Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Maple Glaze
Discover the ultimate holiday side dish featuring crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with smoky thick-cut bacon and a punchy maple-cider glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Tight-fitting lid
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
Prep and dry everything well
- Slice the 4 slices of thick-cut bacon into small strips or a larger dice.
- Dice the small shallot. Rinse the pound of Brussels sprouts, trim the woody ends, and halve them through the stem so they stay together.
- Thoroughly dry the sprouts with paper towels until they feel almost tacky to ensure proper browning.
Cold-start the bacon for clean rendering
- Set the bacon in a cold skillet and place it over medium-low heat. Let it slowly render, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until crisp.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to maintain crispness.
Sear with the steam-sear method
- Toss the sprouts with a tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the sprouts cut-side down in the same skillet with the bacon fat over medium-high heat until you hear a sizzle.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook without touching for 5-6 minutes until the tops are bright green and the bottoms are caramelized.
Finish with shallot and a glossy glaze
- Remove the lid. If the pan is dry, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with the diced shallot.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan and flipping the sprouts until the shallot is translucent and the sprouts are browned.
- Drizzle with the maple syrup and return the bacon to the pan. Toss for 1-2 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramel-like.
Notes
Safety Tip: Use visual cues rather than strict timing. The sprouts are done when the flat sides are deep golden-brown and the centers feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Variation: For extra holiday crunch, add toasted pecans or walnuts. A quick squeeze of lemon right before serving can also brighten the dish.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer at 350 degrees F to restore the crisp edges.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 95mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg
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