Brussels sprouts are a nutritious vegetable that often get a bad reputation for being bland or bitter. However, when prepared the right way, they can become a flavorful and crispy treat that even the pickiest eaters will love. In this recipe, we take these humble sprouts and elevate them with the smoky richness of crispy bacon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the warm kick of smoked paprika. The combination results in a crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish that is perfect for any meal.
In this guide, we will take you through every step of preparing Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Maple Bacon. Whether youโre new to cooking or an experienced home chef, youโll find the instructions easy to follow. From the ingredients list to cooking tips, and even how to adjust the recipe for your dietary preferences, weโve got you covered.
Ingredients for Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Maple Bacon
Before we dive into the cooking process, letโs take a look at the ingredients needed for this recipe. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity โ just a handful of ingredients are required to create a delicious and savory treat.
Here are the ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved ๐ฅฆ
Brussels sprouts are the star of the show in this recipe. They provide a wonderful texture when roasted and soak up the flavors of the seasonings beautifully. - 4 strips bacon, chopped ๐ฅ
Bacon adds a savory crunch and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the Brussels sprouts. Ensure you choose good-quality bacon for the best results. - 2 tbsp olive oil ๐ซ
Olive oil helps the Brussels sprouts roast evenly and adds a subtle richness to the dish. - 2 tbsp maple syrup ๐
The natural sweetness of maple syrup balances out the savory bacon and paprika, giving the dish a delicious, unexpected sweetness. - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika ๐ถ๏ธ
Smoked paprika infuses the Brussels sprouts with a smoky depth of flavor, making them irresistible. - Salt and pepper to taste ๐ง
Simple seasonings like salt and pepper help bring all the flavors together and enhance the natural taste of the Brussels sprouts and bacon.
Directions for Preparing Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Maple Bacon
Now that we have our ingredients ready, letโs get started with the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to create a crispy and flavorful side dish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). This high temperature will help the Brussels sprouts crisp up nicely while roasting. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you begin roasting.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, heat the chopped bacon over medium heat. Allow the bacon to cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Be sure to leave the bacon fat in the skillet โ it will be used to add flavor to the Brussels sprouts in the next steps.
Step 3: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
While the bacon is cooking, prepare your Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends of the sprouts and cut them in half. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 4: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. This allows the sprouts to roast and crisp up properly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, flip the Brussels sprouts to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Once the Brussels sprouts are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven.
Step 5: Combine with Crispy Bacon
Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, toss them with the crispy bacon that was set aside earlier. This adds the smoky, salty flavor from the bacon to each bite of Brussels sprouts. Serve the dish warm for the best taste and texture.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
To help you plan your cooking, here are the time estimates for this recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
This makes for a quick and easy side dish that doesnโt require much effort but delivers amazing flavor.
Nutritional Information: Calories per Serving
This dish is both flavorful and nutritious, making it a great addition to your meals. Hereโs a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 1 lb batch of Brussels sprouts and 4 slices of bacon):
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 180-200 kcal
Keep in mind that the exact number of calories will vary based on the size of the Brussels sprouts and the type of bacon used. This dish provides a good balance of healthy fats from olive oil and bacon while being relatively low in calories.
Tips for Making the Best Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Maple Bacon
- Donโt Overcrowd the Brussels Sprouts: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are spread out evenly on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will lead to steaming rather than roasting, preventing them from becoming crispy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to add more maple syrup. Alternatively, you can reduce the maple syrup for a more savory profile.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon will give you a better texture and richer flavor compared to regular bacon. It also crisps up nicely during cooking.
- Flip the Brussels Sprouts Halfway: Flipping the Brussels sprouts halfway through cooking helps them roast evenly, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Add a Touch of Lemon: For a bright, fresh contrast to the smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup, squeeze a little lemon juice over the finished dish before serving.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Brussels Sprouts Benefits:
Brussels sprouts are incredibly nutritious. They are rich in:
- Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and promotes skin health.
- Fiber: Helps with digestion and supports gut health.
- Antioxidants: Fight free radicals, reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Bacon Benefits:
While bacon should be consumed in moderation, it does provide:
- Protein: Bacon is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- B Vitamins: Bacon contains several important B vitamins, including B12, which is crucial for energy production and the functioning of the nervous system.
FAQs about Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Maple Bacon
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon is a great alternative to regular bacon if youโre looking for a lower-fat option. It will still add a smoky flavor, although the texture may differ slightly.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon separately ahead of time, but itโs best to combine them just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the sprouts and bacon.
3. Can I substitute the maple syrup with honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey for maple syrup. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still add the necessary sweetness to balance the savory bacon and Brussels sprouts.
4. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for this recipe, but you can use frozen Brussels sprouts in a pinch. Just be aware that frozen sprouts may not get as crispy as fresh ones.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Maple Bacon
With this simple yet flavorful recipe, you can transform Brussels sprouts into a savory and crispy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of crispy bacon, maple syrup, and smoked paprika creates a delicious balance of flavors that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Whether youโre preparing this dish for a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, itโs guaranteed to be a hit. Donโt forget to follow the steps carefully, and experiment with additional seasonings or garnishes to make it your own. Enjoy your Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Maple Bacon!
