Are you ready for a roasted brussels sprouts recipe that will genuinely change your perception of this humble vegetable? Your quest ends here. These incredible candied brussels sprouts, perfectly paired with savory bacon and a hint of sweet maple syrup, are precisely what you’ve been dreaming of.
The Ultimate Crispy Candied Brussels Sprouts: A Recipe You’re Guaranteed to Love
In my kitchen, this sensational brussels sprouts recipe has become an instant classic, making an appearance no less than five times in the past few weeks. Each time, despite my best intentions, I failed to capture a photo because they were devoured too swiftly – often by me! It’s admittedly challenging to get an appetizing shot of something charred and vibrantly green, but trust me, their taste transcends their photographic appeal. They are, quite simply, like candy. I truly can’t stop eating them!
From Brussels Sprout Skeptic to Enthusiast: A Culinary Transformation
Growing up, my only encounter with brussels sprouts was at my great-aunt Lida’s house. And frankly, they embodied everything one might dread in a vegetable: soggy, overwhelmingly bitter, and a rather unappetizing shade of putrid green. As a child who would typically eat anything, even I found these detestable. This particular recipe, however, is the complete antithesis to those childhood memories. If you, like me, grew up believing brussels sprouts were inherently disgusting, I implore you to give this method a try and prepare to have your mind, and your taste buds, completely changed. This dish transforms the humble sprout into an irresistible side, proving that with the right technique and ingredients, this cruciferous vegetable can be a true delight.
Mastering the Art of Roasting Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Syrup
Get ready to elevate Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping dish that will earn rave reviews from everyone at your table. These Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Syrup are not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings.
Preparing Your Key Ingredients
- Partially Cooking the Bacon: The first crucial step involves partially cooking your bacon slices. Place them in a frying pan over medium-high heat or use a microwave. Cook just long enough for the bacon to render some of its fat and begin to brown, but stop before it becomes fully crisp. This initial step is vital because it ensures the bacon will reach perfect crispiness in the oven without burning the sweet glaze, while also providing delicious rendered fat to coat the sprouts for an unparalleled flavor.
- Prepping the Brussels Sprouts: Meticulous preparation of your Brussels sprouts is key to their success. Start by removing any loose, discolored, or tough outer leaves. Then, trim off the hard, woody end of the stalk. For optimal cooking and caramelization, cut the sprouts in half lengthwise. For larger sprouts, you might even quarter them. The goal is to create uniformly sized pieces so they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully in the oven, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender-crisp.
Mixing and Arranging for Perfect Caramelization
- Combining the Flavors: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your carefully prepared Brussels sprouts with the partially cooked bacon. Drizzle generously with avocado oil, pour in the pure maple syrup, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each sprout and piece of bacon is well coated. This magical mixture is what creates the irresistible candied coating and guarantees a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and salty notes in every bite.
- Arranging on Baking Sheets: This step is critical for achieving that coveted crispiness. Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture in a single, even layer across two parchment-lined baking sheets. Make sure the cut sides of the sprouts are facing down, as this maximizes their contact with the hot surface for superior caramelization and charring. Overcrowding the pan will lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy sprouts – a pitfall we aim to avoid at all costs. Using two pans ensures proper air circulation and maximum crispness.
Roasting to Golden Perfection
- Initial Roasting Phase: Place your prepared baking sheets into a preheated oven at a high temperature of 450ºF (230ºC). If your oven has a convection setting, now is the time to use it, as it will promote even crisping and faster cooking. Begin by roasting for 8 minutes. The high heat is essential for quickly developing that desired char and sweetness.
- Stirring and Monitoring: After the initial 8 minutes, carefully remove the pans from the oven and give the contents a good stir. At this point, you might notice some smaller leaves or pieces already starting to char beautifully. If any pieces appear perfectly crisp and charred, feel free to remove them to a serving platter. Return the remaining sprouts to the oven and continue roasting for another 8 to 10 minutes. It’s imperative to keep a very close eye on them during this second phase, as the maple syrup can cause them to burn quickly. Look for deep golden-brown edges and crispy, caramelized leaves.
