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Brussels sprouts aren’t just for the holidays—they can turn any weeknight dinner into something special. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet, thanks to crisp bacon, toasted pecans, and a luscious maple glaze. Let’s turn a simple side dish into a memorable showstopper.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts over a large baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space to crisp up—overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
Next, drizzle the olive oil over the sprouts and toss to coat. Scatter the chopped bacon across the pan, letting some pieces mingle between the sprouts for maximum flavor. Before sliding the tray into the oven, sprinkle the salt and black pepper on top.
Roast the sprouts and bacon for about 15 minutes, then remove the pan and gently stir everything around. Return the tray to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are golden and the bacon is crisp.
Now, drizzle the maple syrup over the sprouts and bacon. Add the pecans, stirring lightly to coat them in the sweet syrup. Pop the sheet back in the oven for another 5 minutes to toast the pecans and allow the maple glaze to caramelize ever so slightly.
When done, transfer everything to a serving dish, making sure to scrape every last bit of that bacon-studded glaze from the pan. Serve warm, letting the contrasting flavors and textures shine.
For those looking to lighten things up or skip the pork, turkey bacon works beautifully, and you can easily swap in walnuts or almonds for the pecans. This recipe is terrific for anyone hoping to up their veggie game, as it offers a sweet-and-savory punch that can tempt eater and skeptic alike. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or dressing up a simple weeknight meal, these maple-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon and pecans are easy to adapt and even easier to devour. Enjoy!
