Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Easy & Delicious Side Dish

These maple roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy side dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply as a weeknight accompaniment, their sweet and savory flavors are a true crowd-pleaser. Even those who claim not to like Brussels sprouts often find themselves reaching for seconds of this delightful dish.

This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into something truly special with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your meals, offering a vibrant and flavorful addition to any plate. Get ready to discover how simple it is to create this irresistible side.

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Description

These maple roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy side dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply as a weeknight accompaniment, their sweet and savory flavors are a true crowd-pleaser. Even those who claim not to like Brussels sprouts often find themselves reaching for seconds of this delightful dish. This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into something truly special with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your meals, offering a vibrant and flavorful addition to any plate. Get ready to discover how simple it is to create this irresistible side.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by washing your Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim off the tough ends of each sprout and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. For larger sprouts, you can cut them in half through the stem to ensure even cooking. Smaller sprouts can be left whole.

2. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect roasted texture – tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if desired.

3. Toss with Olive Oil: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed Brussels sprouts with the olive oil. Toss them well to ensure every sprout is lightly coated. The oil helps them crisp up and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

4. Season the Sprouts: Add the salt and black pepper to the bowl with the oiled sprouts. Toss again until the seasoning is evenly distributed.

5. Add Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup over the seasoned Brussels sprouts. Toss one last time to ensure all the sprouts are coated with the sweet glaze. This step is what gives them their signature sweet and savory flavor.

6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded; this is important for proper roasting and browning. If your baking sheet is too small, use two sheets to avoid steaming the sprouts instead of roasting them.

7. Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around 10-12 minutes), give the sprouts a good stir or flip them with a spatula to ensure even browning and caramelization on all sides.

8. Check for Doneness: The Brussels sprouts are ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork, slightly caramelized, and have crispy edges. Remove them from the oven and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: side dish
• Method: roasting
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: brussels sprouts, maple, roasted, vegetable, side dish, easy, healthy, thanksgiving, holiday, vegetarian

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks and special occasions alike. First, it’s incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time and basic cooking skills. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve perfectly tender-crisp Brussels sprouts with a beautiful caramelized glaze. It works because the high heat of roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts while the maple syrup adds another layer of deliciousness, creating a balance that’s hard to resist. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful side that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s especially great for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas, where you need reliable, crowd-pleasing options that can be prepped without too much fuss. It’s also a fantastic way to get kids and picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables, as the sweetness of the maple syrup makes the sprouts much more appealing.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this dish is simple, as most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way a few key ingredients come together to create something truly delicious. You won’t need any exotic spices or specialty items, just fresh produce and common pantry staples.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

When selecting your Brussels sprouts, look for firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have soft spots. For the olive oil, a good quality extra virgin olive oil will add a nice subtle flavor, but any standard olive oil will work perfectly. As for maple syrup, ensure you are using pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, which is often made with corn syrup and artificial flavors. The pure maple syrup provides a richer, more natural sweetness and depth of flavor that is essential for this recipe. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal taste; some prefer a bit more pepper for a slight kick.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is wonderfully efficient, making it an excellent choice for when you need a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The active preparation time is minimal, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while the oven does most of the work.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and how crispy you like your Brussels sprouts. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they reach your desired level of doneness and caramelization.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making these maple roasted Brussels sprouts is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time. The key is to ensure the sprouts are evenly coated and roasted at a high temperature to achieve that desirable tender-crisp texture and beautiful caramelization.

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by washing your Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim off the tough ends of each sprout and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. For larger sprouts, you can cut them in half through the stem to ensure even cooking. Smaller sprouts can be left whole.
2. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect roasted texture – tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if desired.
3. Toss with Olive Oil: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed Brussels sprouts with the olive oil. Toss them well to ensure every sprout is lightly coated. The oil helps them crisp up and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.
4. Season the Sprouts: Add the salt and black pepper to the bowl with the oiled sprouts. Toss again until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
5. Add Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup over the seasoned Brussels sprouts. Toss one last time to ensure all the sprouts are coated with the sweet glaze. This step is what gives them their signature sweet and savory flavor.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded; this is important for proper roasting and browning. If your baking sheet is too small, use two sheets to avoid steaming the sprouts instead of roasting them.
7. Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around 10-12 minutes), give the sprouts a good stir or flip them with a spatula to ensure even browning and caramelization on all sides.
8. Check for Doneness: The Brussels sprouts are ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork, slightly caramelized, and have crispy edges. Remove them from the oven and serve immediately.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This maple roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit different tastes or occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you might consider adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits after roasting – the salty crunch pairs wonderfully with the sweet sprouts. If you want to introduce a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes tossed with the sprouts before roasting will add a subtle kick. For a touch of acidity and brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving can elevate the flavors beautifully.

These sprouts are a perfect side for almost any meal. They shine alongside roasted chicken, pork loin, or a simple grilled salmon. For holiday buffets, they hold up well and add a vibrant green to your spread. You can also serve them as part of a vegetarian main course, perhaps alongside quinoa or a hearty grain bowl. Toppings like toasted pecans or walnuts can add an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, making them feel even more special. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right after they come out of the oven is another popular addition that adds a savory, umami note.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common mistakes that can prevent you from achieving the best results. Being aware of these can help you avoid them and ensure your maple roasted Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly every time.

One frequent slip-up is overcrowding the baking sheet. When too many Brussels sprouts are crammed onto one sheet, they release moisture and end up steaming instead of roasting. This results in soft, mushy sprouts rather than tender-crisp ones. To avoid this, always spread them in a single layer, giving them plenty of space. If you have a large batch, use two baking sheets.

Another common error is not trimming or cutting the sprouts properly. Leaving the tough ends on or not halving larger sprouts can lead to uneven cooking. The outer leaves might burn while the core remains undercooked. Always take the time to trim the ends and halve any sprouts that are larger than a golf ball.

Forgetting to stir or flip the sprouts halfway through roasting can also lead to uneven browning. While the bottom might be beautifully caramelized, the top could remain pale. A quick stir ensures all sides get exposed to the direct heat of the baking sheet, promoting even crisping and caramelization.

Lastly, using pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup will significantly change the flavor profile. Pancake syrup is often much sweeter and lacks the complex, natural flavor of pure maple syrup, resulting in a less refined taste. Always opt for pure maple syrup for the best results.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These maple roasted Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can certainly be stored and even prepared ahead of time with a few considerations. Proper storage helps maintain their flavor and texture for later enjoyment.

To store leftover roasted Brussels sprouts, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. While they won’t be as crispy as when freshly made, the flavors will still be delicious.

When reheating, avoid the microwave if you want to retain some crispness. The best way to reheat them is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the sprouts on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly re-crisped. In an air fryer, heat at 350°F (175°C)

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.