Description
A game-changing side dish featuring crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with smoky bacon and a sweet maple-soy glaze. Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the Brussels sprouts by trimming ends, removing loose leaves, and halving large sprouts. Rinse and pat completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- Cook the chopped bacon in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes or in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the dried Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the sprouts in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, or roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and crispy.
- While sprouts cook, mix maple syrup and soy sauce in a small bowl.
- Transfer cooked sprouts to a large bowl, drizzle with the maple glaze, and toss to coat. The heat will help caramelize the glaze.
- Add the cooked bacon back to the sprouts and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Ensure Brussels sprouts are completely dry before cooking to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or baking sheet; cook in batches if necessary. Add the maple glaze at the end of cooking to prevent burning. For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and use smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 8
Keywords: brussels sprouts, bacon, maple syrup, air fryer recipe, roasted vegetables, holiday side dish, crispy vegetables, easy dinner