There’s something about that sweet, caramelized edge paired with the earthy crunch of Brussels sprouts that just hits the spot every time. This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe takes those little green gems to a whole new level with a touch of natural sweetness and a little crisp roasting magic.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of dishes that are simple yet pack impressive flavor, and this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe absolutely fits the bill. It’s one of those recipes where a few pantry staples turn a humble veggie into something everyone raves about.
- Easy to Make: Just toss, roast, and enjoy—no fancy techniques needed.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: Maple syrup caramelizes beautifully on the sprouts for a perfect balance.
- Crispy and Tender Texture: Roasting brings out crispy edges with soft, tender centers.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with weeknight dinners or fancy holiday spreads.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic here lies in the simplicity of your ingredients working together — olive oil for roasting, maple syrup for sweetness, and just the right seasoning makes all the difference. Here’s why I choose each of these:
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh and halved for max caramelization and that perfect tender bite.
- Olive Oil: Helps with crisping while adding rich flavor and healthy fats.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially important with something as robust as Brussels sprouts.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth to balance out the maple syrup.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little kick for those who like their veggies with a bit of a spicy edge.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds brightness right before serving to brighten flavors.
- Parmesan (optional): Sprinkled on top for that savory, nutty finish I can’t resist.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about the Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand, and it still turns out fantastic.
- Variation: For a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the sprouts just before serving—I love the added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Dietary Tweaks: Skip the Parmesan to keep it vegan, or swap olive oil for avocado oil if you want a different roasting nuance.
- Seasonal Change-Up: Try adding a dash of cinnamon or smoked paprika for a warm, cozy twist in fall and winter.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Veggies Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, trim the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise. This way, they roast evenly and develop those glorious caramelized edges I always look forward to.
Step 2: Toss With Oil, Maple, and Seasoning
On a baking sheet, spread the Brussels sprouts out in an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix everything well so each sprout is coated—this helps them roast perfectly crisp and flavorful.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy, Caramelized Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. The key? Arrange the sprouts cut-side down—they’ll get beautifully browned and crispy that way. Keep an eye toward the end to avoid burning since sizes can vary. You want a nice dark caramelization and crispy edges, but not burnt.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches & Serve
Once out of the oven, I like to squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the warm sprouts and grate some Parmesan on top. It really rounds out the flavors with freshness and a bit of savory richness. Then, dig in and enjoy that perfect balance of sweet, salty, crispy goodness!
Top Tip
From roasting these many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference for the best Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe results—you’re going to love how these tips up your veggie game.
- Cut-Side Down for Crispiness: Always place the sprouts cut-side down on the sheet for that coveted browned surface.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the sprouts room to breathe or they’ll steam instead of roast.
- Watch Toward the End: Ovens vary, so start checking around 18 minutes to avoid burning.
- Toss for Even Coating: Make sure every sprout is drenched in maple and oil before roasting for consistent flavor.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnishes are a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan. The lemon adds a bright, zesty pop while Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or a pinch of chili flakes for extra texture and a little heat kick—it’s a simple way to make it special.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these sprouts with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or even a grain bowl with quinoa and roasted butternut squash. They’re fantastic alongside rich mains because their sweet-savory crunch nicely balances hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I like to arrange the roasted Brussels sprouts on a festive platter with pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. It adds a pop of color and a hint of elegance. You could even sprinkle with crispy bacon bits or drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days. When you reheat, the texture softens a bit but still tastes delicious, especially if you crisp them up again.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze roasted Brussels sprouts because the texture changes too much, but if you’re short on time, you can freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat carefully to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftover sprouts in a hot oven (around 375°F) for about 8-10 minutes. This revives the crispiness better than the microwave, which tends to make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I recommend using fresh Brussels sprouts when possible, as they roast better and develop crispiness much more easily. Frozen sprouts tend to release more moisture, which can result in steaming rather than roasting. However, if frozen is your only option, make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before roasting.
To avoid burning, keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time and remove them once they’re nicely browned and crispy but not blackened. Also, spacing them properly on the baking sheet helps with even roasting. If some sprouts are smaller, they’ll cook faster, so you can remove those early if needed.
For the crispiest edges, place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet and use enough oil to coat them well. Making sure they have space and a hot oven (400°F) also helps create that golden, caramelized finish.
Yes! You can prepare and roast the Brussels sprouts ahead, then gently reheat them in the oven before serving. This makes it a great dish for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Just reheat at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so effortlessly delicious. Whenever I want a side that feels special but isn’t fussy, I turn to this. I hope you’ll try it soon and find yourself loving those crispy, sweet, and savory bites as much as I do. Trust me, once you roast Brussels sprouts this way, you’ll keep coming back for more!
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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
This easy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe offers a delightful balance of crispy, caramelized edges and tender insides, enhanced by the sweetness of maple syrup and a touch of spice. Perfect as a versatile side dish, it's simple to prepare and pairs well with a variety of meals from weeknight dinners to festive 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 Toppings
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C) to get the perfect temperature for roasting.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts directly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly and arrange cut-side down in a single even layer for better crisping.
- Roast: Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the cut sides are very brown and some leaves are crispy and caramelized. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning as cooking time may vary based on size.
- Serve: Remove from oven and optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sprouts and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, be sure to arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Use fresh, firm Brussels sprouts for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust maple syrup amount slightly if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dish.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- These roasted Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with roasted meats, vegetarian mains, or as part of a holiday spread.
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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