Prepare to transform your perception of Brussels sprouts forever! These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are an absolute game-changer, delivering an irresistible blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors with a satisfying crisp texture. They are so remarkably delicious, you’ll never want to prepare them any other way again. What makes them truly perfect for your holiday feast, especially Thanksgiving, is the incredible convenience: a significant portion of the preparation can be completed well in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Looking to round out your holiday menu with more unforgettable dishes? Consider serving our equally delightful Creamy Mushroom Mascarpone Soup as a luxurious starter, or explore other fantastic vegetable options like our savory Italian Cabbage Recipe or the nutrient-rich Italian Lacinato Kale Recipe (Tuscan) to add variety to your table.

Why These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Side

Creating an impressive and memorable spread during the holiday season doesn’t have to be complicated. These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also consistently earn rave reviews from everyone who tries them. We all know that vegetable side dishes at holiday gatherings can often be hit or miss. There’s a fine line between a dish that’s eagerly devoured and one that’s politely pushed around the plate.

I distinctly recall my aunt’s annual green bean casserole. While a staple, it was always the dish my mom insisted we take, yet rarely did any of us actually eat more than the crispy fried onions on top. That’s precisely why these Brussels sprouts are different. Forget the bland, mushy, or forgotten vegetable sides of holidays past. This recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful, and wonderfully textured way to introduce greens to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table, ensuring that even the most skeptical eaters will reach for seconds.

Beyond their delightful taste and texture, the true genius of these Brussels sprouts lies in their make-ahead potential. Imagine a holiday morning where you’re not scrambling to prepare every single dish from scratch. With this recipe, you can prepare the candied pecans several days ahead of time, ensuring they’re perfectly crunchy and ready to go. The bacon can also be chopped the day before, saving precious minutes. Then, on the big day, all that’s left is the quick and easy roasting of the Brussels sprouts themselves – a task that can be effortlessly managed while your turkey rests, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For another excellent make-ahead option, consider our refreshing Italian Green Bean Salad.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Perfect Results

Crafting the perfect Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that coveted balance of sweet, salty, and savory, along with an incredible texture that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how to make smart choices.

• Brussels Sprouts: Freshness is key here. Look for firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have soft spots. Halving them ensures they cook evenly and get beautifully caramelized edges.
• Pecans: These add a crucial crunch and nutty depth. For ultimate convenience during the busy holiday season, you can absolutely buy premade candied pecans – it’s a fantastic shortcut that won’t compromise flavor. If you prefer to make them from scratch and want to elevate the taste even further, try our incredibly flavorful Bourbon Candied Pecans for an adult-friendly twist. Remember, roughly chopping them allows for better distribution throughout the dish.
• Bacon: This is the heart of the savory element! Thick-cut bacon will work best in this recipe. Its robust texture holds up beautifully during roasting, providing substantial, crispy bits that don’t get lost among the pecans and Brussels sprouts. Thin bacon can become too brittle or disintegrate, so opt for thick if possible.
• Maple Syrup: This is non-negotiable! To achieve the rich, authentic sweet flavor that perfectly complements the bacon and sprouts, you must use real maple syrup! Artificial syrups lack the complex depth and natural sweetness, which will significantly impact the final taste of your dish.
• Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: These pantry staples are essential for seasoning the Brussels sprouts and encouraging that desirable roasted caramelization. A good quality olive oil can also contribute a subtle fruity note.
• Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Vanilla Extract: These ingredients are specifically for candying the pecans. They create a sweet, aromatic, and sticky coating that makes the pecans utterly addictive.

*Please see the full recipe card below for precise measurements and additional information on all ingredients.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Perfect Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Achieving these irresistible Brussels sprouts is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps to ensure a dish that’s perfectly crispy, sweet, and savory every time.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for getting those beautiful caramelized edges on your Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon.

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon. Take your halved Brussels sprouts and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated. Next, transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts to a large baking sheet. Add your chopped thick-cut bacon to the same tray. It’s essential to spread both the sprouts and the bacon out as much as possible, ensuring they are in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan will lead to steaming rather than roasting, preventing that desirable crispy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Roast to Perfection. Carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated 400°F oven. Roast for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and beautifully caramelized, and the bacon is nice and crispy. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with an incredible aroma as they cook. For even browning, you might want to give the pan a shake halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as ovens can vary.

Creating Irresistible Candied Pecans from Scratch

The candied pecans are a highlight of this dish, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of sweet, buttery flavor. While you can use store-bought, making them yourself is a rewarding experience and surprisingly simple.

Step 3: Toasting the Pecans. In a small frying pan, melt your butter over medium heat. Watch for it to start to bubble gently, indicating it’s ready. Add your roughly chopped pecans to the pan and stir occasionally for about 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for them to start darkening slightly and become wonderfully toasted. A rich, nutty aroma will fill your kitchen – yes, the nuts will indeed smell nutty! Once toasted, remove the pan from the heat momentarily and toss the pecans with cinnamon and brown sugar until they’re evenly coated.

Step 4: Caramelizing the Sugar. Return the pan to low heat. Stir in the water and vanilla extract, then continue to stir continuously. The goal here is for the water to completely evaporate, allowing the sugar mixture to thicken and become sticky. As the water cooks off, the sugar will become stickier and begin to beautifully caramelize onto the pecans. This process requires constant attention; as soon as the mixture is thick and coating the pecans, you want to remove them from the pan immediately to ensure the sugar does not burn! Burnt sugar can taste bitter and ruin the batch.

Step 5: Achieving the Perfect Crunch. Once the pecans are caramelized, immediately transfer them to a parchment-lined baking tray. Spread them out in a single layer to prevent sticking. Place the tray into your preheated oven (or reduce heat slightly if you still have Brussels sprouts roasting) for about 5 minutes. This crucial step will give them an incredibly crunchy texture and help get rid of any remaining moisture from the caramelization process. Be careful not to burn them!

Step 6: Combine and Serve. The final step brings all these delicious elements together. Once you pull the roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon out of the oven, immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the freshly candied pecans and toss everything gently to combine. Then, pour in the real maple syrup and mix thoroughly until everything is beautifully glazed. The warmth of the brussels sprouts is key here, as it helps the maple syrup coat them perfectly and release its aromatic goodness. Serve these incredible Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts immediately to enjoy them at their peak of flavor and crispiness!

These delightful Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are incredibly versatile. While they shine as a show-stopping Thanksgiving dinner side or a festive holiday dish, they are also a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your family’s diet throughout the year. The sweet and savory combination makes them appealing even to those who typically shy away from greens.

It’s a common misconception that vegetables must be steamed or eaten raw to retain their nutritional value or taste good. Sometimes, getting kids, or even adults, to eat their veggies requires a little culinary magic. I’ve consistently found that adding savory elements like bacon or flavorful cheeses like parmesan, as seen in our crowd-pleasing Garlic Parmesan Green Beans, dramatically increases their appeal. These Brussels sprouts prove that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and enjoyable.

Pro-Tips for Unforgettable Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Elevate your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts from great to absolutely extraordinary with these expert tips:

1. Choose the Right Bacon: The key to truly outstanding maple bacon Brussels sprouts is the quality and cut of the bacon. As mentioned, try to use thick-cut bacon if you can find it. You can often ask the butcher at your local supermarket for this specific cut. Thick-cut bacon renders beautifully, becoming incredibly crispy without completely disappearing. When preparing, chop the bacon into roughly ½-inch pieces and spread it out around the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet. This ensures maximum contact with the hot surface for optimal crisping.
2. Don’t Skip the Pecan Roast: After candying the pecans, it’s absolutely critical to roast them for a few additional minutes in the oven. This step isn’t just an option; it’s what takes them from a potentially chewy or slightly sticky texture to perfectly dry and satisfyingly crunchy. This secondary roast removes any residual moisture and sets the caramelized sugar, ensuring that delightful snap with every bite.
3. Even Brussels Sprout Halving: For uniform cooking and consistent caramelization, try to halve your Brussels sprouts into pieces of similar size. Smaller pieces will cook faster and crispier, while larger ones might remain a bit firmer. Trim any woody ends and remove any loose or yellowed outer leaves before halving.
4. The Power of the Hot Pan: When roasting the Brussels sprouts and bacon, ensure your oven is fully preheated and consider preheating your baking sheet as well. A hot surface promotes immediate searing, leading to better caramelization and a crispier exterior on the sprouts.
5. Real Maple Syrup Makes a Difference: We can’t stress this enough – use genuine maple syrup, preferably Grade A Dark, Robust Taste (formerly Grade B). Its rich, complex flavor is superior to artificial syrups and will impart a much deeper, more authentic sweetness to your dish.

Maximizing Your Holiday Efficiency: Make-Ahead Candied Pecans

One of the best features of this recipe, especially for busy holiday meal planning, is the ability to prepare certain components ahead of time. The candied pecans are a prime example of this.

You can effortlessly make the candied pecans days in advance. Once prepared and cooled completely, store them at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to a week. They will maintain their sweet, crunchy, and delicious flavor perfectly. If you want to extend their freshness even longer, they can also stay crisp and tasty in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Trust me when I say, it’s a wise idea to make extra. These candied pecans are incredibly addictive, and you might find yourself snacking on them all while your Brussels sprouts are roasting! They’re also fantastic for adding to salads, oatmeal, or even as a standalone snack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Beyond the Holidays: Pairing Brussels Sprouts with Everyday Meals

These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are so incredibly versatile and delicious, you shouldn’t reserve them just for special occasions. They make a fantastic side dish any night of the week! Here are some ideas for what to pair them with when it’s not Thanksgiving:

• Looking for some chicken dishes to have with these? Their rich flavor profile beautifully complements a variety of chicken preparations. Try them with Crispy Italian Chicken Cutlets, Restaurant-Style Chicken Marsala, PERFECT Cast Iron Chicken Breast, Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet, or even the flavorful Cast Iron Lemon Chicken Orzo. The sweetness of the maple syrup and the savory bacon create a wonderful contrast to poultry.
• I’d also enthusiastically add it to my seafood meals for an unexpected twist. The saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the maple syrup can truly elevate the delicate flavors of fish. Consider serving them alongside Lemon Garlic Broiled Flounder, Pistachio Crusted Fish, Cast Iron Lemon Dill Salmon, or Pan-Seared Vermillion Snapper. The crispy texture also adds a welcome element to softer fish dishes.
• For a simple weeknight dinner, these Brussels sprouts are also excellent alongside a perfectly grilled steak, pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian main like a lentil loaf or mushroom burger. Their robust flavor ensures they stand up well to strong companions.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Vincent DelGiudice