Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Name: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 - 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 2 lb. Brussels sprouts; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1/8 tsp. ground cayenne pepper, plus more to taste; 1/2 c. dried, unsweetened cranberries; 1/4 c. apple juice; 1/4 c. maple syrup

They're sweet, smoky, and savory.

By Lauren Miyashiro; Recipe by Kellie KelleyUpdated: Sep 22, 2023

6 Ratings

Jump to recipe

Yields:

6 - 8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

The combination of maple syrup and bacon is one of the most underrated pairings of all time. Here, it bring its magic to sensational skillet Brussels sprouts, soon to be known as your new favorite Thanksgiving side dish. The vegetables are sautéed in smoky bacon fat then finished in a mixture of maple syrup, apple juice, and dried cranberries. Be sure to use unsweetened dried cranberries so they're nice and tart. With the addition of these simple ingredients, the fall vegetable turns out sweet, smoky, and savory, all at once. And if you like spice, a pinch or two of cayenne pepper adds a lovely and subtle kick.

New (or still wary of) the polarizing produce? Read our Brussels Sprouts 101 to learn everything you need to know before you get started.

What's the best way to cook Brussels sprouts?

Steaming and boiling Brussels sprouts can make them unpleasantly mushy, but sautéing them in a piping hot skillet with bacon grease results in Brussels sprouts that are tender—yet still have a bite—and are deliciously caramelized. You'd be hard pressed to find a better method!

What goes well with maple bacon Brussels sprouts?

These sweet, spicy, smoky sprouts pair perfectly with Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham, but you can make 'em any time of year with chicken, steak, or pork. They go well with just about any protein!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Brussels sprout can be trimmed and halved ahead of time and stored in a zip top bag in the refrigerator. Once cooked, the dish is best when enjoyed right away.

What can I instead of the apple juice?

For a less-sweet sauce, chicken stock can be used in place of the apple juice.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1 In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon oven medium-high until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Step 2Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet, stirring well to coat with the bacon grease. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, without stirring, until the sprouts start to brown and caramelize, about 6 minutes. Stir in the salt and cayenne, and continue to cook until the Brussels sprouts are just tender, 6 to 8 minutes more.
3. Step 3Stir in the cranberries, apple juice, and maple syrup. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring to coat the Brussels sprouts. Add the cooked bacon and stir to combine. Serve immediately.