Crispy Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon Recipe

Crispy bacon adds an unexpected burst of flavor to these maple-glazed brussels sprouts that might surprise you.

Wild textures emerge when roasting vegetables with delicate sweetness.

Caramelized edges create magical moments on your plate.

Butternut squash brings rich golden warmth to this seasonal dish.

Sweet maple notes dance between savory bacon pieces and earthy vegetables.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of smoky and sweet sensations.

You’ll crave these mouthwatering roasted vegetables again and again.

Highlights of Maple-Glazed Brussels & Squash

• Transform ordinary vegetables into a mouthwatering side dish that brings excitement to the dinner table with minimal effort.
• Prepare this recipe in just 40 minutes total, with only 10 minutes of active cooking time, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Combine sweet maple syrup, smoky bacon, and caramelized vegetables to create a complex taste profile that appeals to both kids and adults, turning a simple vegetable dish into a memorable culinary experience.
• Pack your meal with nutrient-dense Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, offering a healthy side dish that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredient List for Maple-Bacon Veggies

• Brussels Sprouts: A hearty green vegetable that caramelizes beautifully when roasted, offering a nutty and slightly bitter flavor profile.
• Butternut Squash: Sweet and creamy winter squash that provides a soft texture and golden color to the dish.

• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a smoky and salty dimension to the vegetables, providing rich depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps vegetables roast evenly and creates a golden, crisp exterior.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the natural taste of the vegetables.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional spice that adds a subtle smoky warmth to the dish.

• Maple Syrup: Sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes the vegetables and balances their savory notes.
• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that provide a fragrant, earthy finish to the roasted vegetables.

Roasting Guide for Brussels & Butternut

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). This high heat will transform your veggies into crispy, caramelized delights.

Step 2: Prep the Produce

• Trim Brussels sprouts by slicing off stems and cutting them in half
• Peel butternut squash and chop into bite-sized cubes

Step 3: Sizzle the Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving some bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor magic.

Step 4: Season and Roast

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Spread vegetables in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.

Step 5: Create Maple Magic

Simmer maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until it thickens into a luxurious glaze.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Pull roasted vegetables from the oven and drizzle with maple glaze. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces on top. Gently toss to combine. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic finish.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate this sweet-savory side dish while warm. Watch your dinner guests swoon over the incredible flavor combination.

Tips for Caramelized Vegetables Every Time

• Boost Bacon Flavor: Reserve some bacon fat when cooking bacon to toss with vegetables, adding an extra layer of rich, smoky taste to your dish.
• Prevent Burning Vegetables: Spread Brussels sprouts and butternut squash in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and prevent steaming or burning.
• Enhance Maple Glaze: Simmer maple syrup for 3-5 minutes to create a thicker, more concentrated glaze that will beautifully coat the roasted vegetables.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap bacon with plant-based bacon or omit for a vegetarian version, or use coconut bacon for a unique twist that maintains the smoky flavor profile.
• Maximize Vegetable Crispiness: Pat Brussels sprouts and butternut squash dry before roasting to help them achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior that adds delightful texture to the dish.

How to Store Roasted Veggies Properly

• Store leftover maple-glazed Brussels sprouts and butternut squash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the crispy bacon separate to maintain its crunchiness.
• Warm the vegetables at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to prevent sogginess and ensure even heating.
• For a quick reheat, use the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and help maintain moisture.
• When reheating, sprinkle freshly crisped bacon on top to revive the original crunch and flavor profile of the dish.

Pair These Veggies with a Main Dish

• Choose a riesling with medium sweetness to complement the maple glaze's caramelized notes and balance the smoky bacon.
• Pair with a crisp german pilsner that cuts through the richness of bacon and provides refreshing carbonation against roasted vegetables.
• Select a light-bodied pinot noir with earthy undertones that mirrors the herbs and deepens the roasted vegetable flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Recommend hard apple cider to echo the autumnal maple sweetness and provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich, caramelized vegetables.

Flavor Twists for Maple Glazed Veggies

Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon bits. Use maple syrup alternative like agave nectar for a plant-based version that maintains the sweet and savory profile.

Keto-Friendly Roast: Swap butternut squash with lower-carb cauliflower or radishes. Add extra bacon and use a sugar-free maple syrup substitute to keep the dish low-carb and ketogenic diet compliant.

Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like sage, rosemary, or oregano instead of thyme. Incorporate fresh herb garnishes to elevate the roasted vegetable flavor profile and add complexity.

Spicy Kick Remix: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to introduce heat. Drizzle with sriracha maple glaze for those who enjoy a spicier take on the classic recipe.

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts And Butternut Squash With Bacon Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maple-glazed brussels sprouts and butternut squash with bacon elevate holiday side dishes with sweet and savory perfection. Crispy bacon, caramelized vegetables, and rich maple glaze create an irresistible combination that will make sides the star of your meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 lb (454 g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Seasoning and Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400F (200C) to create an ideal environment for achieving crispy, caramelized vegetables.
2. Prepare the produce by trimming Brussels sprouts, halving them lengthwise, and dicing butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes.
3. Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until perfectly crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the flavorful drippings in the pan.
4. Combine Brussels sprouts and butternut squash in a mixing bowl, coating thoroughly with olive oil, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for enhanced depth of flavor.
5. Arrange seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring maximum caramelization and even roasting.
6. Roast vegetables for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden brown and interiors become tender.
7. Simultaneously prepare maple glaze by simmering maple syrup in a small saucepan, reducing and thickening for approximately 3-5 minutes.
8. Extract roasted vegetables from the oven and generously drizzle with the reduced maple syrup.
9. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the glazed vegetables, gently tossing to distribute flavors and textures.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary to elevate the aromatic profile of the dish.
11. Serve immediately as a delectable, warm side that balances sweet and savory elements.

Notes

• Customize bacon alternatives for vegetarian diets by using smoked tempeh or coconut bacon bits to maintain the smoky flavor profile.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and healthy fats.
• Prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy by ensuring they are thoroughly dried before roasting and spreading them in a single layer with space between pieces.
• Control sweetness levels by adjusting maple syrup quantity, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg