Roasted Maple Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Name: Roasted Maple Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups brussel sprouts (halved); 1/2 cup fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup uncooked, bacon (chopped, about 3 thick slices); 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Maple Brussel Sprouts with Bacon is a delicious and easy roasted side dish recipe that is both sweet and savory. This crispy but tender side is perfect for any holiday or family get together. Made with crispy bacon and fresh cranberries, topped with the sweet taste of pure maple syrup. Best yet, you can make it in the oven or the air fryer.

Sheet Pan of roasted maple brussel sprouts with bacon.

This is the perfect side for any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner. They have an elegant and classy look while being very easy to throw together as a last minute, quick holiday side.

Just like this delicious side, check out our Paula Deen's Green Bean Casserole and our Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce for another great holiday side.

Be sure to check out our air fryer Brussels sprout recipe here. Or mix things up with this fun variation, fried cabbage with bacon.

Jump to:

Why We Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Top tip
FAQ
Recipe

Why We Love This Recipe

Flavor Combination: We love combination of savory roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet-tart cranberries, and smoky bacon.
Texture Contrast: Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a satisfying crunch, while the plump cranberries burst with juiciness and the crispy bacon it makes for a great side dish my family loves!
Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors of green Brussels sprouts and red cranberries make this dish perfect for the Holidays, especially as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Holiday Tradition: My family makes this meal every Christmas dinner. It's a fun tradition everyone loves.
Crowd-Pleasing: We love making this side dish for any get together. It's always a hit, even with people who don't typically love Brussels sprouts.

Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts- Fresh Brussels sprouts wash and cut into quarters. Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used but the texture will be different and could be mushy.
Bacon- Cook and cut bacon. Or use precooked bacon bits.
Fresh Cranberries- You can find these during the holidays in most vegetable sections. In a pinch sprinkle craisins after the dish is baked.
Pure Maple Syrup- Make sure to use pure maple syrup. It has a lower added sugar content and has the flavor you want.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Chop fresh Brussel sprouts in half. Place in a large bowl. Add fresh cranberries to the bowl and mix.
Mix in olive oil and half of the maple syrup.

3. Spread on the vegetable mixture on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Add the chopped bacon over the Brussel sprouts and cranberries.

Roasted side dish with crisp bacon and cooked cranberries.

4. Cook for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the bacon is fully cooked and the Brussel Sprouts are tender.

Sheet pan with roasted brussel sprouts topped with maple syrup, bacon, and cranberries.

5. Drizzle the remaining maple syrup on top of the roasted dish and serve.

Hint: Don't mix the bacon in with the dish. They will clump together and will not spread evenly. Simply drop them evenly over the dish onto the sheet pan.

Substitutions

Slivered Almonds - add ½ cup slivered almonds before roasting.
No Cranberries - don't want cranberries? You can easily substitute them out!
Pecans - add ½ cup halved pecan before roasting.
Honey- Substitute the maple syrup for honey at a 1:1 ratio.

Variations

Air Fryer - Make this awesome side dish in an air fryer. Place all the ingredients, tossed with olive oil and syrup, at the bottom of an air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes at 375, or until bacon is cooked completely.

Equipment

For this recipe you will need a Sheet Pan and Parchment Paper. This is an easy clean up, fast side dish.

Storage

Store maple Brussel sprouts in an air tight container for 3-4 days. They will lose their crisp texture when reheated.

For best texture, eat the day you make them. This side dish does not freeze well.

Top tip

Make sure to to use fresh Brussels sprouts. Using the vegetable frozen will have varying results and undesirable textures.

FAQ

How do I prepare Brussels sprouts for roasting?

Start by trimming the tough ends of the Brussels sprouts and removing any loose or damaged outer leaves. Cut them in half lengthwise for even cooking.

Should I use fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts?

Fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for roasting, as they tend to have better texture and flavor. Frozen Brussels sprouts might become too watery during roasting.

How do I achieve crispy bacon when roasting with Brussels sprouts?

You can either pre-cook the bacon until it's partially done and then chop it before mixing it with Brussels sprouts, or you can roast the bacon alongside the Brussels sprouts, ensuring it becomes crispy during cooking.

Can I use turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative?

Yes, you can substitute traditional bacon with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives. Just note that the flavor and texture might differ slightly.

Can I customize the recipe with other ingredients?

Absolutely. You can add other ingredients like toasted nuts (such as pecans or almonds), dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins), or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added complexity.

How long do I roast Brussels sprouts with bacon?

The roasting time typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes at a temperature of around 400°F (200°C). Brussels sprouts should be tender and slightly caramelized, and the bacon should be crispy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and roast them just before serving. Reheating might affect the texture of the Brussels sprouts and bacon.
You can adapt the recipe to fit various dietary preferences. For example, you can use turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, or omit bacon altogether for a vegetarian version.

Are roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon suitable for dietary restrictions?

You can adapt the recipe to fit various dietary preferences. For example, you can use turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, or omit bacon altogether for a vegetarian version.

Recipe