Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts – The Healthy Maven

Enjoy this Brussels sprouts with maple bacon as a holiday side dish or weeknight winter side dish. Bursting with flavor of fresh orange and smoky bacon, these Bacon Brussels Sprouts are easy to prepare in the oven or on the stovetop and won’t disappoint.

I like to think that anyone who says they don’t like Brussels sprouts just didn’t cook them properly… I know that’s not true But If you’re steaming or boiling your brussels, you’re doing it wrong. Not surprisingly, boiling or steaming Brussels results in a rather unappetizing taste.

Seriously, you probably can’t go wrong, but I have to say… this recipe is my favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts. Add in some bacon and complimentary sweet flavors and you have a winner. They also make for a delicious Thanksgiving side!

Maple Bacon Brussels sprouts ingredients

• Cauliflower – 2 pounds Brussels sprouts (preparation instructions below)
• oranges – You want the rind, peel + juice
• bacon – 1/2 pound bacon
• maple syrup – 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. You will drizzle this into the cast iron when frying brussels
• red wine vinegar – To balance acidity and finishing dish.
• Red chilli flakes – optional but adds a nice kick

How to cook Brussels sprouts with maple bacon

First things first, let’s talk about how to pick the best Brussels sprouts in the store! If you ever see sprouts on a stick, grab them! These stay the freshest and longest. Leave them on the stick until you’re ready to use them. If you don’t see any stalks, there are usually two other options at the store: pre-packaged Brussels sprouts or Brussels sprouts sold in bulk. Both work great, just be sure to look for firm, green sprouts with no holes or major discoloration.

When you’re ready to prepare them, rinse them well in a colander. Use a paring knife to cut off the hard bottom stem. Remove any discolored or shriveled outer leaves. Halve the shoot lengthways and set aside.

How to make maple bacon Cauliflower

STEP 1: Wash and dry your oranges. Remove the peel from an orange with a paring knife. Try to get just the rind and not much of the pith (the bitter white layer).

STEP 2: Squeeze the peeled orange and set aside. Grate the second orange and set the zest aside.

STEP 3: Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a single layer in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until crispy bacon pieces are formed. Remove the bacon pieces and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Pour the bacon grease into a small bowl or jar and set aside.

STEP 4: Prepare Brussels sprouts according to the instructions above if you haven’t already. To cast iron skillet, add brussels, orange zest and juice, 6 tablespoons bacon, chilli flakes and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper and roast at 425ºF for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through. Brussels is ready when it’s tender.

STEP 5: When the brussels are nice and crispy, remove from the oven and finish with red wine vinegar, orange zest and bacon bits. Arrange and serve everything together.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

You can still make these Brussels sprouts if you don’t have a cast iron skillet. Start by cooking your bacon in the oven simple instructions. After the bacon is toasted, spread the Brussels sprouts mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and cook for the same time as above. Finish off with orange zest, red wine vinegar and bacon and you have a delicious side dish completely in the oven.

Save Brussels sprouts

Like most vegetables, this maple bacon Brussels sprouts will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They’re best right after cooking, but you can also reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. They will most likely not be crispy though!

More Brussels sprouts recipes

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Enjoy this Brussels sprouts with maple bacon as a holiday side dish or weeknight winter dish. Bursting with flavor of fresh orange and smoky bacon, these Bacon Brussels Sprouts are easy to prepare in the oven and won’t disappoint.

• Author: Jess @ The Sane Maven
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 portions 1X
• Category: Page
• Method: Cook
• Kitchen: American
• Diet: Gluten free

• 2 pound Brussels sprouts
• 2 large oranges (we took Valencia)
• 1/2 lb sliced ​​bacon
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (more if you like it hot)
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1. Set the oven to 425F.
2. Wash and dry both oranges. Using a sharp paring knife, remove the peel from 1 orange, being careful to avoid as much of the pith, that bitter white layer, as possible.
3. Next, squeeze the orange. Grate the zest from the second orange and set the zest aside.
4. Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until crispy bacon pieces are formed. Remove the crispy bacon bits and place them on a towel-lined plate. Pour the bacon fat into a small bowl or jar and set aside. *See note above for cooking bacon in the oven
5. Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts, cut off the ends and cut in half.
6. Place the brussels, orange zest and juice, 6 tablespoons bacon fat (or the amount your bacon rendered if less), chili flakes, and maple syrup back to the cast-iron skillet or on a baking sheet.
7. Season with salt and pepper and place in the oven. Roast for about 40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the brussels are nice and crispy.
8. Finally add the red wine vinegar, orange zest and bacon bits. Arrange and serve everything together.

Keywords: Maple Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts, Bacon Brussels Sprouts