Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These sticky maple caramelized Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection with crispy bits of bacon, sweet, juicy apples, and dried cranberries. If you struggle with recipes getting brussels soft and tender while still achieving a crispy crust, check out this easy, unique baking technique.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings

Author Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices bacon chopped in ½" pieces
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 medium apple cored and chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons dried cranberries optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Evenly spread the olive oil on a baking sheet. If you prefer crispy bacon, lay the chopped bacon pieces flat on the sheet and bake for 4 minutes first. (Otherwise mix everything together, except cranberries, on baking sheet and bake all at the same time.)
4 slices bacon, 1 tablespoon olive oil
While bacon is partially cooking, in a microwave safe bowl place washed, cut Brussels sprouts along with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, depending on how tender you prefer your Brussels sprouts to be in the end. Uncover and drain any leftover water.
1 pound Brussels sprouts
Place the partially-steamed Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, apples, salt and pepper on the baking sheet with the partially cooked bacon. Toss to combine.
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 medium apple, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Arrange the Brussels sprouts so they are cut-side down and the bacon is laying flat. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, toss, return Brussels sprouts to cut side down, and bake for 10 minutes more. Add optional cranberries and serve.
2 tablespoons dried cranberries

Nutrition