If you’re looking for a simple yet delectable side dish that’ll impress at any dinner table, you have to try these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup! I’m always experimenting with flavors, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup brings a delightful twist to the earthy Brussels sprouts. This dish is a breeze to whip up, making it a perfect addition to weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Table of Contents
Why Make Roast Brussels Sprouts With Maple Syrup
- Flavor Balance: The sweetness of maple syrup perfectly offsets the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts, creating a deliciously harmonious taste.
- Caramelization: The syrup enhances caramelization, giving the sprouts a crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Health Benefits: Brussels Sprouts Are Nutrient-Rich, and using maple syrup adds sweetness without refined sugars.
Recipe Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: Serve as the base of the dish, offering a hearty texture and a slightly bitter flavor that’s perfect for roasting.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor that contrasts beautifully with the earthiness of the sprouts.
- Olive Oil: Helps the sprouts cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior while adding a subtle richness.
- Salt: Elevates the natural flavors of the sprouts and balances the sweetness of the syrup.
- Black Pepper: Provides a mild heat that complements the sweet and savory elements of the dish.
How To Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Maple Syrup
Step One: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting. Wash the Brussels sprouts, trim off the ends, and remove any blemished outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half to help them cook evenly and maximize their surface area for caramelization.
Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss again to distribute the seasoning.
Step Three: Drizzle the maple syrup over the seasoned Brussels sprouts and toss one more time to coat them thoroughly.
Step Four: Spread the Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. This helps them roast properly and turn crispy.
Step Five: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, stir or flip the sprouts to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
Step Six: Once the Brussels sprouts are caramelized and tender, remove them from the oven. They’re best served warm, either as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
Tips For Making Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: For the best texture and flavor, select Brussels sprouts that are bright green and firm. Avoid any that have yellowing leaves or feel soft to the touch. Fresh sprouts will roast more evenly and have a better taste.
- Ensure Even Roasting: Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures that each piece gets properly roasted. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, resulting in less crispy sprouts.
Optional Additions To Try
- Bacon and Pecans: Before roasting, toss the Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon and pecans. The bacon adds a savory depth, while the pecans provide a nutty crunch.
- Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the roasted sprouts before serving. This adds a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the maple syrup.
- Cranberries and Almonds: Add dried cranberries and sliced almonds for a festive twist, perfect for holiday meals. The cranberries bring a tart brightness, and the almonds offer additional crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts in the last few minutes of roasting. The cheese melts and adds a salty, umami flavor.
How To Store Maple Syrup Brussels Sprouts
- Cool Down: Allow the roasted Brussels sprouts to cool completely to room temperature after cooking. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make them soggy.
- Choose the Right Container: Transfer the cooled Brussels sprouts to an airtight container. This helps keep out moisture and other contaminants.
- Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator. Roasted Brussels sprouts will keep well for up to 3-4 days when stored this way.
- Reheating: To reheat, spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. This method helps preserve their crispiness better than microwaving.
- Freezing (Optional): For longer storage, you can freeze the Brussels sprouts. Freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen by roasting in the oven until heated through and crispy.
What To Serve With Brussels Sprouts?
- Roasted or Grilled Meats: They complement the flavors of Roasted Pork Loin, Grilled Chicken, or Beef Steak beautifully. The sweetness of the maple balances well with the savory notes of the meat.
- Thanksgiving Turkey: These Brussels sprouts make a fantastic side dish for holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving, offering a sweet contrast to the rich flavors of Turkey and Stuffing.
- Fish: Try serving them with Baked Salmon or pan-seared trout for a lighter meal that still feels indulgent.
- Vegetarian Entrees: They go well with vegetarian dishes such as Stuffed Acorn Squash, Quinoa Salad, or a hearty Vegetable Stew.
- Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside Pasta with a creamy sauce or a simple aglio e olio to add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the meal.
- Risotto: Complement the creaminess of a parmesan or Mushroom Risotto with these sprouts for a balanced texture and flavor profile.
- Other Vegetables: Pair them with other roasted vegetables like Carrots Beets or Sweet Potatoes for a vibrant and healthful vegetable platter.
Roasted Frozen Brussels Sprouts
Yes, you can roast frozen Brussels sprouts! Roasting them straight from the freezer is a convenient method and can yield delicious results. The high heat of the oven helps to evaporate the moisture quickly, allowing the sprouts to caramelize and become crispy. Just make sure to roast them at a high temperature, around 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and give them enough time in the oven to turn golden and crispy.
FAQ’S
To prevent soggy Brussels sprouts, make sure to dry them thoroughly after washing. Cut them in half and spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, without overcrowding.
If your Brussels sprouts are too bitter, try blanching them briefly in boiling water before roasting. This can help reduce the bitterness. The maple syrup in this recipe should help make the sprouts sweeter. Tossing the Brussels sprouts with a bit of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can also enhance their natural sweetness and reduce bitterness.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Maple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's hot enough for roasting.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts, trim off the ends, and remove any blemished outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half to help them cook evenly and maximize their surface area for caramelization.
- Season the Sprouts: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss again to distribute the seasoning.
- Add Maple Syrup: Drizzle the maple syrup over the seasoned Brussels sprouts and toss one more time to coat them thoroughly.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. This helps them roast properly and turn crispy.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, stir or flip the sprouts to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
