Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Maple Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Crispy, caramelized brussels sprouts drizzled with maple bourbon sauce offer a seriously delectable culinary adventure.

maple syrup brings unexpected sweetness to these often-misunderstood vegetables.

Sweet and smoky notes dance across each bite, creating a complex flavor profile.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate this simple yet sophisticated side dish.

Rich bourbon adds depth and warmth to the maple glaze, complementing the sprouts’ natural earthiness.

Charred edges and glistening sauce promise a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary treat.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use another type of alcohol instead of bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with whiskey, rum, or even apple cider for a similar depth of flavor.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

Brussels sprouts are nutritious, packed with vitamins and fiber. While bacon adds some fat, the overall dish offers good nutritional value when eaten in moderation.

• How do I know when Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted?

Look for crispy, caramelized edges and a tender inside. When you can easily pierce them with a fork, they’re done roasting.

• What if I want to make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter to create the sauce base. Consider adding smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor profile.

Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce That Stand Out

• Speedy Flavor Explosion: Craft a gourmet side dish in under an hour with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
• Texture Party Perfection: Enjoy crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with crunchy bacon and pecans, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Sweet Meets Savory Magic: Indulge in a balanced flavor profile where maple and bourbon blend seamlessly with smoky bacon and caramelized vegetables.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress dinner guests or family members with a sophisticated yet approachable dish that appeals to various taste preferences.

Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Brussels Sprouts Magic

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetables that provide a hearty base for this flavorful dish.
• Bacon: Crispy pork product that adds a rich, smoky flavor to the recipe.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that bring a delightful texture and nutty taste.

• Bourbon, Balsamic Vinegar: Bold liquids that create a complex and deep flavor profile for the sauce.
• Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that balance the savory elements and create a glossy, caramelized coating.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and provide a basic seasoning foundation.

Steps for Maple Bourbon Brussels Sprouts Perfection

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season the Sprouts

Grab your Brussels sprouts and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

Spread them out on the baking sheet so they get perfectly crispy.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven.

Roast for 20-25 minutes until the sprouts are fork-tender and have golden crispy edges.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Bacon

While the sprouts are roasting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the bacon until it’s deliciously crispy and golden brown.

Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Base

In the same skillet with those delicious browned bacon bits, pour in the bourbon and balsamic vinegar.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Add maple syrup and brown sugar to the skillet.

Let it bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Take the skillet off the heat.

Toss in the roasted Brussels sprouts, crumbled bacon, and chopped pecans.

Stir everything until well coated in the decadent sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Transfer to a serving dish and get ready to wow your taste buds with this incredible sweet and savory side dish!

Tips for Crisp Brussels Sprouts and Bold Sauce

• Select firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without yellow leaves or blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Watch sprouts closely during roasting to prevent burning; aim for golden-brown edges and tender centers.
• Adjust bourbon and maple syrup ratios to create a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce that complements the sprouts.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy to add a delightful crunch and smoky depth to the final dish.
• Quickly toast pecans in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor before adding to the final preparation.

Maple Bourbon Sauce Variations for Brussels Sprouts

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh strips and use maple syrup for a plant-based version. Swap olive oil with coconut oil for added richness.
• Gluten-Free Bourbon Blast: Ensure bourbon is gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Substitute pecans with roasted almonds for extra crunch.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace maple syrup with sugar-free maple syrup substitute. Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar to maintain low-carb profile.
• Herb-Infused Zest: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during roasting for an aromatic herbal variation. Sprinkle fresh chives on top before serving for additional flavor complexity.

Serving Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon for Holidays

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the Brussels sprouts on a rustic wooden board with sprinkled crispy bacon and toasted pecans for a stunning presentation that screams gourmet gathering.
• Protein Power Side: Pair with grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin to transform this side dish into a complete, hearty meal that balances sweet and savory flavors.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy toast for a decadent weekend breakfast that elevates classic morning fare with rich maple bourbon notes.
• Cocktail Party Companion: Present as an elegant appetizer in small tapas-style dishes, perfect for mingling guests who love sophisticated flavor combinations with a Southern twist.

Storage Solutions for Maple Bourbon Brussels Sprouts Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bacon and pecans might lose crispness when thawed.
• Spread on a baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm at 350F for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Remove foil for last 2-3 minutes to crisp up.
• Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent burning. Add a splash of water or extra maple syrup to revive sauce and prevent drying out.

Brussels Sprouts Maple Bourbon Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Maple bourbon sauce elevates humble brussels sprouts into a culinary masterpiece that delights taste buds with rich, caramelized complexity. Crisp edges and glossy glaze promise a side dish so irresistible you’ll want seconds before finishing firsts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) brussels sprouts, rinsed, trimmed, halved
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) maple syrup
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) bourbon
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) candied pecans, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even roasting.
2. Coat Brussels sprouts with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
3. Distribute sprouts across prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring maximum caramelization during roasting.
4. Roast vegetables for 20-25 minutes until edges turn crispy and centers become tender.
5. Simultaneously cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until perfectly crisp and golden, approximately 7-8 minutes.
6. Transfer bacon to paper towels, reserving delicious browned bits in the skillet.
7. Deglaze pan with bourbon and balsamic vinegar, scraping accumulated flavor bits from bottom of skillet.
8. Incorporate maple syrup and brown sugar into liquid, allowing mixture to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
9. Remove sauce from heat and gently fold roasted Brussels sprouts into the glossy mixture.
10. Crumble prepared bacon and toasted pecans over the glazed vegetables for added texture and depth.
11. Transfer to serving dish, ensuring each sprout is beautifully coated with the rich maple bourbon sauce.

Notes

• Crisp the Brussels sprouts by using a high-temperature oven and ensuring they are not overcrowded on the baking sheet for perfect caramelization.
• Opt for thick-cut bacon to enhance the smoky flavor and provide substantial texture in the final dish.
• Adjust the bourbon quantity based on personal taste preferences, using less for a milder sauce or more for deeper complexity.
• Make this dish vegetarian by substituting bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor and omitting the bacon.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 222 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 1025 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg