Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
chopped
- 2 lb. Brussels sprouts
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- plus more to taste1/8 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 c. dried
unsweetened cranberries
- 1/4 c. apple juice
- 1/4 c. maple syrup
Directions
- 1
In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon oven medium-high until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 2
Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet, stirring well to coat with the bacon grease. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, without stirring, until the sprouts start to brown and caramelize, about 6 minutes. Stir in the salt and cayenne, and continue to cook until the Brussels sprouts are just tender, 6 to 8 minutes more.
- 3
Stir in the cranberries, apple juice, and maple syrup. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring to coat the Brussels sprouts. Add the cooked bacon and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 6 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a side dish that truly shines, effortlessly balancing sweet, savory, and a hint of spice? These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming a simple vegetable into something extraordinary that will disappear from the plate.
The magic behind this recipe lies in the masterful combination of ingredients. Thick-cut bacon renders down, creating a rich, flavorful fat base that perfectly caramelizes the Brussels sprouts. A thoughtful blend of sweet maple syrup and tangy apple juice provides a delightful glaze, while a touch of ground cayenne pepper adds just enough warmth to awaken your palate and round out the dish.
Prepare for tender-crisp Brussels sprouts, deeply caramelized and infused with the irresistible smokiness of bacon. Each bite delivers a burst of tartness from the dried, unsweetened cranberries, beautifully cutting through the richness. The sweet maple glaze offers a comforting contrast, while the subtle kick of cayenne pepper ties all the flavors together in a harmonious symphony. This recipe offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes, making it a stellar addition to any meal.
For customization, you can easily adjust the heat by modifying the amount of ground cayenne pepper to your liking. If you're looking for a slightly different tart-sweet dynamic, you could experiment with a different type of dried fruit in place of the unsweetened cranberries, although they provide a fantastic counterpoint to the rich bacon and maple.
These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are the perfect versatile side, ideal for holiday gatherings, a cozy Sunday roast, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a truly flavorful dish. They pair wonderfully with a hearty main course.