Description
A simple and quick side dish featuring crispy Brussels sprouts caramelized with maple syrup and smoky bacon, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts, sliced in half
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, center-cut preferred, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise. Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. Measure out maple syrup and olive oil.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (8-10 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Add olive oil to the bacon fat in the pan. Place Brussels sprouts cut side down and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Stir and cook for another 4-5 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle maple syrup over Brussels sprouts and stir quickly to coat. Add bacon back to the pan and stir for another minute to combine flavors.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with extra black pepper if desired, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure Brussels sprouts brown properly. Use real maple syrup for best caramelization and flavor. Save bacon fat for cooking Brussels sprouts to enhance flavor. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness. Optional: add red pepper flakes for heat or toasted pecans for crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, bacon, fall recipe, easy side dish, weeknight dinner, quick recipe, autumn flavors