Ah, Brussels sprouts—the misunderstood vegetable of the dinner table. But toss them with a touch of maple syrup and crispy bacon, and suddenly they’re the rock stars of your meal, bursting with sweet-savory goodness that even your picky cousin (you know the one) might love. Picture this: a chilly evening, leaves crunching underfoot, and this dish warming your soul with every bite.
Steps
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming them and slicing any larger ones in half.
- Place the prepared Brussels sprouts into a large bowl, then mix them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and maple syrup.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon pieces evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven until the bacon becomes crispy and the Brussels sprouts achieve a caramelized texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of whole, clean, and trimmed Brussels sprouts
- Bacon pieces (amount as desired, enough to roast with sprouts until crispy)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (enough to coat the Brussels sprouts)
- Pure maple syrup (to taste, to add sweetness)
FAQ
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
- Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon in this recipe. According to one user, it was the only change they made, and the dish was still a hit.
- How should I store leftover Brussels sprouts with bacon?
- To store leftovers, let the Brussels sprouts cool completely and place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Do I need to add olive oil if I’m using bacon?
- While olive oil is part of the recipe, you might not need it if you par-cook the bacon first. The rendered fat from the bacon should be enough to coat the Brussels sprouts, but you can add olive oil if needed.
- Is there a way to enhance the flavor of the Brussels sprouts?
- For added flavor, you can par-cook the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet, then toss the Brussels sprouts with some of the rendered bacon fat. This will give the dish an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party or gathering?
- While the Brussels sprouts are best served fresh, you can prepare them in advance and store them as mentioned. Reheat them just before serving to ensure they remain flavorful and crisp.
Tips
- Par-cook the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet before roasting. This allows you to use some of the rendered bacon fat to coat the Brussels sprouts for added flavor.
- When trimming Brussels sprouts, halve any large ones to ensure even cooking and caramelization during roasting.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, consider using turkey bacon; however, you can enhance the flavor by adding a bit of extra bacon grease to the mix.
- To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, reheating in the microwave or oven as needed.
Equipment
- Baking sheet (if you don’t already have one)
- Airtight storage containers (for storing leftovers)