The Ultimate Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: An easy go-to for Your Dinner Table

If you’re on the lookout for the next crowd-pleasing dish to bring to your dinner party—or just something to jazz up your weekly meal rotation—look no further than these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts! We kind of perfected out previous brussels sprouts dish here, but we wanted to think of another one asap. When were were at Christmas with Thomas’ family we were given the task of sprouts and we got to work with no recipe just what we could find in the kitchen. Because it was a bit chaotic, we didn’t manage to get any ingredient photos, but trust me, the results are nothing short of delicious.

Brussels sprouts, bacon, and maple syrup might sound like an unlikely trio, but once they come together, they form a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. These little bites of crispy goodness are a surefire way to elevate any meal, whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a flavorful side.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

There are so many reasons to love this dish. First, it’s surprisingly easy to make, especially when you get into the rhythm of it. Second, it’s packed with flavor—sweet maple syrup, salty bacon, spicy chili powder, and a touch of tangy mustard all come together in a bite-sized burst of goodness. Finally, they’re so versatile! Serve them as a side dish, toss them in a salad, or bring them to your next potluck. There’s no wrong way to enjoy them.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Before we dive into the steps, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for this recipe. I promise, it’s not complicated! You likely already have many of these ingredients in your pantry, and the rest can be found at your local grocery store. Oh, and a little disclaimer: this recipe is all about feel—we encourage you to adjust the quantities to suit your taste. So feel free to get creative with seasonings, sweetness, and heat levels!

• Brussels sprouts – About 1 pound (roughly 4 cups), trimmed and halved
• Bacon – 1 pack (around 12-16 slices), chopped into small pieces
• Brown sugar – 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
• Pumpkin seeds – 2-3 tablespoons (optional: an additional 1 tablespoon to add at the end, adds a lovely crunch!)
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for cooking the dressing)
• White vinegar – 1/4 cup (you can add more if you like a tangier bite)
• Maple syrup – 3-4 tablespoons (the more, the sweeter!)
• Mustard (grainy) – 2 tablespoons (you can use Dijon or any mustard you prefer)
• Chili seasoning – 2-3 teaspoons (adjust to your spice tolerance)
• Salt and pepper – To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Now, let’s get into the details! I’ll walk you through the steps for making these delicious maple bacon Brussels sprouts.

Step 1: Blanch the Brussels Sprouts

Start by preparing your Brussels sprouts. You’ll want to blanch them first to get them tender and ready for the oven. Here’s how:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt—this helps to season the Brussels sprouts from the inside out.
2. Drop the Brussels sprouts into the boiling water and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. You want them just cooked enough to soften but not too mushy.
3. Once they’re done, drain the Brussels sprouts in a colander and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help keep that vibrant green color!

Step 2: Smash the Brussels Sprouts

Next, we’re going to give these Brussels sprouts a little more texture and surface area to work with.

1. Lay the blanched Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet. Here’s where the fun begins—grab a drinking glass and gently smash each sprout down to flatten them a bit. This step ensures that the sprouts cook evenly and get nice and crispy in the oven.
2. Once smashed, season the Brussels sprouts with a generous sprinkling of chili powder (about 2 teaspoons to start) and a dusting of brown sugar (2 tablespoons or more if you want extra sweetness). The chili powder gives them a spicy kick, and the brown sugar will help them caramelize and crisp up as they roast.

Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Pop your baking sheet with the seasoned Brussels sprouts into the oven at 325°F (165°C) and roast them for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they cook; the Brussels sprouts should be crispy on the edges but still tender in the middle. If you want them extra crispy, leave them in for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, it’s time to get your bacon on!

1. Chop your bacon into small pieces. You can use kitchen scissors or just slice it with a knife.
2. In a large pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. As the bacon cooks, it will render out its fat, which we’re going to use later. So don’t throw away that bacon fat—trust me, it’s going to be essential for the sauce!

Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Step 5: Make the Bacon Dressing

Now that your bacon is crispy and your Brussels sprouts are roasting, let’s work on the dressing.

1. Save the bacon fat. It may seem a little indulgent, but this is where the magic happens. Keep your stove on low heat and add maple syrup, brown sugar, and a heaping spoonful of chili seasoning (about 1-2 teaspoons) to the pan with the bacon. Stir it gently to combine.
2. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and thicken up slightly. You can cover the pan to help everything come together.

Step 6: Make the Mustard Sauce

To give this dish a rich and tangy finish, we’re going to blend the dressing. Here’s how:

1. In a small blender or food processor, combine bacon fat, 1/8 cup of pumpkin seeds, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Blend everything until smooth. It’s okay if the dressing separates a little bit—it will still taste amazing. Just keep the heat on low and stir occasionally as it continues to thicken and come together.

Step 7: Combine and Serve!

Once your Brussels sprouts have reached the perfect level of crispiness, remove them from the oven. Place them in a large bowl, and pour the warm bacon dressing over the top. Toss everything together so the Brussels sprouts are coated in that rich, sweet, spicy sauce.

Now, you’re ready to serve! I recommend plating these up as a side dish or serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering. The maple bacon sauce gives them a decadent finish, while the Brussels sprouts maintain that lovely balance of crispy and tender.

Tips for Perfecting Your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Use fresh Brussels sprouts: Fresh sprouts are key to getting that perfect texture. If you’re using frozen Brussels sprouts, they may be more soggy after blanching and roasting, so fresh is the way to go for this recipe.
• Don’t skimp on the bacon fat: The bacon fat really adds depth of flavor to the dressing. If you’re worried about calories, you can use a bit less, but I wouldn’t cut it out completely—trust me on this one.
• Experiment with the seasoning: If you’re not a fan of chili powder, try paprika, smoked paprika, or cayenne for a different kind of heat. You can also adjust the amount of mustard in the dressing to suit your taste.
• Customize the crunch: If you’re not a fan of pumpkin seeds, try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds instead for a little extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are truly the ultimate comfort food with a festive twist. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, bringing them to a potluck, or just making them as a side dish for a family dinner, you’re going to love how the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar contrasts with the smoky bacon and spicy chili powder. And don’t forget that tangy mustard dressing—it’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together.

So the next time you’re in the mood for something a little different but absolutely delicious, give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it! Adjust the seasonings to your liking, and most importantly, enjoy the process of making these tasty little bites of heaven.

Much love,

Sidney and Thomas