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Crispy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Best Thanksgiving Side

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These crispy maple bacon Brussels sprouts are the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. The combination of crispy edges, sticky maple coating, and salty bacon creates an addictive flavor that converts even the most stubborn Brussels sprouts skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds (680g) Brussels sprouts, fresh
  • 6 slices (about 180g) thick-cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons (60ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Rinse 1½ pounds (680g) of Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat them completely dry. Trim the tough stem ends, then cut each sprout in half lengthwise through the stem. Quarter any large sprouts so they are roughly the same size.
  3. Lay 6 slices of thick-cut bacon on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8 minutes until partially cooked with fat beginning to render.
  4. While the bacon cooks, in a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, ½ teaspoon (3g) salt, and ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Remove the bacon from the oven. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool slightly, then cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Leave the rendered bacon fat on the baking sheet.
  6. Pour the seasoned Brussels sprouts onto the same baking sheet with the bacon fat. Spread in a single layer, cut-side down.
  7. Roast for 15 minutes without stirring.
  8. After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the cut bacon pieces over the sprouts. Drizzle 3 tablespoons (60ml) pure maple syrup evenly over everything. Toss gently, then spread back into a single layer with cut sides down as much as possible.
  9. Roast for another 10-15 minutes until sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork and deeply caramelized on the edges. Watch closely during the last 5 minutes.
  10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with balsamic glaze if using, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat sprouts bone-dry to ensure crispiness. Don’t skip the partial bacon cook. Use a hot pan technique for better caramelization. Watch the maple syrup timing to prevent burning. Give sprouts space on the pan to avoid steaming.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, maple bacon, Thanksgiving side, crispy Brussels sprouts, holiday side dish, bacon Brussels sprouts

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/crispy-maple-bacon-brussels-sprouts-best-thanksgiving-side/