Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts Recipe (Crispy & Easy!)

These Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and crispy. Roasted to perfection with caramelized edges, they're elevated by maple syrup and crispy bacon for a side dish that steals the show at any meal. With just seven simple ingredients and 40 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-quality vegetable dish that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will love.

Updated October 3, 2025: Updated with enhanced cooking tips, improved instructions for achieving maximum crispiness, and expanded FAQ section based on reader questions. Originally posted November 17, 2021.

These Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts combine crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with sweet maple syrup and savory bacon for the ultimate side dish. As a home cook who's perfected this recipe over years of holiday dinners and weeknight meals, I can tell you this is hands-down the best way to prepare Brussels sprouts, even picky eaters ask for seconds! Sprouts paired with sweet maple syrup and crispy bacon for a fantastic combination.

Why this recipe works: The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully in the oven while the bacon adds a smoky, salty contrast. Roasting at 400°F creates crispy outer leaves while keeping the centers perfectly tender. It's a simple technique that delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

Before You Cook

Here's what you need to know before starting this recipe:

• Prep the bacon first. Cook your bacon until crispy before starting the Brussels sprouts. This allows you to focus on the vegetables without multitasking.
• Trim properly. Remove the tough stem end and any yellowed outer leaves. Cut larger sprouts in half lengthwise so everything cooks evenly.
• Don't crowd the pan. Use a large rimmed baking sheet and arrange sprouts in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding creates steam instead of the crispy roasted texture you want.
• Cut side down matters. Place Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the pan for maximum caramelization and crispiness.

Variations to Try

• Balsamic Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze after roasting for a tangy-sweet finish.
• Parmesan Crusted: Toss with ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
• Holiday Version: Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans during the last 5 minutes of roasting, then finish with crumbled goat cheese.
• Asian-Inspired: Replace maple syrup with honey, add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and finish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
• Spicy Maple Bacon: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix and drizzle with sriracha mayo before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts

• For maximum crispiness: Make sure Brussels sprouts are completely dry before tossing with oil. Any moisture creates steam and prevents proper caramelization.
• Bacon alternatives: If you want to skip bacon, try crispy prosciutto, pancetta, or even coconut bacon for a plant-based version. The recipe works beautifully without any meat addition as well.
• Sweetener substitutions: Honey can replace maple syrup in equal amounts, though it creates a slightly different flavor profile. For a less sweet version, reduce the maple syrup to 1 tablespoon.
• Size matters: Try to select Brussels sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking. If some are significantly larger, quarter them instead of halving.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after roasting for a sweet-heat combination.
• Fresh garlic upgrade: Replace garlic powder with 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic added during the last 5 minutes of roasting to prevent burning.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator storage: Transfer cooled Brussels Sprouts to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They're delicious served cold in salads or reheated.

Reheating methods:

• Oven (best): Spread on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy
• Air fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 3-5 minutes for the crispiest results
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals (though this method won't maintain crispiness)

Freezing: While you can freeze these for up to 3 months, note that the texture will change upon thawing, and they won't be as crispy. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 12-15 minutes.

Meal prep tip: Prep the Brussels sprouts (wash, trim, halve) up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cook the bacon ahead as well. When ready to cook, just toss and roast!

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

If you love these Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts, try these other crowd-pleasing sides:

• Oven Roasted Broccoli - Simple, crispy, and healthy
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes - Classic comfort food
• Easy Candied Yams - Sweet and tender
• Easy Roasted Potatoes - Perfectly seasoned and golden
• Garlic Green Beans - Quick and flavorful
• Cornbread Dressing Recipe - Southern holiday favorite

Have you tried this Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts recipe? Leave a comment below with your rating and let me know how it turned out! Tag @simplylakita on social media, I love seeing your creations!