Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon is a cozy and flavorful dish that brings together crunchy Brussels sprouts, creamy butternut squash, and crispy bacon. The sweet touch of maple syrup makes it even more delightful. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. It’s simple to make and offers a wonderful combination of textures and tastes that everyone will enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon
This dish is a fantastic mix of flavors and is so easy to prepare! With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, it comes together quickly for a weeknight meal. The crispy bacon adds a savory note while the maple syrup gives a sweet twist that brightens everything up. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without the kids even noticing!
How to Make Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon
Making this dish is straightforward and fun! You’ll mix fresh ingredients, toss them together with some seasonings, and roast them to perfection. It’s basically hands-off after the prep, so you can focus on other things while your oven does the work. You’ll love how easy it is to create this delicious side that steals the show!
What You Need
Ingredients for Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step
Creating Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon is straightforward with these easy-to-follow steps:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash.
- Add Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until well coated.
- Spread on a Baking Sheet: Transfer the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading it evenly for even roasting.
- Roast in the Oven: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and bacon is crispy.
- Add Maple Syrup: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the maple syrup over the roasted vegetables and bacon, tossing gently to combine.
- Final Roast: Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the syrup to caramelize and coat the vegetables.
- Garnish: Once cooked through, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll have a stunning and delicious dish ready to impress!
How to Serve Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon
This dish is great on its own or as a side. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or Thanksgiving turkey. You can also serve it with a warm grain salad for a complete meal. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of nuts on top can add even more flavor. It’s a perfect side for holiday gatherings or any family meal.
How to Store Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have more leftover, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warm.
Recipe Tips
- Check the Bacon: Ensure the bacon is nicely crispy for the best texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to add more seasonings to taste.
- Spread Evenly: Spread the veggies out in a single layer for even cooking.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
- Cut Evenly: Make sure all veggies are cut into similar sizes for consistent cooking.
Variations & Swaps
- Different Greens: Swap Brussels sprouts for green beans or asparagus for a change of pace.
- Vegan Option: Use tempeh or mushrooms in place of bacon for a plant-based version.
- Different Squash: Try acorn squash if butternut is not available.
- Sweet Additions: Add dried cranberries or nuts for a little crunch and sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the veggies and bacon in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just roast it all together for about 30 minutes, adjusting the time as needed if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing to maintain the texture.
How do I reheat it?
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but this might make the bacon less crispy.
What can I substitute if I don’t have maple syrup?
Honey or agave nectar can work as alternatives, but they will offer a different flavor.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
This dish pairs well with grilled meats, hearty grains like quinoa or couscous, or a fresh green salad. It’s also great for potlucks or holiday dinners!
Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped Ensure it’s crispy for best texture.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash.
- Add the chopped bacon to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading it evenly for even roasting.
Roasting
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and bacon is crispy.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the maple syrup over the roasted vegetables and bacon, tossing gently to combine.
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the syrup to caramelize and coat the vegetables.
Serving
- Once cooked through, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
