Go Back
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved - 3 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - ¼ teaspoon sea salt - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish If you run out of pecans, walnuts work great too. You can use apple cider vinegar in place of balsamic vinegar for a different twist. For a vegan option, check that the maple syrup is pure and free from additives. Instead of olive oil, avocado oil can also do the trick. If you want a sweeter touch, try honey if you’re not strict about vegan choices. When picking Brussels sprouts, look for bright green ones. They should feel firm and heavy in your hand. Avoid any yellow or wilted leaves; they may taste bitter. Smaller sprouts are sweeter than larger ones, so choose those for better flavor. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh until you're ready to cook. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is key for getting that nice caramel color on your Brussels sprouts. A hot oven helps the maple syrup create that sweet, sticky glaze we all love. Next, grab 1 pound of Brussels sprouts. Trim off the ends and slice them in half. This step lets the flavors soak in and helps them cook evenly. In a large bowl, mix the halved sprouts with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything well. You want each sprout to be coated nicely for maximum flavor. Now, it's time to roast! Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the cut sides are facing down. This position helps with caramelization. Roast them for 20 minutes. Halfway, give them a gentle stir for even cooking. After 20 minutes, sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped pecans and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes over them. If you like heat, add the red pepper flakes! Then, roast for another 10-15 minutes until they’re tender and caramelized. Once done, let them cool slightly. If you want, drizzle a bit more maple syrup for extra sweetness. Toss them gently and transfer to a serving platter. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor. Enjoy this tasty and healthy dish! To get that nice caramel color, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven helps the sprouts cook evenly. When you prepare the Brussels sprouts, make sure to cut them in half. This way, the cut sides can get nice and crispy. Spread them out on your baking sheet, cut side down. This will also help with caramelization. Halfway through cooking, stir them gently to avoid burning but keep that great color. Maple syrup gives these Brussels sprouts a sweet touch. Balsamic vinegar adds a nice tang. You can also add pecans for crunch. They give a nutty flavor, which pairs well with the sweet. If you want to play with taste, try adding garlic or shallots. These will bring out more depth in the dish. Fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness. If you like some heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition. Just sprinkle a little when you add the pecans. This will give your dish a nice kick. Don’t worry if you prefer it mild; you can leave them out. Taste as you cook, and adjust the spice to your liking. Cooking should be fun, so make it your own! {{image_4}} To make this dish vegan, simply replace the balsamic vinegar with a splash of apple cider vinegar. It adds a nice tang without losing the flavor. You can also skip the pecans or use another nut, like walnuts. Both options keep the dish plant-based while still being delicious. Feel free to mix in other veggies! Carrots, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash work well. Just cut them into similar sizes as the Brussels sprouts for even cooking. The added colors make the dish more fun and tasty. Nuts add a nice crunch. Try using almonds or hazelnuts if you want a change. You can also play with spices! Garlic powder, cumin, or smoked paprika give unique flavors. Just sprinkle them in when you toss the sprouts. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. These choices make your dish exciting and full of taste! To store your maple caramelized Brussels sprouts, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure you seal it well. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also layer some parchment paper in between to absorb moisture. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them regain their crispness. You can also reheat them in a microwave. Just microwave for 1-2 minutes, but they may lose some texture. If you want to freeze maple caramelized Brussels sprouts, first let them cool completely. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, fresh ones taste better. Frozen sprouts may not caramelize as well. To use frozen sprouts, thaw and drain them first. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up in the oven. Brussels sprouts are done when they are tender and golden brown. You can test them with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready. Look for a caramelized exterior, which adds flavor. Trust your nose too; they should smell sweet and nutty. Maple caramelized Brussels sprouts pair well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Roast chicken or turkey - Grilled salmon or fish - Quinoa or rice dishes - A fresh green salad - Pasta with garlic and olive oil These sides enhance the sweet and savory flavors of the sprouts. Enjoy mixing and matching! In this post, we explored how to prepare delicious Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts. We covered the right ingredients and fresh selection tips. You learned step-by-step instructions for roasting, enhancing flavors, and achieving that perfect caramelization. I shared variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Now, you can confidently cook and enjoy this tasty side dish. Make it your own by trying different flavors and serving options. With these tips, your Brussels sprouts will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

Elevate your side dish game with these Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts! This easy recipe combines the savory goodness of Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of maple syrup and a hint of balsamic vinegar, creating a delightful flavor explosion. Perfect for any meal, these roasted sprouts are a crowd-pleaser. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this tasty and nutritious dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

3 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

¼ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful caramelization.

    In a large mixing bowl, add the halved Brussels sprouts along with the olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every sprout is beautifully coated.

      Transfer the Brussels sprouts mixture onto a baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Make sure to position the cut sides down to promote optimal caramelization and flavor.

        Roast the Brussels sprouts in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle stir to encourage even roasting.

          Once the initial roasting time is complete, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the roughly chopped pecans and red pepper flakes (if you're after that extra heat) over the Brussels sprouts and return the baking sheet to the oven. Continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender and have developed a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

            After the final roasting, take the Brussels sprouts out of the oven and let them cool slightly. If desired, drizzle a little more maple syrup over the top for added sweetness, and give them a gentle toss to mix the flavors.

              Carefully transfer the caramelized Brussels sprouts to a serving platter, and finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful mixture of flavors!

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4