The moment I drizzled that golden maple syrup over the vibrant medley of Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, I felt like I’d captured autumn on a plate. Enter my Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon, a dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients while combining sweet and savory flavors in a way that’s irresistibly delightful. Not only is this recipe a quick win for busy weeknights, but it also doubles as a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering. Fresh Brussels sprouts meet caramelized butternut squash, all enrobed in crisp bacon, creating a comforting side that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Curious about how to make this seasonal sensation? Keep reading to unlock the secret behind this comforting twist on your typical side dish! Why is Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon a Must-Try? Irresistibly Cozy: This dish brings the warmth of autumn to your table with its heartwarming combination of flavors. Simple Preparation: With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll have a stunning side ready in no time. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with seasonal veggies, it’s not only delicious but also offers a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, everyone from health enthusiasts to comfort food lovers will be asking for seconds! Customizable Options: Want to change it up? This recipe easily adapts to various dietary preferences, much like our Tomato Bacon Pasta. Give it a vegetarian spin with mushrooms or add nuts for crunch – the possibilities are endless! Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Ingredients For the Vegetables • Brussels Sprouts – Fresh, trimmed Brussels sprouts offer tenderness and earthy flavor to the dish. • Butternut Squash – Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color; fresh is preferred but can be substituted with sweet potatoes. For the Bacon • Bacon – Provides a savory crunch and richness; substitute with tempeh or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. For the Flavor • Maple Syrup – Acts as a natural sweetener, enhancing the overall flavors; honey can be used as a substitute, although it changes the flavor profile. • Olive Oil – Helps in roasting and adds a rich, smooth texture; can substitute with avocado oil. • Salt – Essential for seasoning; enhances the overall flavor of the dish. • Black Pepper – Adds warmth and subtle heat; freshly ground pepper is preferred for the best taste. • Garlic Powder – Provides depth of flavor; feel free to use fresh garlic if desired. • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional for a spicy kick; can be omitted if preferred. For the Garnish • Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness; can be replaced with chives or green onions. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will create the perfect environment for roasting the vegetables and bacon, ensuring they develop a crispy texture and rich flavor. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients, making the most of your time in the kitchen. Step 2: Prepare the Veggies In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash. These vibrant vegetables are the stars of your Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon dish, so make sure they are fresh for optimal flavor. Toss them gently so they are ready to absorb all the delicious seasonings you’ll add next. Step 3: Add the Bacon Chop your bacon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash. The savory goodness of the bacon will infuse the vegetables with a delightful richness as they roast together. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients for maximum flavor. Step 4: Season the Mix Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season it generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and if desired, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Toss everything once more, allowing the olive oil and spices to coat each piece evenly, setting the stage for a delicious roasted outcome. Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet Spread the vegetable and bacon mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; giving the ingredients space will help them roast properly, developing that lovely caramelization. Step 6: Roast in the Oven Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give the mixture a good stir to ensure even cooking and browning. You’ll know it’s ready when the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon has turned crispy, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Step 7: Drizzle with Maple Syrup Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle maple syrup over the entire mixture. This sweet addition will enhance the flavors of your Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon, creating a lovely contrast with the savory ingredients. Gently toss everything to coat before returning it to the oven. Step 8: Final Roasting Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the maple syrup to caramelize and meld with the vegetables and bacon. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as you want that beautiful golden brown color without overdoing it, enhancing the sweetness. Step 9: Garnish and Serve Once finished, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish your Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm as a delightful side dish, inviting everyone to enjoy this marvelous autumn-inspired creation. Expert Tips for Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Crispy Bacon Magic: Ensure that your bacon is crispy for the perfect texture contrast. You want that delightful crunch against the tender veggies. Fresh is Best: Use fresh Brussels sprouts and butternut squash for maximum flavor. Wilting or old vegetables can dull the overall taste of your Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon. Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the mixture on the baking sheet without overcrowding. This allows the veggies to roast rather than steam, achieving that desirable caramelization. Careful with the Syrup: Drizzle the maple syrup later in the cooking process to prevent burning. Watch it closely to achieve that perfect caramelized finish. Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add extra spices or herbs based on your preferences. Fresh garlic or a dash of balsamic vinegar can elevate your Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon even more! What to Serve with Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Elevate your dining experience with these delightful pairings that complement the warm, comforting flavors of this dish. Roasted Chicken: The savory notes of roasted chicken pair beautifully with the sweet and salty combination of Brussels and bacon, creating a harmonious balance on your plate. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes provide a satisfying contrast to the crispy texture of the bacon and tender veggies, making for an irresistible combination. Apple Cider Vinaigrette Salad: A fresh salad with apple cider vinaigrette adds brightness and a crisp texture, enhancing the rich flavors while introducing a pleasant tang. