Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Delight in 30 Minutes

When the air turns crisp and your cozy sweaters come out of hiding, it’s time for a dish that tastes just like fall feels. Enter Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon — a sweet, smoky, and perfectly caramelized side that makes even the pickiest eaters reach for seconds. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, hosting a casual dinner, or just want something that makes your weeknight meals sparkle, this recipe is your golden ticket.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Recipe

Looking for a side dish that wows with both flavor and simplicity? Here’s why this one belongs in your recipe rotation:

• It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The maple syrup creates a luscious glaze that pairs beautifully with smoky bacon and caramelized veggies.
• One-pan wonder. Fewer dishes mean more time for you to actually enjoy your meal — or that second glass of wine.
• Seasonal perfection. Butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are at their best in fall, making this dish feel like autumn on a baking sheet.
• Crowd-pleaser approved. Even the Brussels sprouts skeptics will be coming back for seconds — promise.
• Versatile for any occasion. It’s fancy enough for the holiday table but simple enough for a Tuesday night dinner.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully. That maple-bacon flavor deepens overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.

This dish isn’t just another roasted veggie recipe — it’s a cozy, flavor-packed experience that feels like a warm hug from your oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon

This recipe is beautifully simple, but when you follow these steps with care, the result is pure roasted perfection.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high heat ensures your vegetables roast to crispy, golden perfection rather than steaming into sogginess. A well-preheated oven is your secret weapon for that irresistible caramelized finish.
2. Prep the Veggies: In a large bowl, toss together the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash. Try to keep your pieces roughly uniform in size — this helps everything cook evenly and avoids overdone edges or undercooked centers.
3. Add the Bacon: Next, fold in the chopped bacon. As it cooks, the bacon releases its smoky fat, which seeps into the veggies and transforms every bite into a salty-sweet dream.
4. Season It Up: Drizzle in your olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little heat. Use your hands (or a sturdy spatula) to toss everything until evenly coated. Every cube and sprout should glisten with oil and seasoning.
5. Spread and Roast: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then spread the mixture evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan — space equals crispiness. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through to make sure every side gets that golden love.
6. Add the Maple Magic: Pull the sheet from the oven and drizzle the maple syrup over everything. This is where the transformation happens — the syrup mingles with the bacon drippings, creating a glossy, sweet glaze that clings beautifully to each piece. Gently toss everything so it’s evenly coated.
7. Final Roast: Slide the pan back into the oven for another 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the syrup to caramelize just enough to give everything a sticky, golden sheen. The edges of the Brussels sprouts should be crisp, the squash tender, and the bacon perfectly crisped.
8. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and take a moment to admire your handiwork. Serve immediately and watch as it disappears faster than you can say “pass the bacon.”

Tips for the Perfect Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give your veggies some breathing room. Crowded veggies steam — spaced-out ones roast and caramelize like champs.
• Real maple syrup only. This isn’t the place for pancake syrup — pure maple makes all the difference.
• Want it vegetarian? Skip the bacon and add a drizzle of smoky paprika or liquid smoke for that depth of flavor.
• Make ahead: Roast everything but skip the syrup. Reheat and drizzle before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

A Little Kitchen Story

I first made this Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon for a Friendsgiving years ago, when I was desperately trying to impress a crowd of foodies. I remember nervously pulling it from the oven, hoping it wasn’t just another sad veggie dish. The moment that maple-bacon aroma hit the room, everyone gathered around like moths to a flame. Let’s just say, it’s been a staple ever since.

FAQs About Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon

Bring the Fall Magic Home

Whether you serve it as a hearty side or make it the star of your table, Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon brings that warm, cozy flavor we all crave this time of year. The maple syrup caramelizes the edges, the bacon adds smoky crunch, and the butternut squash brings sweetness that balances it all out. It’s everything you love about fall — in one pan. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s make some magic happen!

Explore More Fall-Inspired Recipes

If you loved the sweet and savory harmony of Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon, you’ll want to explore a few more cozy, flavor-packed dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes. Each one pairs beautifully with the fall season and complements your table with effortless charm:

• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta – A silky, comforting pasta dish that mirrors the same autumn warmth and creaminess, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes – A natural companion to this recipe, offering a savory twist with maple notes and tender chicken.
• Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta – For another spin on these classic veggies, this pasta recipe brings hearty flavors together in one pan.
• Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple Salad – A light, refreshing salad bursting with crisp apples and fall textures that pair beautifully with roasted dishes.

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