Get ready to fall head over heels for Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce—a side dish that’s bound to steal the show at any table! Sweet, smoky, and just a little bit sassy, these Brussels sprouts bring together deep caramelized flavors, crisp bacon, and a sauce so irresistible, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Harmony: The maple bourbon sauce dances beautifully between smoky, sweet, and tangy for a flavor profile that’s absolutely crave-worthy.
- Restaurant-Worthy Results at Home: With just a few pantry staples, you’ll whip up Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce that rival any bistro appetizer or steakhouse side.
- Bacon & Candied Pecans Crunch: That pop of salty bacon and roasted nuts takes every bite from “yum” to “UNFORGETTABLE.”
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether it’s Sunday roast, Friendsgiving, or a cozy date night, these Brussels sprouts never fail to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce is probably already in your kitchen, but each ingredient—no matter how simple—plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look, plus a few tips to make them shine!
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for fresh, bright-green sprouts. Halving them gives you crispy edges and a tender center once roasted.
- Olive Oil: Helps the sprouts caramelize in the oven for that irresistible roasted flavor.
- Kosher Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that let the other flavors really pop.
- Bacon: Adds savory richness and satisfying crunch—cook until perfectly crispy.
- Bourbon: This is what brings the “wow” factor; the alcohol cooks off, leaving deep, warm flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy note that balances out all the sweetness in the sauce.
- Maple Syrup: The star sweetener—go with pure maple syrup for the richest, most natural flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Extra caramel notes help thicken the sauce and give a beautiful glossy finish.
- Candied Pecans: Chopped for bite-sized bursts of sweetness and crunch—it’s pure magic!
Variations
Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce are delicious as is, but don’t be afraid to make them your own! Here are a few easy tweaks and ideas to tailor them to your needs or cravings.
- Swap in Turkey Bacon: For a lighter take, turkey bacon still brings the smoky-savory contrast without extra fat.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add more candied pecans or even a handful of dried cranberries for an extra pop of color and sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy version that wakes up your taste buds.
- Nuts Aplenty: If you love crunch, try swapping in toasted walnuts or chopped hazelnuts instead of pecans for fun texture and flavor switches.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Roast Your Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until every leaf glistens. Spread them in a single layer, cut side down, and bake for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and fork-tender. Roasting gives them crispy caramelized edges that are positively addicting!
Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon
While the sprouts get roasty, cook your diced bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat. Let it sizzle until every piece is beautifully crisp, then transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel to drain. This step builds layers of savory flavor that will infuse the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Maple Bourbon Sauce
Carefully pour off excess bacon grease (but keep those flavorful browned bits in the pan!), then remove the skillet from heat. Add the bourbon and balsamic vinegar. Return to the heat and use a wooden spoon to loosen all the good stuff on the bottom. Bring the bourbon to a boil, stir in maple syrup and brown sugar, and let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until glossy and thickened. Your kitchen will smell unreal!
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Remove the sauce from the heat, then stir in the roasted Brussels sprouts, bacon, and chopped candied pecans. Toss until every sprout is coated with the luxurious sauce. Serve immediately—no one will want to wait!
Pro Tips for Making Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce
- Get the Crispiest Brussels: Roast the sprouts cut side down and don’t overcrowd the pan—they need room to get those gorgeous, crispy edges we all love.
- Deglaze Like a Pro: When adding bourbon, scrape up every bit of caramelized goodness from the skillet—this is flavor gold for the sauce.
- Watch the Sauce Carefully: Maple bourbon sauce can bubble up fast—stir constantly and keep an eye out to avoid burning or boiling over.
- Go Fresh with Pecans: Use freshly chopped candied pecans for the best crunch; store-bought are fine, but homemade really takes it over the top.
How to Serve Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce
Garnishes
Finish your Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of extra candied pecans, or even a few pomegranate arils for a festive burst of color and tang. A touch of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and makes the whole dish pop.
Side Dishes
These Brussels sprouts are sensational alongside classic mains like roast chicken, steak, glazed ham, or salmon. For a veggie-forward feast, try serving them with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or wild rice pilaf for a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to show off, pile Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce high on a rustic platter and drizzle with extra sauce before serving. For parties, skewer them with toothpicks for a surprising cocktail hour bite, or tuck them into lettuce cups as a playful starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, which makes them extra tasty the next day—no soggy sprouts here!
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this dish, Brussels sprouts can lose a bit of their signature texture after thawing. If you do freeze, cool everything completely and use within 1 month—just expect them to be softer when reheated.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh their crisp edges.
FAQs
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Can I make Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce without alcohol?
Yes! For a non-alcoholic version, simply swap in apple cider or a splash of orange juice for the bourbon. You’ll still get a complex, rich flavor without any alcohol.
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Do I have to use candied pecans, or can I substitute?
You can absolutely use regular toasted pecans, walnuts, or even almonds if you’d like. Candied pecans add extra sweetness and crunch, but the recipe is delicious with any nut you have on hand.
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What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?
Leave out the bacon and try tossing in roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a savory alternative. Smoked paprika also mimics some of that meaty, smoky flavor!
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How can I keep Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce crispy when serving for a crowd?
Roast your sprouts right before guests arrive and add the sauce just before serving. If making ahead, crisp them up in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore texture before tossing in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce, you’ll be hooked—and so will anyone you serve them to! Don’t be surprised if this sweet and savory beauty becomes a new classic in your holiday lineup or weeknight feast. I can’t wait for you to experience just how magical Brussels sprouts can be—dig in and enjoy every bite!
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Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish of Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet and savory maple bourbon sauce, topped with crispy bacon and candied pecans. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts:
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, rinsed, trimmed, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Maple Bourbon Sauce:
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup (157.5 g) maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (99 g) candied pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, add bourbon and balsamic vinegar. Add maple syrup and brown sugar, cook until thickened.
- Combine: Add Brussels sprouts, bacon, and pecans to the sauce. Stir to combine and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
