Tired of the same old side dishes? Let’s be honest, sometimes the supporting cast on the dinner table can feel a bit… uninspired. If you’re looking to bring some excitement back to your meals, especially for big gatherings, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts is the side dish that will steal the show. It’s a wonderful combination of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
We’re taking humble brussels sprouts and roasting them to tender, caramelized goodness with crispy pieces of cured beef or turkey, sweet maple syrup, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It’s one of those easy side dishes for Thanksgiving that tastes like it took hours to make, but actually comes together with very little fuss. Get ready to add a new staple to your holiday menu and weeknight dinners alike!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this dish will become a fast favorite. First off, the flavor combination is just fantastic. You get the savory, slightly smoky taste from the crispy meat, the deep, earthy flavor of the roasted brussels sprouts, a pop of sweetness from the maple syrup and dried cranberries, and a satisfying crunch from the pecans. It hits all the right notes.
It’s also incredibly versatile. While it’s one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes you can make, it’s equally at home next to a weeknight roast chicken or pork chop. It’s a great way to get more veggies into your diet in a way that feels indulgent. Plus, it looks absolutely beautiful in a serving dish, with vibrant greens, deep reds, and rich browns, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It’s a simple recipe that delivers impressive results every single time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this amazing side dish. The ingredient list is straightforward, focusing on whole foods that pack a ton of flavor.
- 3 lb (1.4kg) brussels sprouts, washed and patted dry, halved (leave small ones whole)
- 1/2 lb (225g) cured beef or turkey, chopped into 1/2″ pieces (like cured beef breakfast strips)
- 2 Tbsp (28g) grass-fed ghee or avocado oil, melted
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup (70g) naturally sweetened dried cranberries
- 1 cup (100g) pecan halves, chopped (leave a few whole for topping)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Following these simple steps will give you a delicious batch of Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts. It’s a pretty hands-off process once you get everything in the oven.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Meat
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the chopped cured beef or turkey pieces out on the parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until it just starts to brown and get crispy. While the meat is cooking, you can prep the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Season the Brussels Sprouts
In a large mixing bowl, combine your halved brussels sprouts, the melted ghee or avocado oil, sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Give it all a good toss to make sure the sprouts are evenly coated with all that goodness. The cayenne adds a lovely, subtle warmth that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Step 3: Roast Everything Together
Once the meat has crisped up, carefully add the seasoned brussels sprouts to the same baking sheet. Use a spatula to stir everything together, mixing the sprouts with the meat and its rendered fat. Pop it back in the oven and roast for 13-15 minutes for medium-sized brussels sprouts. You might need a little more or less time depending on how big your sprouts are, so keep an eye on them. They’re done when they’re tender and have some nice caramelized, brown spots.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Transfer the roasted brussels sprouts and crispy meat back into the same large bowl you used earlier. Add the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and the pure maple syrup. Stir everything gently to combine, coating every last bit in that sweet maple glaze.
Step 5: Final Bake and Serve
Spoon the entire mixture into a 9×13 baking or serving dish. Return it to the oven for a final 5 minutes. This last step helps the flavors meld together and gets everything piping hot. Serve immediately and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which isn’t always a guarantee with this dish!), storing them is simple. Let the brussels sprouts cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. The microwave works too, but you’ll lose some of the crispy texture.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a straightforward recipe for show-stopping Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts. This dish proves that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s the perfect addition to your list of Thanksgiving food sides, but it’s delicious enough to make any time of year. The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, along with the wonderful mix of textures, makes this a side dish that truly stands out from the crowd. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as I do!
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! If you prefer pork bacon, you can definitely use it. Follow the same instructions for crisping it up in the oven. Just be mindful of the rendered fat; you may want to drain some of it off before adding the brussels sprouts if there’s an excessive amount.
Is There a Substitute for Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a good substitute. It will give a slightly different flavor profile but will still provide that necessary sweetness to balance the dish. For a lower-sugar option, you could use a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup.
How Do I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, you can omit the meat or use a plant-based bacon alternative. Many great options are available in grocery stores. Also, ensure you are using avocado oil instead of ghee, as ghee is a dairy product.
