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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a white bowl with yellow polka dots sitting on wood table.
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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

With a sweet and tangy maple syrup glaze and the salty flavor of bacon, these crispy maple bacon Brussels sprouts are sure to be a hit.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 269kcal
Author Gary White

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. Brussels sprouts trimmed, halved
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil ¼ cup for air fryer
  • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ tsp. sea salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 8 bacon slices thick-cut for air fryer, regular-cut for oven, cut into ½-inch pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F or air fryer to 400°F .
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
  • Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts and the cut bacon slices to the bowl with the glaze. Toss well to ensure that every piece is evenly coated with the mixture.

For Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (220°C).
  • Transfer the coated Brussels sprouts and bacon to a baking sheet or roasting pan, making sure the cut side of each sprout is down.
  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook for 30-40 minutes or until the sprouts are crispy to your liking. (Note: The more you cook Brussels sprouts, the more their natural bitterness comes out, so you may want to avoid overcooking them.)

For Air Fryer

  • Transfer half of the coated Brussels sprouts and bacon to the air fryer basket.
  • Set the air fryer to 400°F (175°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. After 5 or 6 minutes, make sure to toss the contents of the basket at least once during cooking to ensure even browning.
  • Repeat with the remaining sprouts and bacon.

Video

Notes

Tips

  1. Choose fresh Brussels sprouts: Look for firm, compact sprouts with leaves that are a bright green color. Remove any leaves that appear wilted or have discolored spots.
  2. Properly trim and halve the sprouts: Take off any damaged leaves on the outside and trim the ends of the stems. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
  3. Toss well for an even coating: When you add the glaze to the sprouts and bacon, make sure to toss them well so that every piece is evenly covered. This keeps the taste the same all the way through.
  4. Adjust cooking time for desired crispiness: The cooking time can be changed based on how crisp you like your Brussels sprouts. Keep an eye on the sprouts and bacon while they're cooking, and change the time as needed to get the crispness you want.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

For the best texture and taste, you should use fresh Brussels sprouts, but you can also use frozen sprouts if you need to. Just make sure they are fully defrosted and dry before continuing with the recipe. While you can use frozen, keep in mind that the quality will be different with frozen Brussels sprouts.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! If you don't like bacon, you can leave it out and still enjoy the tasty Brussels sprouts with maple glaze. Even by themselves, the sprouts make a satisfying meal because of their crispy texture and sweet and tangy flavor.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes; turkey bacon is a great choice for people who want a leaner option. However, turkey bacon is leaner, so it will cook differently. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To warm them up again, just put them back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Microwaving them works in a pinch.

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 711mg | Potassium: 686mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1153IU | Vitamin C: 129mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg