Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: 5-Star Holiday Magic

Let’s be honest for a second — Brussels sprouts have a bit of a reputation problem. Somewhere along the way, they became the veggie everyone loved to hate. But these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts? Oh honey, they’re here to change hearts and taste buds. Crispy, caramelized, and kissed with smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup — this dish isn’t your grandma’s boiled sprouts.

Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, a Sunday roast, or just trying to sneak more greens onto your dinner plate, this recipe will make even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Because they’re everything — sweet, salty, smoky, and crunchy — all in one glorious skillet.

This dish checks all the boxes:
✅ Quick and easy to make (ready in under 30 minutes!)
✅ Packed with bold, crave-worthy flavor
✅ Makes veggies taste like a total indulgence

If you’ve ever struggled to get your family to eat their greens, just wait until that maple-bacon aroma fills your kitchen. I promise, you’ll have curious faces peeking in before you can even grab your spatula

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1½ lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 4 strips bacon, diced into ½” lardons
• ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 2 oz bourbon (or 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• Ground pepper, to taste

Simple, right? Just a handful of ingredients that transform into something absolutely magical.

How To Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Blanch those sprouts

Fill a big pot with water — enough to cover the Brussels sprouts — and bring it to a boil. Add the kosher salt and toss in the sprouts. Let them cook for 4–5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still bright green.

Drain and rinse them under cold water (this stops the cooking so they don’t go mushy). Lay them out on a kitchen towel to dry while you move on to the fun part — bacon time!

Step 2: Sizzle the bacon

In a large 12″ skillet, cook your diced bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally and watch it turn beautifully crispy in about 7–8 minutes.

Scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel–lined plate to drain. But don’t you dare toss that bacon fat — that’s liquid gold.

Step 3: Crisp up the sprouts and pecans

Turn up the heat to medium-high and add your Brussels sprouts and chopped pecans to the skillet. Stir frequently and let them get those gorgeous crispy edges — about 4–5 minutes should do it.

Step 4: Add a little flavor magic

Sprinkle the ground mustard over the sprouts, stirring constantly for a minute. Then pour in your bourbon (or apple cider vinegar) to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all those caramelized bits of flavor — that’s where the magic hides!

Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and everything smells amazing.

Step 5: Finish with maple and bacon

Toss your crispy bacon back into the pan and drizzle in the maple syrup. Give it a good stir and let it cook for another minute, until the syrup slightly thickens and coats everything in glossy, sticky perfection.

Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve right away — and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the sprouts!”

Aneta’s Tips for Perfect Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Dry those sprouts well! Extra moisture keeps them from crisping up — and we want that golden sear.
• No bourbon? No problem! Apple cider vinegar adds just the right tangy punch.
• Make it ahead: You can blanch the Brussels sprouts earlier in the day and finish the recipe just before serving.
• Want to make it extra fancy? A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving takes this side dish to “holiday showstopper” status.

A Little Kitchen Story

This dish started as a “let’s see what’s left in the fridge” kind of night — you know those evenings. A few lonely Brussels sprouts, a couple of bacon strips, and a forgotten bottle of maple syrup. I threw them together, crossed my fingers, and… let’s just say my family now requests “those fancy sprouts” every Thanksgiving.

Sometimes the best recipes are happy accidents — especially the ones that make your kitchen smell like a cozy Sunday morning.

FAQs About Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Bring the Magic to Your Table

Whether you’re serving these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts alongside a juicy roast chicken or as part of your holiday spread, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Sweet maple, smoky bacon, and crunchy pecans come together to make a dish that even veggie skeptics will adore.

So go ahead — grab that skillet and bring a little Chicken Magic to your dinner tonight.

More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts stole your heart (and your dinner table), you’ll definitely want to keep the autumn magic going! Here are a few delicious dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes that pair perfectly with this cozy side or help you round out a full fall-inspired menu:

• Apple Cider Chicken – A savory-sweet chicken dish simmered in tangy apple cider and herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food to serve alongside your Brussels sprouts.
• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta – This creamy, dreamy pasta is loaded with fall flavors and pairs beautifully with the smoky sweetness of the maple bacon glaze.
• Roasted Autumn Vegetable Pot Pies – Hearty, flaky, and filled with roasted veggies — this cozy classic turns any meal into a warm hug in a dish.
• Pumpkin Maple Cookies – Finish your feast on a sweet note with these soft, spiced cookies that echo the maple notes in your Brussels sprouts.

These cozy recipes are just the beginning of your fall flavor adventure! 🍁 If you try these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts (or any of the delicious dishes above), I’d love to hear what you think — leave a comment or review and tell me how they turned out in your kitchen. Your feedback helps our Chicken Magic community keep cooking, sharing, and spreading the love of good food! 💛

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