Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts roast up with crispy, caramelized edges, smoky bacon, and just enough maple sweetness. Fresh lemon at the end adds a bright, flavorful finish.

Easy enough for weeknights but special enough for the holiday table, this simple sheet-pan side dish is one you’ll want to make all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprouts Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy here — just everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
• No precooking the bacon: The bacon roasts right alongside the Brussels sprouts, so there’s no extra skillet to wash.
• Feeds a crowd: Two pounds makes enough for about 8 servings, making it a great choice for holiday dinners.
• Easy to prep ahead: Trim the Brussels sprouts and chop the bacon ahead of time, then toss and roast when you’re ready.

Ingredients for Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Brussels sprouts – Choose fresh, firm sprouts that are fairly similar in size.
• Thick-cut bacon – No need to cook it first; it roasts right along with the Brussels sprouts.
• Pure maple syrup – Use 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt, black pepper + garlic powder
• Fresh lemon
• Flaky sea salt + fresh parsley – Optional for serving.

Cetcu Tip: Be sure the Brussels sprouts are completely dry before roasting. Extra moisture will make them steam instead of giving you those crispy, caramelized edges.

How To Make Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

1. Prep the Brussels sprouts.
Trim the ends, remove any loose outer leaves, and cut the sprouts in half.

2. Toss everything together.
Combine the Brussels sprouts and bacon with the maple syrup, olive oil, and seasonings.

3. Roast until crispy.
Arrange everything in a single layer, placing the Brussels sprouts cut-side down when possible, and roast until deeply golden and crisp.

4. Finish and serve.
Toss with fresh lemon zest and juice. Add flaky sea salt and parsley, if desired.

Cetcu Tip: Give those sprouts some room! If your baking sheet feels crowded, use two pans. Place as many sprouts cut-side down as possible for the best browning.

What to Serve With Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These sweet and savory Brussels sprouts pair well with just about any main dish. Serve them alongside pork tenderloin, salmon, ham, Mississippi pot roast, or meatloaf for an easy dinner.

For a hearty fall or holiday meal, add mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a plate everyone will be happy to dig into.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For the crispiest results, reheat them in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the Brussels sprouts will be softer.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Want to get a head start? Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. The bacon can also be chopped ahead and stored separately.
• Wait to toss everything with the maple syrup, olive oil, and seasonings until just before roasting for the best texture.

Cetcu Tip: Add the lemon zest and juice after roasting. You’ll get a brighter, fresher lemon flavor without interfering with those crispy edges.

FAQs Answered

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for this recipe. Frozen sprouts release more moisture, so they won’t caramelize quite as well.

How do I know when Brussels sprouts are done roasting?

They’re ready when the cut sides are deeply golden and caramelized, the outer leaves are crispy, and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.

What type of maple syrup works best?

Use 100% pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup. It gives the Brussels sprouts a richer maple flavor without making them overly sweet.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are roasted until crispy and caramelized with smoky bacon and pure maple syrup, then finished with fresh lemon. An easy side dish for weeknight dinners, Thanksgiving, or the holiday table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: flaky sea salt for serving
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, if desired.
2. Prep the Brussels sprouts. Remove any loose outer leaves, trim the ends, and slice each sprout in half through the stem.
3. Toss and arrange. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet, placing as many Brussels sprouts cut-side down as possible.
4. Roast for 30–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are deeply golden with crispy edges and the bacon is crisp.
5. Finish and serve. Toss the hot Brussels sprouts with lemon zest and lemon juice. Finish with flaky sea salt and fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, dry them thoroughly before roasting and don't overcrowd the pan. Use two baking sheets if necessary.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1/8

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 104
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 4mg
Sodium: 376mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 4g

Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used and are just estimates. We encourage, especially if these numbers are important to you, to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.