Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with crispy Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection and paired with smoky bacon and caramelized maple syrup. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, making each bite a satisfying experience.

This dish is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also versatile enough to be served as a side dish for any meal or as a tasty appetizer for your holiday gatherings. The combination of flavors works beautifully together, making it a crowd-pleaser that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Full Recipe:

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
4 slices bacon, chopped

1/2 cup pecans, chopped
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and tender.

While Brussels sprouts roast, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, toast the chopped pecans for 2-3 minutes.
Once Brussels sprouts are done roasting, drizzle with maple syrup and toss with the bacon and toasted pecans.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

Brussels sprouts are believed to have been cultivated as early as the 13th century in Belgium, which is why they are named after the city of Brussels. Over time, the vegetable spread throughout Europe, and its popularity grew, especially in countries like France and the Netherlands. While Brussels sprouts can sometimes be a divisive vegetable due to their bitter taste, roasting them brings out a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that makes them a crowd-pleaser.

Bacon has long been associated with comfort food in various cuisines, from American breakfasts to British roasts. The combination of Brussels sprouts with bacon is not only delicious but also historical, as the pairing of pork with vegetables can be found in European recipes dating back to the Middle Ages.

The addition of maple syrup is a more modern twist on this dish, bringing a touch of sweetness to complement the savory bacon and earthy Brussels sprouts. Maple syrup, particularly from North America, has been a key ingredient in many regional dishes, adding its signature flavor to everything from desserts to savory sides. The nuts—specifically pecans—add a satisfying crunch, making this dish a perfect example of balancing contrasting textures and flavors.

Variations and Adaptations

While this recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans is a fantastic blend of flavors, there are numerous ways to tweak it according to personal preference or regional influences. For instance, instead of bacon, you could use pancetta or prosciutto for a different flavor profile. Some people might also opt for turkey bacon to make the dish leaner without sacrificing the crispy, salty element.

The maple syrup can be swapped for other sweeteners, such as honey or agave, though maple syrup brings a distinctive flavor that pairs beautifully with the Brussels sprouts. For a more complex flavor, you could even try using a balsamic glaze or a drizzle of apple cider vinegar to create a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the syrup.

In some regions, people may add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or goat cheese to the roasted Brussels sprouts, which adds a creamy, salty component to the dish. Additionally, for those with dietary restrictions, this dish can be made entirely vegetarian by skipping the bacon and substituting the maple syrup with a vegan alternative.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with adding spices such as cinnamon, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for a bit of heat. Each variation brings something new to the table, ensuring that this dish can be tailored to suit any taste.

Nutritional Information

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Brussels sprouts, the star of the dish, are rich in vitamins C and K, which are essential for immune function and bone health, respectively. They’re also a good source of folate, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a powerful ally for overall health.

Bacon, while a flavorful addition, does add a fair amount of saturated fat and sodium, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. However, it does provide protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc. To make the dish a bit healthier, you can always opt for leaner cuts of bacon or reduce the quantity used.

Pecans are a source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health. They also provide a good amount of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and vitamin E, which play key roles in muscle and skin health.

The maple syrup, though delicious, contributes natural sugars to the dish, so those monitoring sugar intake should be mindful of the portion size. However, maple syrup is also rich in antioxidants and minerals such as manganese and zinc, which support immune function and overall wellness.

On average, one serving of this dish contains around 220 calories, with a breakdown of approximately 18 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of protein. These nutritional values make it a well-rounded side dish to complement any meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. As a side, it pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. The salty, smoky bacon and crunchy pecans complement the richness of roasted meats, while the slight sweetness from the maple syrup balances the savory flavors.

For a lighter meal, serve these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans alongside a quinoa salad or a simple green salad. The hearty Brussels sprouts are substantial enough to be the star of a vegetarian meal, especially when paired with a grain or legumes to provide additional protein.

For a more festive meal, this dish makes an excellent side for holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas. The combination of flavors fits in perfectly with other traditional holiday fare, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted meats.

If you’re looking to create an indulgent meal, serve this dish with a creamy mashed potato side and a glass of full-bodied white wine or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. A crisp sparkling wine or cider can also be a great pairing to cut through the richness of the bacon and syrup.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure that your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans turn out perfectly, here are a few expert tips:

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to spread the Brussels sprouts in an even layer on your baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and you’ll miss out on that beautiful crispiness.
Roast at the right temperature: Roasting at 400°F ensures that the Brussels sprouts cook through without getting soggy. This high heat is what allows them to become perfectly caramelized on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Check for crispiness: The key to perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts is that crispy edge. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of roasting to avoid overcooking.
Add the maple syrup at the end: Drizzle the maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts once they’ve finished roasting. This ensures that the syrup doesn’t burn in the oven, and it keeps its natural sweetness intact.
Toast the pecans separately: Toasting the pecans in a skillet enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils. Adding them after the Brussels sprouts are done roasting ensures they stay crunchy.

Potential Health Benefits

This dish offers several health benefits, thanks to the high nutritional value of its ingredients. Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. They also contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Bacon provides protein, but it’s also a source of fat, so it’s important to consume it in moderation. When paired with the nutrient-dense Brussels sprouts, the bacon adds a satisfying flavor without overwhelming the dish. The pecans contribute healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health, along with antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals.

While maple syrup should be used sparingly due to its sugar content, it does offer antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. Additionally, it contains manganese and zinc, which support a healthy immune system.

Overall, this dish provides a balance of nutrients that can contribute to a healthy and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans is the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, its combination of flavors and textures is sure to please your guests. The slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, the smoky richness of the bacon, and the sweetness of the maple syrup create a harmonious dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Try this recipe the next time you need a side that will truly stand out, and enjoy the delicious balance of flavors that make it so irresistible.