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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C) to create an ideal environment for achieving crispy, caramelized vegetables.
- Prepare the produce by trimming Brussels sprouts, halving them lengthwise, and dicing butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring maximum caramelization and even roasting.
- Roast vegetables for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden brown and interiors become tender.
- Simultaneously prepare maple glaze by simmering maple syrup in a small saucepan, reducing and thickening for approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Extract roasted vegetables from the oven and generously drizzle with the reduced maple syrup.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the glazed vegetables, gently tossing to distribute flavors and textures.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary to elevate the aromatic profile of the dish.
- 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