These Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts are a tasty treat! They’re crispy, sweet, and smoky, making them super fun to eat. It’s hard to resist this delicious combination!
Honestly, if you think you don’t like Brussel sprouts, just wait until you try them with bacon and maple. I always end up munching on more than I intended. Who could blame me? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, firm Brussels sprouts are key for this dish. If they’re out of season or you prefer, you can use green beans or broccoli florets instead, though they will give a different flavor.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for its hearty texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works too, but it won’t be as crispy or flavorful. For a vegetarian version, try using smoked tempeh or mushroom bacon.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a sweet depth, but if you’re out, honey or agave syrup are good substitutes. Just keep in mind that they are sweeter, so adjust the amount to your taste!
Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves bring a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works too—just use about a third of the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Brussels Sprouts Perfectly Crispy?
Getting Brussels sprouts crispy requires a bit of attention. Start by ensuring they’re cut side down when you initially cook them. This helps them develop that lovely caramelization.
- Heat your skillet to medium heat first before adding the sprouts to get a good sear.
- Don’t rush! Allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring. This lets their natural sugars caramelize.
- Stirring them at intervals will help, but make sure they’ve formed a nice color before you do. They should be tender but still have that crispy bite!
Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. In no time, you’ll have a scrumptious side that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts:
Start by rinsing the Brussels sprouts to clean them. Trim the ends to remove any tough bits, then carefully slice each sprout in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, heat it over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook the bacon for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove the bacon pieces from the skillet and set them aside, but leave the bacon fat in the pan since we’ll use it to flavor the sprouts.
3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts:
If needed, add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Once hot, add the halved Brussels sprouts with the cut side facing down. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper for flavor.
4. Get Them Golden Brown:
Cook the Brussels sprouts without stirring for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them caramelize beautifully and get a lovely golden crust. Once they have a nice color, stir them gently and keep cooking for another 5 minutes until they are tender.
5. Add Maple Syrup:
Drizzle the pure maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts and toss everything together nicely. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to give the syrup a chance to caramelize and coat the sprouts.
6. Combine with Bacon:
Finally, add the cooked bacon pieces back into the skillet and mix well so everything is combined and heated through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat and if you’d like, garnish with some fresh thyme leaves for an extra pop of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful mix of sweet, savory, and crispy goodness!
These Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts are not just a side dish—they might just steal the show at dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking for the best results.
How Do I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or your favorite plant-based bacon. For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of liquid smoke to mimic that smoky essence!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through for the best texture.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon ahead of time. Just combine them and add the maple syrup before serving, reheating slightly if necessary.