I love cooking with Brussels sprouts, and this maple glazed recipe is a winner! You get crispy veggies with a sweet twist, perfect for any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can whip this dish up in no time. Whether you’re a Brussels sprout fan or a skeptic, this recipe will surely impress you. Let’s dive into making these flavorful bites!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that elevates the Brussels sprouts to a new level of flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it a quick and hassle-free side dish for any meal.
- Nutty Crunch: Adding toasted pecans at the end not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green of the Brussels sprouts paired with the glossy maple glaze and fresh parsley makes for an attractive dish that's sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spatula
The main ingredients for maple glazed Brussels sprouts are simple yet packed with flavor. Start with one pound of Brussels sprouts. Trim and halve them for even cooking and caramelization. Next, gather three tablespoons of olive oil. This oil helps the sprouts roast nicely and adds a rich taste.
You will also need a quarter cup of pure maple syrup. This syrup gives the dish its sweet glaze. Two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar balance the sweetness with a tangy kick. For added depth, include one teaspoon of garlic powder.
Season your sprouts with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. These will enhance all the flavors. If you want a crunchy texture, consider adding a quarter cup of chopped pecans. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
For this recipe, you will need a baking sheet to roast the sprouts, a mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients, and a cooking spatula to help toss everything together. With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to create a delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
To start, I always preheat the oven first. This helps the sprouts roast well. Next, I trim the Brussels sprouts. I take off the tough ends. Then, I cut each sprout in half. This lets them cook evenly and get that nice caramelized flavor.
Mixing the Ingredients
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Toss until Brussels sprouts are coated.
In a large mixing bowl, I add the halved Brussels sprouts. Then, I pour in the olive oil and maple syrup. I also add balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Next, I mix everything well. I make sure each Brussels sprout gets coated in the sweet maple glaze.
Roasting Process
- Spread on baking sheet.
- Roast and stir halfway.
After mixing, I spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. I keep them in a single layer to roast evenly. Then, I pop them into the preheated oven. After about 15 minutes, I take them out to stir. This helps them cook perfectly and brown nicely. I roast them for another 10 to 15 minutes until they are tender and caramelized. If I want to add pecans, I sprinkle them on in the last 5 minutes. This gives them a nice toast.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Roasting
To get the best Brussels sprouts, spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them roast evenly. If they overlap, some may steam instead of roast. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure all sides caramelize. You want them golden brown and tender.
Enhancing Flavor
Spices and herbs can really boost flavor. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or thyme for earthiness. Different maple syrups can change the taste too. Dark syrup has a stronger flavor, while light syrup is milder. Choose based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Maple glazed Brussels sprouts pair well with many proteins. Try them with grilled chicken or baked salmon. For plating, use a white dish to make the colors pop. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of green. You can also add toasted pecans for crunch.
Pro Tips
- Freshness Matters: Choose firm Brussels sprouts that are bright green and free from blemishes for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Toss: Ensuring the Brussels sprouts are well-coated in the oil and maple syrup mixture helps achieve that perfect caramelization.
- Experiment with Nuts: Adding walnuts or almonds instead of pecans can give a different flavor profile and add more texture to the dish.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool slightly after roasting; this helps enhance their flavor before serving.
Variations
Nut-Free Option
You can easily make this dish nut-free. Just leave out the pecans. The maple glaze still shines through. You won't miss the nuts at all. The Brussels sprouts will be just as tasty.
Vegan and Gluten-Free
This recipe is already vegan and gluten-free. Use pure maple syrup and check labels on balsamic vinegar. Always ensure no hidden gluten in your ingredients. You can enjoy this dish worry-free.
Add-Ins and Mix-Ins
Feel free to get creative with seasonal veggies. Carrots or sweet potatoes work well. You can also add crispy bacon bits for a savory twist. For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or lemon zest. These add-ins make the dish even more fun!
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store your leftover maple glazed Brussels sprouts in an airtight container. Let them cool down first. This helps keep them fresh. They can last in the fridge for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a better option.
Reheating Suggestions
Reheat your Brussels sprouts in the oven for the best taste. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sprouts on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave. Heat them in short bursts, stirring in between. Be careful not to overcook, or they may become mushy.
Freezing Tips
To freeze your Brussels sprouts, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps their flavor and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
You can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but the texture is different. Frozen sprouts often become softer. Fresh Brussels sprouts are firmer and have more flavor. If you use frozen ones, roast them longer. This helps to get some crispiness back.
What to serve with maple glazed Brussels sprouts?
Maple glazed Brussels sprouts pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with roasted chicken or pork. They also go great with quinoa or rice. Add a side salad for freshness. These sprouts shine next to creamy mashed potatoes too.
How to make maple glazed Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
You can prep Brussels sprouts a day before. Just cut and season them. Store in the fridge until you are ready to cook. When you want to eat, roast them as usual. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven. This keeps them crispy and tasty!
You learned how to make tasty maple-glazed Brussels sprouts. This dish uses simple ingredients like Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. I shared tips to help you roast them perfectly and ideas for variations. You can make them nut-free or vegan. Store and reheat them easily. Enjoy creating this dish as a side or main. With these steps, you can impress at any meal. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors!
