Name: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb brussels sprouts ends trimmed and sprouts cut in half lengthwise; 4 strips bacon cut into small pieces; ¼ cup maple syrup; ¼ heaping teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’ve ever wondered how to make Brussels sprouts crave-worthy, then this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is just what you need. It’s all about that perfect balance of smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tender caramelized sprouts that will have you hooked from the first bite.

The image shows roasted Brussels sprouts and small crispy bits scattered over a metal baking sheet. The Brussels sprouts are halved, with a mix of bright green and golden brown colors from roasting. The small crispy bits are reddish-brown and appear to be pieces of cooked bacon. The baking sheet has a slightly shiny and stained metal texture, with some browned spots from roasting. There is a purple spatula partially visible at the lower left corner. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these Brussels sprouts—every time I make them, they disappear from the plate way too fast. The smoky crispiness of bacon combined with the natural sweetness of maple syrup just transforms this humble veggie into something sensational.

Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything together and bake—minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor.
Perfect Flavor Combo: Sweet, smoky, and savory all at once, making for a truly balanced side dish.
Versatile Side: Great alongside everyday dinners or special holiday meals.
Satisfies Veggie Skeptics: Even picky eaters can’t resist these sprouts thanks to the bacon and maple glaze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When grabbing ingredients for this dish, aim for fresh Brussels sprouts that are bright green and firm. Using good quality bacon and real maple syrup really brings the flavor up a notch, and a pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle, warm smokiness that rounds everything out perfectly.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with bright green leaves, four strips of raw bacon cut into small pieces showing marbled pink and white fat, a small white ceramic bowl filled with amber maple syrup, a small white bowl holding vibrant reddish-brown smoked paprika powder, and two whole uncracked brown eggs, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brussels sprouts: Trimming and halving them helps them cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.
Bacon: Adds irresistible smoky flavor and crisp texture; I find thick-cut works best.
Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and helps create that lovely glaze coating the sprouts.
Smoked paprika: Adds depth with a mild smokiness that complements the bacon perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning everything just right.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tweak it to match your taste buds or the occasion. Whether you want to dial up the spice, add some crunch, or keep it classic, there’s room to make this dish truly your own.

Variation: For a bit of heat, I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple syrup glaze—just enough to give the sweetness a spicy kick without overpowering the smoky bacon flavor.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap out bacon for smoked tempeh or coconut bacon. It still delivers that smoky, crispy texture, making it a great alternative for meat-free diets.
Seasonal Flair: Toss in some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts right before serving for added crunch and a warm nutty flavor—perfect for the holidays!
Sweet Swap: If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey works beautifully too, offering a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with crispy browned bacon pieces, the Brussels sprouts are halved showing their green and golden-brown roasted surfaces with caramelized edges, the bacon bits add red and dark brown contrast. A silver spoon holds a bit of the mix above the bowl. The bowl is placed on a pale yellow cloth on a white marbled surface. A stack of white plates with silver forks is visible in the background, along with a glass of amber liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace

Start by setting your oven to a steamy 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil — this little prep step saves you from scrubbing sticky bits later, trust me. Having everything prepped means you’ll move smoothly through the next steps.

Step 2: Mix the Maple Glaze and Coat the Sprouts

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together ¼ cup of maple syrup, ¼ heaping teaspoon of smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. This simple glaze is where the magic starts — the smoky paprika complements the sweet maple syrup so well. Add your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts along with the chopped bacon pieces, then stir everything until the sprouts and bacon are generously coated in that glossy, flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Spread and Roast to Perfection

Spread your coated sprouts and bacon out evenly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Be sure to give them room so they roast instead of steam. Pop the sheet into the center rack of your preheated oven. The smell starts filling your kitchen quickly — that’s your cue that something delicious is cooking!

Step 4: Stir Twice for Even Caramelization

Bake for a total of 25 minutes, but don’t just set a timer and walk away. At 10 minutes and again at 20 minutes, pull the tray out and give everything a good stir. This step helps every sprout get beautifully caramelized and the bacon perfectly crisped. The combination of sweet and smoky in every bite really shines through here.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Serve Warm

After the final stir and bake, check that the bacon is crisp and the Brussels sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork — you’re looking for a rich caramel color and no stubborn crunch. If you want a little extra crispiness, feel free to bake a couple more minutes but watch closely so nothing burns. Serve these warm as a standout side dish your family will keep asking for!

Top Tip

These tips come from lots of kitchen experiments and can help you get the best results from your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe every time.

Even Coating Matters: Make sure to toss the Brussels sprouts and bacon thoroughly in the maple syrup and smoked paprika glaze so every bite bursts with that perfect sweet and smoky flavor.
Keep an Eye While Baking: Stirring the mixture at 10 and 20 minutes stirred perfectly caramelizes the sprouts and crisps the bacon evenly, preventing any pieces from burning or sticking to the pan.
Trim Smartly: Removing the tough outer leaves and trimming the ends of Brussels sprouts ensures they cook evenly and have a tender bite instead of being chewy or tough.
Don't Skip the Foil: Lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil saves you from scrubbing sticky maple syrup and bacon drippings later, making cleanup a snap.

How to Serve Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

This image shows a close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with small pieces of cooked bacon. The Brussels sprouts are halved, with their outer leaves crisp and browned, showing a mix of bright green and golden caramelized colors. The small bacon pieces are scattered throughout, displaying a reddish-brown crispy texture. The overall texture looks glossy with some caramelization, highlighting the roasted and savory nature of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast. For extra freshness, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the rich flavors. If you like a little heat, a dash of red chili flakes makes a nice touch.

Side Dishes

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts make a standout side alongside roasted chicken or turkey. They also pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a nutty quinoa salad. For a heartier meal, serve them with roasted salmon or pork tenderloin to complement the smoky-sweet notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well preserves their flavor and texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it can affect the texture of the Brussels sprouts and bacon. If you do freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and use within one month for best taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to restore crispiness. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe vegetarian?

You can omit the bacon and use smoked paprika to maintain the smoky flavor, or substitute with vegetarian bacon alternatives for a meat-free version.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

Honey is a great alternative that will still add sweetness while complementing the smoky bacon and spices nicely.

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?

They’re ready when they’re tender to the fork and caramelized with golden brown edges, and the bacon is crisp. If needed, bake a little longer but watch closely to avoid burning.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the Brussels sprouts and bacon with the glaze a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the blend of smoky bacon, sweet maple, and caramelized Brussels sprouts in this recipe. It’s easy to prepare, delightful to serve, and sure to win over even the pickiest eaters around your table. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe brings warmth and flavor to any meal. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—it as much as I do!