There’s something about that sweet, caramelized glaze on tender yet crispy little balls of green that just hits the spot. This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe combines simple ingredients with a touch of magic to bring Brussels sprouts from “meh” to “must-make.” It’s a perfect side that’s both cozy and sophisticated in the best way.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I get excited every time I make these Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts. The balance of sweet maple syrup with the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts is just chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s so easy, which means you can get a delicious, fancy-tasting side on the table without fuss.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need, making it hassle-free.
- Perfect crispy-tender texture: Crispy edges meet soft insides — just the way sprouts should be.
- Quick and easy: Under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile flavor: Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that works beautifully on its own or with toppings you love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a lovely role in creating that crave-worthy dish. The Brussels themselves bring earthiness, olive oil helps caramelize and crisp, while maple syrup tames any bitterness with natural sweetness. The simple seasoning lets these flavors shine.
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts work best; small to medium size helps them cook evenly.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil adds flavor and helps those edges get crispy and golden.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup provides natural sweetness and a lovely glaze—avoid imitation syrups here.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors and balancing the sweetness.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds a nice warmth without overpowering the dish.
Make It Your Way
I love making this recipe as-is, but it’s super forgiving if you want to tweak it to your taste. Sometimes I throw in a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a cozy twist, or swap in pecans for crunch. Feel free to experiment — that’s part of the fun!
- Variation: Adding a handful of chopped bacon transformed the sprouts into a smoky, savory side that my family adored.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise. This exposes more surface area for caramelization so you get more crunch and flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Toss With Oil and Maple
Place the sprouts right on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Toss everything gently to coat evenly — I find using my hands works best. Then arrange cut-side down in a single layer for max crisp.
Step 3: Roast and Watch Closely
Pop the pan in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Stay close towards the end so you catch that perfect caramelized brown without burning — the outer leaves will get dark and crispy, but that’s a feature, not a flaw! The sprouts should be tender inside but beautifully crisp on the outside.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches and Serve
Once roasted, I love to squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over them for brightness and, if I’m feeling indulgent, grate some Parmesan on top. That salty, nutty cheese pairs perfectly with the maple glaze.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe, so let me share those little nuggets that’ll make your sprouts shine every time.
- Cut-Side Down Roasting: Laying Brussels sprouts cut-side down is the secret to that unbeatable caramelization and crispy texture I rave about.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the sprouts room to breathe on the baking sheet; overcrowding steams them instead of roasting.
- Watch the Oven: Oven temps vary, so check sprouts early past 20 minutes so they don’t burn but still get that perfect golden edge.
- Use Real Maple Syrup: Trust me, the flavor and aroma of genuine maple syrup can’t be beat — synthetic syrups just won’t give the same magic.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end that adds such a bright contrast to the sweet and savory flavors. Grated Parmesan is my go-to for a nutty, salty layer, but toasted pecans or crispy pancetta are fantastic too if you want extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
These sprouts play nicely with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even alongside a hearty grain bowl. I’ve also served them with creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf to round out a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange them in a pretty serving dish, scatter pomegranate seeds for a pop of color, or drizzle a balsamic reduction on top for an elegant touch that really wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftover sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is best done in the oven or air fryer to revive some of that crispiness—microwaving tends to make them limp.
Freezing
I haven’t had great luck freezing these because the texture changes and they can get soggy. I recommend enjoying them fresh or storing refrigerated leftovers instead.
Reheating
To bring back the crisp edges, spread sprouts on a baking sheet and roast in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes. This helps refresh their texture better than just popping them in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be more watery and don't crisp up as well as fresh ones in this maple roasted recipe. If you must use frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them very dry before tossing with oil and maple syrup.
Roast them cut-side down on a single layer and keep a close eye towards the end of cooking. Oven temperatures vary, so check at around 20 minutes and remove them once you see a deep golden brown but before they blacken too much.
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the Parmesan topping. It’s delicious as-is with just maple syrup, olive oil, and spices for a perfect plant-based side.
These sprouts pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, as well as vegetarian mains like grain bowls or pasta. They also complement creamy sides like mashed potatoes or risotto beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts have become a staple in my kitchen because they’re just that good and reliable. I hope you find yourself making them again and again for cozy nights or impressing friends at gatherings. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how such a simple recipe can create such crave-worthy magic!
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Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delicious side dish featuring fresh Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and maple syrup, seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then roasted to crispy, caramelized perfection. This simple, versatile recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive holiday meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional for Serving
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts directly on a baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat all the sprouts evenly, then arrange them cut-side down in a single even layer for better crisping.
- Roast: Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until they develop very brown, caramelized edges and some leaves become crispy. Be attentive in the last few minutes as cooking time may vary based on the size of your sprouts.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once roasted, optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over the Brussels sprouts and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe balances crispy caramelized edges with tender, flavorful centers for a delicious texture contrast.
- It uses common pantry ingredients and is very easy to prepare.
- Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that complements the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats, on holiday tables, or in everyday meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 472 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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