- Serving with Delight: Once the Brussels sprouts are exquisitely crispy, with their leaves slightly charred and caramelized, they are ready to be savored. Serve them immediately, piping hot, as a truly delightful and unforgettable side dish. Their perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors makes them an exceptional accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses.
Pro Tips for Achieving the Crispiest Roasted Brussels Sprouts Ever
Unlocking the secret to perfectly crisped, tender-chewy brussels sprouts involves more than just throwing them in the oven. Here are the essential tips on how to roast brussels sprouts with bacon in the oven, ensuring they reach their ultimate crunchy, sweet-and-savory potential:
- Separate the Outer Leaves for Extra Crispness: For truly heavenly, sweet, and sticky brussels sprouts, don’t just halve them. I recommend gently pulling off as many of the loose outer leaves as possible from each sprout. These delicate leaves char up significantly crispier than the denser sprout hearts, adding an incredible textural dimension to the finished dish. This technique also helps prevent the inner parts of the sprouts from coming out undercooked or soggy, ensuring a perfect texture throughout.
- The Golden Rule: Single Layer Roasting is Non-Negotiable: This is arguably the most crucial tip for achieving optimal crispiness. It is absolutely imperative that these little “love-bombs” roast in a single, uncrowded layer. If they are piled up or too close together, they will merely steam in their own moisture, leading to ‘soggy’ brussels sprouts – a texture we are actively avoiding! I’ve learned this the hard way: twice, I tried to fit them all onto a single large baking sheet, and the results were noticeably inferior. Even if it visually appears they ‘fit’, you need ample space between each sprout for hot air to circulate freely. This circulation is what allows for proper caramelization and crisping. For consistent results, it is always best to use two separate pans.
- Par-Cook the Bacon for Perfect Texture: The bacon is partially cooked before it even touches the oven. This crucial step allows it to render some of its fat, which then coats the brussels sprouts, adding immense flavor and helping them crisp up. By par-cooking, the bacon achieves full, crispy perfection in the oven alongside the sprouts, infused with that drizzle of maple syrup, creating an utterly salty-sweet and addictive combination. More importantly, this prevents the bacon from burning black before the sprouts are done, especially with the sweet glaze caramelizing on the vegetables.
- High Heat is Your Best Friend: Roasting vegetables at a high temperature (400-450°F or 200-230°C) is key. The intense heat promotes the Maillard reaction – the chemical process responsible for that delicious browned, savory flavor – and quickly evaporates surface moisture, ensuring crispy exteriors.
- Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup and Non-Stick: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only makes cleanup a breeze but also prevents the sticky maple syrup and bacon glaze from adhering to the pan. This ensures every delicious bit of the sprouts and bacon comes off easily.
- The Right Oil Matters: While olive oil can work, avocado oil is often preferred for high-heat roasting. It has a higher smoke point, meaning it can withstand the oven’s intense heat without burning or imparting off-flavors, allowing the sprouts to achieve maximum crispness safely.
Can Brussels Sprouts Be Roasted in Advance? Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Convenience is key, especially during busy holidays or weeknights. The good news is these delectable crispy brussels sprouts are excellent candidates for make-ahead preparation and storage, allowing you to enjoy their fantastic flavor with minimal last-minute effort.
Make Ahead Preparations
These sprouts are surprisingly robust and can be prepared a day in advance. Simply roast them according to the recipe, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows you to get a head start on your meal prep, freeing up time when you need it most (if you can refrain from eating them all the night before, that is!).
Reheating for Optimal Taste and Texture
When you’re ready to serve, reheating is straightforward. Just pop them into a small casserole dish or back onto a baking sheet. Place them in the oven alongside whatever else you might be cooking – they are quite flexible with temperature, as long as it’s not on a high broil setting. Heat them until they are thoroughly warmed through and begin to crisp up again. Check frequently and give them a stir every now and then to ensure even reheating and to revive that desirable crisp texture. Aim for around 300-350°F (150-175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and slightly crispy again.