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty and wholesome grain dish brings an earthy element and additional fiber to your meal, creating a satisfying, healthy balance to the richness of the Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon. Green Beans Almondine: The crunchy almonds and vibrant green beans add a delightful texture and freshness, which perfectly complements the dish’s sweetness and savoriness. Sparkling Apple Cider: For a refreshing beverage choice, the effervescence of sparkling apple cider pairs wonderfully, offering a sweet bubbly contrast to the savory elements on your plate. Pumpkin Pie: For a warm dessert ending, pumpkin pie brings out the seasonal flair, giving your meal that cozy, autumnal touch that lingers long after the last bite of bacon. Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tart cranberry sauce drizzled around the dish adds a festive touch, enhancing the flavors of both the Brussels sprouts and bacon while celebrating the season’s bounty. Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Variations Customize this delightful dish to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs, making it even more irresistible! Vegan Option: Replace bacon with tempeh or mushrooms for a delicious meat-free version. The umami from mushrooms complements the dish beautifully. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an added layer of texture. These crunchy nuts accentuate the sweetness of the squash and the savory bacon perfectly. Cheesy Touch: Top with feta or goat cheese for a creamy finish. The tanginess of the cheese melds beautifully with the maple syrup, enhancing every bite. Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for that extra heat. This twist introduces a vibrant contrast that spices up the overall flavor profile. Fruit Addition: Mix in dried cranberries or diced apples for a sweet contrast. This surprising element elevates the dish to a whole new level of flavor and texture. Enjoy it like our scrumptious Tomato Bacon Pasta, giving your taste buds an unforgettable experience! Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh thyme or sage for an herbal twist. These aromatic herbs can elevate the dish, adding a warm and comforting aroma that beckons to be shared. Pumpkin Spice: Sprinkle a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a cozy seasonal twist. This delightful addition adds warmth and enhances the fall flavors, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Curry Flavor: Use curry powder instead of garlic powder for an exotic twist. The warm spices introduce an enticing flavor profile and make for a truly unique side dish! Make Ahead Options These Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights! You can chop the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. If you want to take it a step further, you can also mix the chopped bacon with the vegetables, allowing the savory flavors to meld before roasting. When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven, toss everything with the olive oil and seasonings, roast for 20-25 minutes, and finish with the maple syrup for that delicious caramelization. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a stunning, nutritious side dish ready with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps your Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon fresh and ready to enjoy! Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your dish in a tightly sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Make sure to label with the date for easy tracking. Reheating: To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps retain the crispiness of the bacon. Thawing: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor. Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting Brussels sprouts and butternut squash? Absolutely! When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for firm, tightly packed sprouts with a vibrant green color. Avoid any with yellow leaves or dark spots. For butternut squash, pick one that feels heavy for its size with a smooth, blemish-free skin. It should be more of a creamy beige color, and avoid any that have soft spots. How can I store leftover Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon and for how long? Very! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it’s well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent lingering odors. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it to enjoy later. Can I freeze Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon? If so, how? Yes, you can freeze! To do this, let your dish cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to a tightly sealed container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. What should I do if my bacon isn’t crispy after roasting? If your bacon isn’t crispy, it might be due to overcrowding the baking sheet, which can trap steam. Always ensure that ingredients are spread out evenly. Additionally, for extra crispiness, you could place the baking sheet under the broiler for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this recipe? Definitely! If you have allergies, be cautious about the bacon and ensure it is gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten. For vegetarians or vegans, you can substitute the bacon with tempeh or mushrooms, which will still provide that depth of flavor without the meat. Always check ingredient labels just to be safe! Can I make variations of this recipe? The more the merrier! This recipe is quite adaptable. You can replace bacon with tempeh or mushrooms for a vegan version, add nuts for a crunchy texture, or even mix in dried cranberries for a sweet contrast. Just let your culinary creativity shine! Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon: An Irresistibly Cozy Dish Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon is a delightful combination of seasonal ingredients celebrating sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Vegetables4 cups Fresh Brussels Sprouts trimmed2 cups Butternut Squash cubedFor the Bacon6 slices BaconFor the Flavor1/4 cup Maple Syrup or honey as substitute2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil1 teaspoon Salt1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes optionalFor the Garnish2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley chopped Equipment OvenBaking sheetmixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash.Chop your bacon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the vegetables.Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.Remove from oven and drizzle maple syrup over the mixture.Return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.Remove and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure bacon is crispy for a perfect texture contrast. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust spices to your taste for a customizable dish. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
