Looking to elevate your vegetable game and impress your dinner guests? Say hello to Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon! This delightful dish combines the earthy goodness of Brussels sprouts with the sweet and tangy notes of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, all perfectly complemented by crispy turkey bacon. It’s a mouthwatering medley that’s not only simple to prepare but also a showstopper on any table. Ready to discover how to make this delectable side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the stem ends and slice each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Chop the turkey bacon into small, bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and chopped turkey bacon. Drizzle maple syrup and balsamic vinegar over the mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring each Brussels sprout is evenly coated with the maple-balsamic mixture and turkey bacon pieces are distributed throughout.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down. This will help achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Remove from the oven when Brussels sprouts are golden brown, crispy on the edges, and the turkey bacon is cooked and slightly crisp.
- Let the Brussels sprouts rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven to allow flavors to meld and cool slightly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without any yellowing or blemishes. Fresh sprouts will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Uniform Sizing: When halving the Brussels sprouts, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This will help them roast perfectly and achieve that desired crispy exterior.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Generously season your mixture with salt and pepper. The seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors of the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.
- Single Layer Roasting: Spread the Brussels sprouts and turkey bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows for optimal caramelization and crispiness, preventing them from steaming.
- Rotate for Even Cooking: Halfway through roasting, give the baking sheet a good rotation. This simple step ensures that every sprout gets the same golden-brown treatment.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Presentation: For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving. It adds a lovely visual appeal and enhances the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 93kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