Storage Solutions for Leftovers
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Any remaining roasted brussels sprouts should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. They will maintain their deliciousness and a good texture for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the high water content of Brussels sprouts and the nature of the candied coating, freezing is generally not advised for this recipe. Freezing and thawing can significantly alter their texture, often resulting in a mushy or watery consistency that loses the desired crispness.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for This Candied Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Embark on a culinary adventure into the delicious world of Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Syrup. This side dish is destined to impress with its impeccable balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it a standout addition to any meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Syrup Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the exquisite flavor profile of this tasty dish:
- Thick-Cut Bacon (4 oz): The star alongside the sprouts, thick-cut bacon brings a robust, smoky flavor and a truly delightful crunch that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup. Its rendered fat is also essential for perfect roasting.
- Brussels Sprouts (1 lb): The foundation of our dish, these miniature cabbages offer a unique nutty, slightly sweet taste and a wonderful texture when roasted correctly.
- Avocado Oil (¼ cup): A fantastic choice for high-heat cooking, avocado oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, ensuring your sprouts roast to golden perfection without burning. Other cooking oils like grapeseed or light olive oil can also be used.
- Pure Maple Syrup (3 tbsp): This natural sweetener is key to the “candied” aspect of the sprouts. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, sweet glaze that enhances the sprouts’ natural flavor. Ensure you use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
- Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning, kosher salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish and helps draw out moisture for crispier results. Its larger flakes distribute evenly without over-salting.
Variations and Substitutions to Customize Your Dish
Feel free to tailor this dish to your personal preferences or dietary needs with these simple, yet impactful, changes:
- Turkey Bacon: For a lighter alternative that still offers a smoky, savory element, substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon. Ensure it is par-cooked to achieve crispiness.
- Olive Oil: While avocado oil is excellent, a good quality extra virgin olive oil can be used instead for a slightly different, perhaps more herbaceous, flavor profile.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: If maple syrup isn’t on hand or you prefer a different kind of sweetness, honey can be a wonderful substitute. Brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, molasses-like caramelization.
- Balsamic Glaze: For an added layer of tangy complexity, a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished sprouts is exceptional. It cuts through the sweetness and richness beautifully.
- Toasted Nuts: Enhance the texture and flavor by adding a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of roasting, or sprinkle them on before serving for an extra crunch and earthy note.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce tossed with the sprouts can introduce a delightful hint of heat.
- Garlic & Herbs: Fresh minced garlic or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for an aromatic depth.
Tools You’ll Need for Seamless Preparation
Make sure you have these essential kitchen tools ready to create this spectacular dish:
- Large Frying Pan or Skillet: Indispensable for partially cooking the bacon and rendering its flavorful fat.
- Microwave and Microwave-Safe Dish: Offers an alternative, quicker method for partially cooking the bacon if you prefer.
- Sharp Knife and Sturdy Cutting Board: Crucial for efficiently trimming, halving, and preparing your Brussels sprouts.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing all the ingredients together, ensuring every sprout and bacon piece is evenly coated in the oil, syrup, and salt mixture.
- Two Baking Sheets: Absolutely necessary for roasting the sprouts in a single, uncrowded layer to achieve maximum crispness and even caramelization.
- Parchment Paper or Greased Aluminum Foil: For lining the baking sheets, this ensures a non-stick surface, promotes better browning, and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
- Spatula or Tongs: Extremely helpful for stirring the sprouts midway through baking and for serving the finished dish with ease.
How to Serve These Irresistible Candied Brussels Sprouts
I genuinely adore the versatility of these crisp and tender little sprouts. Honestly, I could easily devour the entire pan on their own! However, for a more balanced meal or when entertaining guests, here are some fantastic suggestions to pair and top your candied brussels sprouts.
Delicious Toppings for Enhanced Flavor
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese after roasting adds a delightful salty, umami kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the maple.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who appreciate a touch of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes provides a subtle warmth that elevates the flavor profile.
