Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts - Homemade Hooplah (2024)

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What Ingredients Are in Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?

In order to bake up this delicious combination of maple, bacon, and Brussels sprouts, you’ll need to collect the following ingredients:

• Maple Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness, complementing the earthy tones of the Brussels sprouts.
• Brussels Sprouts: The main vegetable component, offering a slightly bitter taste and a crunchy texture when roasted.
• Olive Oil: Used to coat the sprouts, it helps to crisp them up in the oven and adds a subtle, fruity undertone.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and balances the sweetness of the maple.
• Black Pepper: Adds a slight heat and sharpness, which contrasts nicely with the sweet maple and smoky bacon.
• Maple Syrup: Provides a sweet glaze that caramelizes in the oven, pairing perfectly with the savory bacon and hearty Brussels sprouts.

What Else Can You Add?

Looking to jazz up your maple bacon Brussels sprouts? Here’s a list of add-ins that can introduce new textures and flavors to your dish:

• Sliced Carrots: 1 cup, add before baking, increase olive oil and maple syrup by 1 teaspoon each to coat.
• Cubed Sweet Potatoes: 1 cup, cubed, mix in before baking, and up the olive oil and maple syrup by 1 teaspoon each for a perfect glaze.
• Sugar Coated Pecans or Candied Almonds: 1/2 cup of either, added after baking for a sweet crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: 1/3 cup, mixed in after baking for a tart chewiness.
• Pomegranate Seeds: 1/2 cup, sprinkled on after baking for a juicy pop of color.
• Roasted Chestnuts: 1/2 cup, chopped and added after baking for a festive touch.

If you decide to cook more vegetables, increase the olive oil and maple syrup by 1 teaspoon each per additional cup of vegetables to ensure everything is nicely coated and caramelized.

Can You Make This in Advance?

Absolutely! For the best experience:

• Before Cooking: You can prep the Brussels sprouts, trim them, halve them, and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge a day in advance. The bacon can also be cooked and chopped, and the maple syrup mixture prepared and stored separately.
• After Cooking: Once cooked, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

How Long Are Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Good For?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your maple bacon Brussels sprouts will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before sealing them away to maintain freshness.

Can You Freeze This Dish?

While you can freeze cooked Brussels sprouts, the texture might change upon thawing — they can become a bit mushy. If you don’t mind that, go ahead and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with your favorite method.

How to Reheat Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

When you’re ready to have another helping of your tasty side dish leftovers, follow these steps to warm them up perfectly:

Thawing (Optional)

• For best results, transfer the frozen vegetables to the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat them to allow them to thaw gradually.
• If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and reheat directly from frozen, though it may take a little longer.

Oven

• Preheat to 350°F.
• Spread sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Reheat for 5-10 minutes if thawed (10-15 minutes if frozen), or until heated through.

Toaster Oven

• Set to 350°F.
• Place sprouts on the toaster oven tray.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes if thawed (5-8 minutes if frozen), checking frequently.

Air Fryer

• Preheat to 350°F.
• Place sprouts in the basket, avoid overcrowding.
• Reheat for 2-4 minutes if thawed (3-5 minutes if frozen), or until warm and crispy.

Microwave

• Place sprouts in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel.
• Reheat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Notes & tips for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Depending on which Brussels sprouts you buy, you may need to cut the stems and remove the leaves. If you’ve never done this before, check out this guide on How to Trim and Cut Brussels Sprouts.
• This side dish is a perfect no-hassel side dish for busy holiday dinners! Plus, it makes for delicious leftovers, too.
• Looking for more ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts? Try making these honey sriracha Brussels sprouts or serving these bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts at your next party.
• Fun Fact: Brussels sprouts are from Brussels, Belgium, so their proper name is, in fact, “Brussels sprouts” as opposed to “Brussel sprouts.” However, this can feel awkward to say since it sounds like a double plural. 70% of people drop the “s” from “Brussels” for this reason, and if you do it, too, worry not – everyone will still know what you mean. And your dishes made with these little green gems will be just as delicious.

Step 1 – Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then lay a few pieces of bacon across it.

Step 2 – Bake the bacon, then transfer it to a paper towel lined plate. Once it’s cool, cut the bacon up into small pieces, then set aside.

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Step 3 – Using the same pan you cooked the bacon on, add the Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste, then use a spatula to toss the sprouts in the oil, seasonings, and bacon grease.

Step 4 – Bake!

Step 5 – Add the crumbled bacon to the baking sheet with the Brussels sprouts and drizzle with maple syrup. Use a spatula to toss all of the ingredients together, coating the sprouts and bacon with syrup.

Step 6 – Serve and enjoy!

Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts flavored with crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup. It’s an easy side dish to whip up for any dinner or holiday!

Author: Chrisy