Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Side Dish

Brussels sprouts often get a bad reputation — but not when they’re dressed up with crispy bacon, crunchy pecans, and rich maple syrup. This Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is the ultimate side dish that blends sweet, salty, and smoky flavors in one skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday table or weeknight dinner. Whether you love Brussels sprouts or think you don’t, this recipe is guaranteed to convert even the skeptics.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

This isn’t your average vegetable side dish — these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are bursting with flavor and texture. The bacon brings a smoky, salty crunch, while the maple syrup adds a warm sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Pecans give a nutty bite, and the optional bourbon deepens the flavor even more. Plus, it’s a stovetop recipe, so no oven juggling on busy cooking days.

• Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes
• Beginner-friendly: Simple steps with gourmet results
• Perfect texture: Crisp edges, tender center
• Flavor-packed: Sweet, salty, nutty, and slightly smoky
• Customizable: Alcohol-free options and nut swaps available

What You’ll Need for Flavor-Packed Goodness Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels Sprouts: The star of the dish. Use fresh, firm sprouts for best flavor and texture. They absorb all the savory-sweet goodness.

• Bacon: Adds savory richness and crispiness. Both regular and thick-cut work, just dice into small lardons for even cooking.

• Pecans: Bring a buttery crunch and enhance the earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts. Great for texture contrast.

• Ground Mustard: Boosts the umami and adds a subtle zing once activated by liquid. It balances the sweet and smoky components.

• Bourbon: Optional, but enhances the depth of flavor and cuts the sulfur smell often associated with Brussels sprouts.

• Maple Syrup: The key ingredient for that delicious glaze. Use real maple syrup for maximum flavor.

• Kosher Salt & Pepper: Season to taste at the end to ensure balance after all the rich ingredients are combined.

Smart Substitutions to Fit Any Pantry or Preference

If you’re out of something or need to adjust for dietary needs, here are a few helpful swaps:

• No bourbon? Use apple cider vinegar. It adds acidity to cut through richness, just like bourbon does — minus the alcohol.
• No pecans? Swap in walnuts, slivered almonds, or leave out the nuts altogether.
• Vegetarian? Use plant-based bacon and a touch of smoked paprika for flavor.
• Maple syrup substitute? A mix of honey and molasses can replicate the sweetness and viscosity.

How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends, peel off wilted outer leaves, and slice them in half lengthwise. Use similarly sized sprouts for even cooking.
2. Blanch the Sprouts: Boil in salted water for 4–5 minutes until tender but still bright green. This step softens the centers while keeping them vibrant.
3. Cool and Dry: Immediately rinse under cold water or use an ice bath to stop cooking. Pat dry thoroughly to prevent oil splatter.
4. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan.
5. Sauté the Sprouts & Pecans: Add sprouts and chopped pecans to the bacon fat. Sauté over medium-high heat until edges are golden and crispy, about 5 minutes.
6. Add Mustard & Deglaze: Sprinkle in ground mustard and stir for 1–2 minutes. Deglaze with bourbon (or vinegar), scraping up any bits stuck to the pan.
7. Glaze and Finish: Add bacon back in and pour in the maple syrup. Cook for 1 more minute until everything is glossy and fragrant. Season to taste.
8. Serve Hot: Plate immediately for the best texture and visual appeal. The glaze thickens slightly as it cools, coating everything in deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Irresistible Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Every Time

• Use real maple syrup for authentic sweetness and glaze texture — pancake syrup doesn’t cut it.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: It’s key to crispy edges. Use a 12” skillet or cook in batches.
• Dry the sprouts thoroughly after blanching. Moisture will steam them instead of crisping.
• Wait to salt until the end. The bacon adds saltiness, and over-seasoning is easy to do.
• Use kitchen shears to cut bacon quickly and evenly — no sticking knives or messy cutting boards.

Delicious Pairings and Creative Variations

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to make them shine in any meal:

• Pair with: Roast turkey, baked salmon, grilled chicken, or mushroom risotto
• Top with: Shaved parmesan or crumbled blue cheese for extra depth
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot honey
• Make ahead: Blanch and dry the sprouts up to 24 hours in advance; finish cooking just before serving
• Leftovers: Reheat in a hot skillet for best texture, or bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes

A Seasonal Side Dish That Steals the Show

Brussels sprouts shine in fall and winter, making this dish perfect for holiday dinners or chilly weeknights. The Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts combination captures the season with cozy, comforting flavors. The addition of nuts and optional bourbon gives it a festive touch that feels both rustic and elegant.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Sunday roast, this side dish brings big flavor without big effort. One skillet, simple ingredients, and under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Bringing It All Together

There’s a reason Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are quickly becoming a go-to side dish — they check every box: easy, flavorful, crowd-pleasing, and visually stunning. This recipe takes the humble sprout and transforms it into something gourmet with just a handful of ingredients and one skillet. The balance of sweet maple syrup, savory bacon, nutty pecans, and tender-crisp Brussels sprouts delivers a restaurant-quality bite that belongs on every fall and holiday menu.

Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or elevating a weeknight dinner, this dish promises to impress. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again — it’s that good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

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