Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts: 5 Easy Steps

From Brussels Sprouts Skeptic to Superfan

Hey there, fellow foodies! Sarah here, and if you’re anything like how I used to be, the mention of Brussels sprouts might conjure up memories of… well, less-than-appetizing meals. But oh, how times have changed! I’m here today to tell you that Brussels sprouts are not the enemy, especially when they’re bathed in the golden, earthy sweetness of maple syrup and roasted to crispy perfection. Get ready to transform your dinner table with a dish that’s so simple, yet so incredibly satisfying. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to rediscover a vegetable in a whole new, delicious light and make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Why Make These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Irresistibly Delicious: The caramelized edges and tender interiors create a symphony of textures and flavors.
• Simple & Quick: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside almost any main course, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
• Nutrient-Packed: Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of vitamins and fiber, making this a healthy choice.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts often find themselves asking for seconds!

How to Make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Making Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts is easy. You will wash and cut the Brussels sprouts. Then, mix them with a simple maple syrup and olive oil dressing. Finally, you will roast them in the oven until they are tender and caramelized.

Ingredients of Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Use firm, vibrant green ones.
• Pure Maple Syrup: This gives sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Olive Oil: Helps them roast evenly and get crispy.
• Salt: Brings out the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds warmth.
• (Optional) Garlic Powder: For extra savory taste.
• (Optional) Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick.

Directions of Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Preparing Your Brussels Sprouts

1. Trim and Clean: Wash the Brussels sprouts well. Cut off the tough stem end. Remove any loose or discolored outer leaves.
2. Halve (or Quarter): Cut larger Brussels sprouts in half through the stem for even cooking. Quarter very large ones. Keep smaller ones whole.

Coating and Seasoning

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Add garlic powder or red pepper flakes here if you want.
2. Toss Thoroughly: Add the prepared Brussels sprouts to the bowl. Toss them until they are fully coated in the maple mixture. Make sure each sprout gets some.

Roasting to Perfection

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). High heat is important for crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts.
2. Spread on Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleaning. Lay the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. If needed, use two baking sheets.
3. Roast: Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and nicely caramelized. Halfway through, toss them to ensure even browning.
4. Check for Doneness: They should be soft inside with delicious, slightly browned edges.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Classic Comfort: Pair them with roasted chicken, tenderloin, or a juicy steak.
• Holiday Hero: They are a great addition to any holiday meal – Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Grain Bowl Booster: Add them to a warm grain bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, and a bright dressing.
• Vegetarian Delight: Serve them with scrambled tofu or a hearty lentil loaf for a complete meal.
• Beyond the Plate: Chop them up and add them to salads for extra flavor and texture.

How to Store Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Leftover maple roasted Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy again.

Tips to Make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Do not overcrowd the pan! This is the most common mistake. Give your Brussels sprouts space to breathe and roast.
• Adjust sweetness: Change the amount of maple syrup to your liking.
• High heat is your friend: Do not be afraid of a hot oven; it makes those irresistible crispy bits.

Variations

#### Flavor Boosts

• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with a balsamic glaze after roasting for an extra layer of tangy sweetness.
• Citrus Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice and some zest after roasting can brighten the flavors.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of roasting for extra texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha to the maple mixture.

FAQs

Q1: Why are my Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts not getting crispy?

A1: The most common reasons are putting too many on the baking sheet, not using enough oil, or not roasting at a high enough temperature. Make sure your oven is hot, spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, and ensure they have enough oil and maple mixture. High heat (400°F/200°C) is key for crispy, caramelized edges.

Q2: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

A2: Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for their texture and crispiness. You can use frozen ones, but you must thaw them first and pat them very dry to remove extra water. This water can stop them from getting crispy. The texture might be a bit softer than with fresh sprouts.

Q3: Can I make these Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?

A3: For the best flavor and texture, serve them fresh from the oven. However, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming and halving them a day before and storing them in the refrigerator. You can also mix the maple syrup and oil dressing ahead of time. When you are ready to cook, just toss and roast!

Sweet & Spicy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These Sweet & Spicy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are easy to make and feature a delightful balance of sweet from maple syrup and a kick from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a side dish, they are tender-crisp and caramelized to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• large bowl
• whisk
• oven
• baking sheet
• parchment paper

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Wash the Brussels sprouts, trim the ends, and remove any loose leaves. Halve larger sprouts for even cooking.

Mixing

• In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Add Brussels sprouts and toss to coat them thoroughly.

Roasting

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer.
• Roast for 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender-crisp and caramelized. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the Brussels sprouts are in a single layer and not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.