nook)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (none of that pancake syrup business)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (flaky sea salt is my secret weapon)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked, please)

See? Nothing fancy – just real ingredients ready to work together beautifully.

How to Make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This is where the magic happens, friends I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these simple steps guarantee that perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and crispy texture every single time.

1. Fire up that oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) – this high heat is key for getting those beautiful browned edges without overcooking the centers.
2. Toss with love: In a big bowl, mix your halved sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until every nook is coated. I like using my hands – it’s messy but effective
3. Bacon blanket: Spread sprouts in a single layer on your baking sheet (more on that below), then scatter bacon pieces evenly over the top. No clumping
4. Roast to perfection: 20-25 minutes is the sweet spot. You’ll know they’re ready when the sprouts are fork-tender with crispy leaves, and the bacon is sizzling and golden.

Pro tip: Give everything a gentle stir halfway through. This helps the maple syrup caramelize evenly and prevents any burnt bits.

Achieving Perfect Crispiness

Here’s the secret: middle oven rack placement and space Crowded sprouts steam instead of roast. The bacon needs room to render its fat too – that’s what makes everything irresistibly crispy. If your baking sheet looks packed, use two Trust me, it’s worth the extra pan to wash.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Listen, I know Brussels sprouts can be divisive, but this recipe? It’s a total game-changer. Here’s why it’ll become your new obsession:

• That perfect sweet-savory dance – The maple caramelizes into the sprouts while the bacon adds smoky depth. It’s that magical balance that makes people go back for thirds.
• 10 minutes of active work – Chop, toss, roast. Boom. Even on my busiest nights, I can manage this one.
• Sprout skeptic approved – I’ve lost count of how many “I hate Brussels sprouts” people I’ve converted with this dish. The crispy edges and bacon work like magic.
• Holiday hero or Tuesday night MVP – Fancy enough for Thanksgiving but easy enough for a random weeknight. That’s my kind of versatile side

Seriously, once you try these, that baking sheet will never get a break.

Expert Tips for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

After burning one too many batches (oops), I’ve perfected these little tricks that take your sprouts from good to can’t-stop-eating-them amazing:

• Bacon watch: At the 15-minute mark, peek at your bacon pieces. If they’re browning too fast, stir everything gently to redistribute the fat.
• Size matters: Cut sprouts roughly the same size – quarter any giant ones so everything cooks evenly. Nobody wants half-raw, half-charred sprouts
• Syrup strategy: Drizzle extra maple syrup post-roasting if you love sticky sweetness. The hot sprouts soak it right up
• Pan prep: Parchment paper makes cleanup easier, but going bare-metal gives you those glorious crispy bits I live for.

These tiny adjustments? Total game-changers

Serving Suggestions for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Oh, the possibilities These sprouts shine next to so many mains – they’re my favorite companion to simple roasted chicken (that maple-bacon goodness works magic with poultry). During the holidays, they disappear fast when served alongside glazed ham or turkey. For weeknights, I’ll toss them into grain bowls with quinoa or farro – the sweet-savory crunch takes lunch leftovers to new heights Want to gild the lily? A sprinkle of toasted pecans or tart dried cranberries makes them extra festive. Honestly? I’ve been guilty of eating them straight from the pan more times than I can count

Storing & Reheating Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Here’s the good news – leftovers taste almost as amazing as fresh Store them airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days, though honestly? They rarely last that long in my house. When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy sadness) and use either your oven or air fryer at 350°F until they’re crispy and sizzling again. That maple glaze reactivates beautifully, and the bacon stays wonderfully smoky. Pro tip: Spread them in a single layer while reheating – crowded sprouts lose their magic

Nutritional Information for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty little sprouts These estimates are based on the exact ingredients I use – your favorite bacon or maple syrup might tweak the numbers slightly. Per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe), you’re looking at:

• 180 calories – Not bad for such a satisfying side
• 10g fat (2.5g saturated) – Thank that glorious bacon
• 18g carbs (4g fiber, 8g sugar) – Hello, maple sweetness
• 6g protein – Bacon and sprouts teaming up

Remember, these are just ballpark figures – but isn’t it nice to know something this delicious can be good for you too?

These Irresistible Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and crispy—a guaranteed side dish superstar. If you love flavorful vegetable sides, you’ll adore our Skillet Zucchini and Mushrooms or our protein-packed Dense Bean Salad. Did you make this recipe? Share your creation with us on Facebook! Find more crowd-pleasing ideas in our sides collection Print