Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

 Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when cooked properly, they transform into a savory, caramelized treat that can win over even the most skeptical of eaters. One of the best ways to elevate Brussels sprouts is by glazing them with maple syrup, which adds a natural sweetness that perfectly balances their slightly bitter flavor. The result is a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated, making it a perfect addition to any holiday feast or weeknight dinner.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to make maple glazed Brussels sprouts, break down the key ingredients, and show you how this dish can become a go-to side for any meal.

Why Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. However, they can sometimes be a bit too bitter for some people’s taste, especially if overcooked. The solution? Maple syrup.

Maple syrup, with its smooth sweetness and subtle earthy undertones, creates a perfect contrast to the Brussels sprouts’ natural bitterness. When roasted or sautéed, the Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully, absorbing the maple syrup and creating a delicious glaze. The result is a dish that’s both savory and sweet, with a rich umami flavor from the sprouts and a comforting sweetness from the syrup.

Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a Thanksgiving feast, a new addition to your weeknight dinner rotation, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, maple glazed Brussels sprouts are sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect maple glazed Brussels sprouts:

For the Brussels Sprouts:

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)

For the Maple Glaze:

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (make sure it's real maple syrup, not imitation)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds tang and complexity)

1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds umami and a savory contrast to the sweetness)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a little extra flavor)

For Garnish:

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

A sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for a burst of color)

Directions for Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Start by preparing the Brussels sprouts. Trim the stem ends and remove any yellow or outer leaves. Cut them in half vertically to ensure even cooking and maximum surface area for caramelization.

Step 2: Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. If you like a bit more acidity in your dish, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of brightness. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded, as this will help them roast evenly.

Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, tossing them halfway through. They should be golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender inside. If you like them extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, make the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and garlic powder (if using). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer and slightly thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Glaze the Brussels Sprouts

Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the maple glaze over them. Toss the Brussels sprouts gently to coat them evenly with the glaze. The residual heat will help the glaze stick and become beautifully glossy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the glazed Brussels sprouts to a serving platter and garnish with chopped nuts for some added crunch. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and some fresh thyme or parsley for color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balance of Sweet and Savory: The maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the natural earthiness of Brussels sprouts. The soy sauce provides a touch of salt and umami, rounding out the flavors.

Crispy and Caramelized: Roasting the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature ensures they become crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. The caramelization process deepens their flavor, making each bite more delicious than the last.

Nutrient-Rich: Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. When combined with the healthy fats in olive oil and the natural sweetness of maple syrup, you get a side dish that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

Versatile: This dish works for a variety of occasions, from holiday dinners to weeknight meals. It pairs well with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as a vegetarian main when served over quinoa or brown rice.

Quick and Easy: The whole dish comes together in less than 40 minutes, making it a simple yet impressive side dish for any meal.

Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Use Real Maple Syrup: It’s worth spending a little more on pure maple syrup rather than using imitation syrup. Real maple syrup has a rich, natural flavor that enhances the dish.

Add Nuts for Texture: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the glaze. They also provide a contrast to the tender Brussels sprouts.

Experiment with Additions: Feel free to get creative! You can add bacon for a savory touch, or even sprinkle in some crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese after roasting for a creamy, tangy twist.

Conclusion

Maple glazed Brussels sprouts are a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and savory, with the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts enhanced by the caramelizing effect of the maple syrup. This easy-to-make side dish will elevate any meal, whether you're preparing a holiday feast or a casual dinner at home. With its balance of flavors and textures, this dish is bound to convert even the most die-hard Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans. Try it once, and it may just become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

1. Can I make maple glazed Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and prepare the maple glaze ahead of time. Store the roasted sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the Brussels sprouts in the oven or on the stovetop, drizzle with the maple glaze, and toss to coat.

2. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results for roasting, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if needed. However, frozen sprouts tend to release more moisture during cooking, which may affect their texture. To compensate, make sure to roast them at a higher temperature (about 425°F/220°C) and drain any excess moisture before glazing.

3. Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

While maple syrup provides a unique flavor, you can use other sweeteners in a pinch. Honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar can be used as substitutes, though the taste will be slightly different. If using honey, choose one that is mild in flavor, so it doesn’t overpower the Brussels sprouts.

4. Can I make the maple glaze without soy sauce?

Yes, if you prefer to avoid soy sauce or want a gluten-free version, you can use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) or simply omit it. The maple syrup and Dijon mustard will still provide a flavorful glaze, though the umami depth from the soy sauce will be reduced.

5. Can I add bacon to the dish?

Absolutely! Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet maple glaze. Simply cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and sprinkle it on top of the roasted Brussels sprouts just before serving.