How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bacon for Thanksgiving

Crispy, caramelized, and full of sweet and smoky flavor, roasted Brussels sprouts with maple bacon are the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. The combination of tender roasted sprouts, crispy bacon, and a touch of maple syrup creates a delicious balance of flavors that pairs beautifully with turkey and all your holiday favorites.

Looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish? These roasted Brussels sprouts with maple bacon are crispy, caramelized, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, making them the perfect balance of savory and sweet for your holiday table.

Tossed with crispy bacon, pure maple syrup, and roasted to golden perfection, these Brussels sprouts develop a rich depth of flavor that even picky eaters will love. Whether served alongside turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes, this dish is guaranteed to be a Thanksgiving favorite.

This easy-to-make dish requires just a few ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a stress-free addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and caramelized Brussels sprouts with golden edges
• Sweet and savory balance with maple syrup and smoky bacon
• Simple ingredients but packed with flavor
• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep—roast ahead and reheat before serving
• Crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with classic Thanksgiving mains

2. Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts:

• 1 ½ lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the Brussels sprouts by removing any tough outer leaves and slicing them in half.
3. Chop the bacon into small pieces.

Step 2: Toss with Maple and Seasonings

4. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
5. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the sprouts.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
8. For extra crispy bacon, place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 minutes at the end.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

9. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans and pomegranate seeds over the roasted sprouts.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

4. Tips for the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—spread them out for even roasting.
• Cut them uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Flip halfway through roasting for golden-brown edges on both sides.
• For extra crispiness, roast at 425°F instead of 400°F.

5. Variations and Substitutions

Make It Vegetarian:

• Omit bacon and add toasted pecans or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Make It Spicy:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey before serving.

Make It Extra Crunchy:

• Toss in candied pecans or crispy fried onions before serving.

6. What to Serve with Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

This dish pairs perfectly with other Thanksgiving classics:

• Roast turkey
• Mashed potatoes
• Stuffing
• Sweet potato casserole

Drink Pairings:

• Pinot Noir or Chardonnay
• Apple cider

7. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for the best crispiness.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes the sprouts soggy.

Tip: Toss with a little extra maple syrup before reheating to refresh the flavors.

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FAQs

1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative, but it won’t get as crispy as regular bacon. To make it crispier, cook it separately in a pan before adding it to the roasted Brussels sprouts.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Roast the Brussels sprouts ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes before serving to restore crispiness.

3. How do I prevent my Brussels sprouts from getting soggy?

Roast them at high heat (400-425°F), spread them in a single layer, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Make sure to pat them dry after washing to remove excess moisture.

4. Can I air-fry this recipe?

Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.

5. What’s the best way to cut Brussels sprouts for roasting?

Slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and crispy edges. If they are very large, quarter them.

6. Can I make this without maple syrup?

Yes! You can swap maple syrup for honey, balsamic glaze, or leave it out entirely for a more savory dish.

7. What’s the best bacon for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon works best because it crisps up well and adds a smoky flavor without burning too quickly.

8. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Absolutely! Crumbled goat cheese, feta, or Parmesan adds a delicious creamy or salty contrast to the sweet and smoky flavors.

9. What’s the best pan to use for roasting?

A large-rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil is ideal. It helps with even roasting and easy cleanup.

10. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for roasting because frozen ones contain excess moisture, making them harder to crisp up. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before roasting.