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    Home » Side Dishes

    Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup

    Posted: Nov 24, 2019 · Updated: Oct 10, 2021 by Tonje

    236 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Delicious brussels sprouts with bacon are cooked with sage and maple syrup to create the ultimate side dish. Brussels sprouts are often viewed as a Christmas vegetable, but we can enjoy this dish with roast dinners all year around. The addition of bacon and maple syrup give this controversial vegetable a well deserved face lift, and might be just enough to persuade self declared sprout haters to turn over a new leaf. It's a Christmas miracle!

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    Brussels sprouts and bacon on a white plate.

    The best brussels sprouts side dish

    I have had my fair share of brussels sprouts through the years, and it hasn't always been pleasant. Luckily, I have figured out how to really bring out the best of brussels sprouts, and here are the reasons why this is by far the best way to ever make brussels sprouts

    It's dead easy: Literally can't mess this one up. Put it in a pan, stir it occasionally while it cooks for a few minutes, and you're done. Voila!

    You can make it ahead: If you're cooking this as one of a dozen side dishes, you can make your life easier by making this dish earlier in the day, and simply heating it in a saucepan or microwave before serving. The bacon might not be as crisp as it could have been, but at least all the food will be served warm at the same time.

    Bacon: The bacon isn't just there for the sake of bacon. It brings saltiness, crispiness, a cool extra texture and a great umami flavour.

    Maple syrup: By adding a bit of maple syrup at the end of the cooking time, you will get a hint of that amazing maple flavour, but it will also create a nice, slightly sweet coating around the sprouts. The combination of maple syrup and bacon is sweet salty perfection, bringing the brussels sprouts to life.

    How to make brussels sprouts with bacon

    Start by preparing your brussels sprouts. Make sure to trim off any rough ends or bad leaves, and wash off any dirt. I like to cut them into quarter or halves depending on their size. Heat up some oil in a frying pan on medium heat, and saute the brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes until they are warm on the outside. Then, add diced streaky bacon.

    Infographic showing how to make brussels sprouts with bacon

    Cook while stirring occasionally until the bacon and brussels sprouts have cooked through, about 5-10 minutes. Then, add dried sage and maple syrup and cook for another minute.

    Tips for really crispy bacon! If you love your bacon extra crispy to the point where it's almost black, I would suggest cooking the diced bacon first until it has the consistency you want. Then, cook the brussels sprouts following the instructions above, and combine the bacon and sprouts at the end. This way, you get perfect bacon without over cooking the brussels sprouts.

    Leftover brussels sprouts

    Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can either reheat the leftovers in the microwave, or you can serve them cold. Leftovers can also be frozen for a few months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat until piping hot. Keep in mind that reheating frozen leftovers will make the bacon a bit less crispy and the brussels a bit more soggy. I suggest using leftovers in a casserole or with pasta.

    Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup on a white plate on a marble table.

    More delicious side dishes

    • Honey sriracha brussels sprouts
    • Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
    • Oven roasted green beans
    • Kale salad with apples and cranberries + tahini dressing
    Brussels sprouts and bacon on a white plate.

    Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup

    Delicious brussels sprouts with bacon are cooked with sage and maple syrup to create the ultimate side dish. The addition of bacon and maple syrup give this controversial vegetable a well deserved face lift, and might be just enough to persuade self declared sprout haters to turn over a new leaf. It’s a Christmas miracle!
    5 from 4 votes
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Course Dinner, Side Dish
    Cuisine International
    Servings 2
    Calories 299 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 200 g brussels sprouts trimmed and washed
    • 100 g streaky bacon diced
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon dried sage
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil or cooking spray

    Instructions
     

    • Quarter the brussels sprouts and dice the streaky bacon.
    • Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat, and add the brussels sprouts. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they have warmed slightly, then add the bacon. Stir to combine, and cook until the bacon is starting to crisp up and the brussels sprouts have softened, about 5-10 minutes.
    • Add dried sage and maple syrup, and stir to incorporate the ingredients thoroughly. Serve the brussels sprouts warm as a side dish.

    Notes

    Tips for really crispy bacon! If you love your bacon extra crispy to the point where it’s almost black, I would suggest cooking the diced bacon first until it has the consistency you want. Then, cook the brussels sprouts following the instructions above, and combine the bacon and sprouts at the end. This way, you get perfect bacon without over cooking the brussels sprouts.

    Leftovers

    Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can either reheat the leftovers in the microwave, or you can serve them cold. Leftovers can also be frozen for a few months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat until piping hot. Keep in mind that reheating frozen leftovers will make the bacon a bit less crispy and the brussels a bit more soggy. I suggest using leftovers in a casserole or with pasta.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 357mgPotassium: 511mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 754IUVitamin C: 85mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword bacon, brussels sprouts, maple syrup
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Justine Howell

      November 24, 2019 at 9:23 pm

      Love brussels and always looking for new ones! Loved it.

      Reply
      • Tonje

        November 24, 2019 at 9:26 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I love them too 🙂

        Reply
    2. Irina

      November 24, 2019 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is a bomb! Made it for dinner, it was gone within minutes! LOVE this brussels sprouts' recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Tonje

        November 25, 2019 at 6:34 am

        Oh I'm so happy you liked it! Thanks a lot 🙂

        Reply
    3. Krissy Allori

      November 24, 2019 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      Healthy-ish is my favorite! I love the sweet and salty in this recipe. Yum!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        November 25, 2019 at 6:34 am

        I'm happy you like it!

        Reply
    4. Chris Collins

      November 24, 2019 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      Brussels sprouts go so well with bacon and the maple syrup just takes things to new heights! Can't wait to try the recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Tonje

        November 25, 2019 at 6:34 am

        It's so delicious, I'm positive you'll love it!

        Reply
    5. Candice

      November 24, 2019 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      What a perfect side! It's easy enough for weeknight meals, and it was so delicious, we are making again for Thanksgiving next week! That maple with the bacon is out of this world!

      Reply
      • Tonje

        November 25, 2019 at 6:36 am

        These are my favourite brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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