- Fresh Lemon Zest or Juice: A bright finishing touch! The zest or a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, citrusy brightness that beautifully cuts through the richness and sweetness of the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme sprinkled on top just before serving can add a fresh, aromatic note.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: For an unexpected nutty crunch and visual appeal.
What Else to Serve with Candied Brussels Sprouts
These Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Syrup are an exceptionally versatile side dish, equally suited for special meals with dinner guests as they are for comforting weeknight dinners. Their unique sweet and savory profile makes them a crowd-pleaser that complements a wide array of main courses.
For more elaborate gatherings, consider pairing them with:
- Seafood Pasta with Cream Sauce: The savory sprouts offer a wonderful contrast to rich pasta dishes.
- Roasted Chicken or Pork Tenderloin: The sweetness from the maple syrup pairs beautifully with lean roasted meats.
They also shine alongside simpler, comforting meals:
- The best-ever homemade Tomato Soup: A hearty, classic pairing.
- Baked Salmon with Mayonnaise: A perfect complement to flaky fish.
These brussels sprouts are also an absolute must-have for a well-rounded Thanksgiving meal, beautifully complementing traditional holiday fare:
- Roasted Turkey: The classic centerpiece for Thanksgiving. Try my Easy Turkey Recipe, and make sure to serve it with my rich and easy Turkey Giblet Gravy (without drippings).
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A comforting and indulgent side that provides a smooth contrast to the crispy sprouts. Here’s my game-changing ultimate mashed potatoes recipe.
- Tart Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce offers a fantastic counterpoint to the sweetness of the candied sprouts.
- Savory Stuffing: Choose a savory, herb-filled stuffing to balance the flavors of your holiday spread. I particularly love this Turkey Apple Stuffing.
Beyond holidays, they’re perfect with weeknight comfort-food dinners, like my famous meatloaf recipe, crispy fish cakes, or one of these chicken drumstick recipes.
The Crispiest Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Syrup
Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
4
Ingredients
- 4 oz thick-cut bacon chopped
- 1 lb brussels sprouts
- ¼ cup avocado oil or other high smoke point cooking oil
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 450ºF (230ºC). If your oven has a convection setting, enable it for optimal crispiness. Partially cook the chopped bacon in a frying pan over medium-high heat or in the microwave (3-4 minutes on high, covered with a paper towel) until it has rendered its fat but is not yet fully crisp.
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Carefully pull off most of the loose outer leaves from the brussels sprouts and trim the tough, woody stalk from the base. Halve or quarter larger sprouts to ensure even size. In a large mixing bowl, toss the prepared sprout leaves and halves with the avocado oil, pure maple syrup, kosher salt, and the partially cooked bacon.
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Divide the mixture evenly and arrange it in a single layer on two parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring the cut sides of the sprouts are facing down. Ample space between sprouts is crucial for crisping, not steaming.
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Bake for 8 minutes. Remove the pans, give the sprouts and bacon a good stir, and if any smaller leaves are already perfectly charred and crispy, you may transfer them to a serving platter. Return the remaining sprouts to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes (cooking time can vary based on sprout size). Watch closely during this final stage, as the maple syrup can cause rapid burning. Continue baking until the sprouts are deeply golden, crispy, and the leaves are beautifully charred.
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Serve immediately and enjoy these irresistible, life-changing crispy candied brussels sprouts!
Nutrition
- Calories:
- 330 kcal
- Carbohydrates:
- 21 g
- Protein:
- 7 g
- Fat:
- 25 g
- Saturated Fat:
- 5 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat:
- 4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat:
- 15 g
- Trans Fat:
- 0.04 g
- Cholesterol:
- 19 mg
- Sodium:
- 799 mg
- Potassium:
- 531 mg
- Fiber:
- 4 g
- Sugar:
- 11 g
- Vitamin A:
- 866 IU
- Vitamin C:
- 96 mg
- Calcium:
- 66 mg
- Iron:
- 2 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.