There’s something truly irresistible about the way a little sweetness and a touch of caramelization bring Brussels sprouts to life. This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe perfectly balances crispy edges with tender insides, making it an easy but special side dish you'll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve tried so many ways to roast Brussels sprouts, but adding maple syrup truly changes the game. You get that mouthwatering caramelized sweetness with just a hint of peppery warmth, and guess what? It couldn't be easier to make!
- Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples come together for an impressive flavor.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside – that golden combination everyone loves.
- Versatility: It complements everything – from your favorite weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and under 30 minutes to deliciousness, making this recipe beginner-friendly.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe plays a simple but important role. The olive oil helps crisp the sprouts, while the maple syrup gives a subtle natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Salt and pepper round out the flavor, with an optional kick from red pepper flakes.
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh and trimmed sprouts roast evenly; halving them ensures more caramelized cut edges.
- Olive Oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts develop a rich, crispy crust without drying out.
- Maple Syrup: My favorite surprise ingredient – adds gentle sweetness and encourages browning.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps balance the sweetness.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to keep things interesting.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a whisper of heat, especially nice if you like a little contrast to the sweet.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): A few drops brighten up the finished dish if you want a fresh pop.
- Parmesan (Optional): Adds a savory richness that pairs beautifully with the maple glaze.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch up the seasonings or toppings to match the mood or meal. You’ll find your own favorites as you make it more than once!
- Variation: Sometimes I toss in chopped bacon or toasted pecans for extra crunch and flavor—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Dietary tweak: Keep it vegan by skipping Parmesan, or swap it for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Seasonal touch: In colder months, I add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika for cozy warmth.
- Spice level: If you’re a heat lover, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper before roasting.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts for Perfect Crispiness
I start by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slicing them in half lengthwise. This exposes more surface area, so they caramelize better and crisp up nicely in the oven. Make sure your sprouts are dry—wet sprouts steam instead of roast, and we want that golden brown crunch!
Step 2: Drizzle, Season, and Arrange
Next, I place the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a baking sheet for the crispest edges. Drizzle generously with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Toss everything to coat evenly, then spread them out in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Crispy
Roasting at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes usually does the trick. Watch for browned cut sides and crispy leaves. The little outer leaves might get super dark, which is exactly what you want for that irresistible texture. Just be sure to keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t burn.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches and Serve
As soon as they come out of the oven, I love to squeeze fresh lemon juice right over everything—it really brightens the flavors. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan is also fantastic here if you want some extra umami. Then, dig in and enjoy! These taste amazing warm but are still delightful at room temperature.
Top Tip
From my experience roasting Brussels sprouts, a few little tricks make a huge difference to your Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Paying attention to prep and timing creates the perfect balance between crispy and tender.
- Cut-Side Down: Laying them cut-side down on the baking sheet encourages maximum caramelization and crispiness.
- Dry Sprouts Only: Patting the Brussels sprouts dry prevents steaming and helps them roast properly.
- Maple Syrup Timing: Toss them with maple syrup before roasting to get that caramelized glaze—you don’t want to add it too late.
- Watch the Clock: Oven temps vary, so start checking at 20 minutes and keep an eye to avoid burning. Crispy edges are great; burnt is not.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish these off with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that luxurious, savory touch. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and extra flavor too. Sometimes I even toss on a few pomegranate seeds for a festive pop of color and sweetness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a hearty grain bowl. It also makes a perfect side for cozy fall dinners like mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Honestly, it’s so versatile you’ll find yourself serving it alongside almost everything!
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I’ve layered these roasted sprouts on a large platter topped with toasted sliced almonds and sprinkled with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. It makes for a stunning centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks—a real conversation starter at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover maple roasted Brussels sprouts store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them in a skillet or oven rather than the microwave to revive some of that lovely crispiness.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but I’ve found the texture softens quite a bit after freezing and reheating. If you want to freeze, spread the roasted Brussels sprouts on a sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Reheating
For the best texture, I reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet, stirring once halfway through, for about 10 minutes. Skillet reheating with a touch of oil on medium heat works well too and crisps up the outside again nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While fresh Brussels sprouts work best for a crispy texture, you can use frozen if you thaw them completely and dry them thoroughly before roasting. Expect them to be less crispy but still tasty when coated with maple syrup and roasted.
Look for deeply browned, caramelized cut sides and crispy, slightly darkened outer leaves. The sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork but still have texture. Typically, this takes 20-25 minutes at 400°F.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be vegan by skipping the optional Parmesan. Maple syrup and olive oil are plant-based, so the dish suits a variety of dietary needs.
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while toasted nuts bring crunch and depth. You can also sprinkle smoked paprika or cinnamon for a warm twist. Adding crispy bacon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze creates a more savory profile.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites because it’s simple yet offers a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and crispy textures. It’s the kind of side dish that elevates even the most basic dinner into something to savor. So grab some Brussels sprouts, a bottle of maple syrup, and let this recipe bring a little magic to your table—I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a simple and delicious side dish featuring crispy, caramelized edges and tender insides, enhanced with the sweetness of maple syrup and a touch of spice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional for Serving
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts directly on a baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss or mix well to coat all pieces evenly. For the best crispy result, arrange the sprouts cut-side down in a single even layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 25 minutes. Roast them until the cut sides are deeply browned and some outer leaves become crispy and darkened. Watch carefully near the end as cooking time can vary depending on the size of the sprouts.
- Finish and Serve: Once roasted, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven. Optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh and evenly sized Brussels sprouts for uniform cooking and best texture.
- Arranging sprouts cut-side down enhances crispiness and caramelization.
- Adjust roasting time slightly if sprouts are particularly small or large to avoid burning or undercooking.
- For a vegan option, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
- Maple syrup adds sweetness balancing the savory and slightly bitter sprouts but can be adjusted to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 472 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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