Bacon & Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Updated Nov 02, 2025, Published Oct 18, 2021
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A Simple, Flavor-Packed Side Dish
Brussels sprouts don’t always get the love they deserve, but this Bacon & Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe changes everything. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with sweet-and-salty flavor, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday entertaining. The addition of maple syrup elevates the natural sweetness of the sprouts while perfectly complementing the smoky bacon.
If you’re planning a festive meal, this recipe is a breeze to scale up. Double the ingredients to feed a crowd—it’s an easy, stress-free way to add a standout vegetable side to your holiday table.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
- 4 slices gluten-free bacon, diced
- 1½ pounds (680 g) Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) kosher or fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon (1.2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) pure maple syrup
Why You’ll Love It
- Sweet and savory perfection: Maple syrup and crispy bacon bring out the best in Brussels sprouts.
- Easy to prepare: Toss, roast, and finish with bacon—minimal hands-on time.
- Make-ahead friendly: Roast earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.
- Perfect for entertaining: Doubles easily for holiday dinners or larger gatherings.
- Kid-approved flavor: The sweetness of maple and the bacon make Brussels sprouts more approachable for picky eaters.
How to Make It
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Cook the diced bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with the reserved bacon fat, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in an even layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Pour the maple syrup over the sprouts, stir to coat, and roast for another 5 minutes until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
- Add the cooked bacon, toss lightly, and serve warm.
FAQs
Can I use pancetta or ham instead of bacon?
Yes! Pancetta or diced ham works well and adds a slightly different but still delicious smoky flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Roast the Brussels sprouts up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Can I skip the maple syrup?
You can, but the maple syrup adds a perfect sweet balance to the savory bacon. Honey works as a substitute if desired.
How do I scale this for a holiday dinner?
Simply double all the ingredients and use two baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding. The sprouts will roast evenly and stay crispy.
This Bacon & Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a holiday-worthy side dish that’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to get compliments. Sweet, smoky, and perfectly caramelized, it’s a recipe you’ll return to all year long.
For more delicious and gluten-free side dishes, may we suggest our Roasted Celery & Sweet Potato Salad, Tater Tot Potato Salad, or Sweet Thyme Carrots?
Bacon & Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 4 slices gluten-free bacon, , diced
- 1½ pounds (680 g) Brussels sprouts, , ends trimmed and cut in half
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) kosher or fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon (1.2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Put the bacon in a medium skillet and cook over medium heat until the fat has rendered and the bacon is very crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with the reserved bacon fat, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on the baking sheet in an even layer. Roast for 20 minutes. Pour the maple syrup over the sprouts, stir to coat, and roast for another 5 minutes or until the sprouts are crispy and browned on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Add the diced bacon to the Brussels sprouts, toss lightly to combine, and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My husband loved this recipe and I am going to make this dish again for our dinner. It is easy and delicious.