Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bourbon Sauce

Looking for a side dish that’s packed with flavor and a touch of sophistication? These Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bourbon Sauce are the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and savory!

Imagine crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed in a rich maple bourbon sauce, offering the perfect balance of sweetness from the maple and a smoky kick from the bourbon. It’s the ideal way to elevate this classic vegetable and make it a star at your dinner table.

These Brussels sprouts are the perfect side for any meal—whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner. The maple bourbon sauce makes each bite bursting with flavor, and the Brussels sprouts provide a deliciously satisfying crunch.

Ready to make this irresistible side dish? Let’s cook up these Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bourbon Sauce and enjoy a flavor-packed addition to your next meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: One reader exclaimed, “These Brussels sprouts are absolutely addictive! I can’t stop eating them.”
• Sweet & Savory: The sweet maple syrup balances perfectly with the smoky bourbon and crispy bacon, making this dish burst with flavor.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create an unforgettable dish.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or potlucks, these Brussels sprouts are sure to shine.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the sauce ahead of time, making it easy to toss the sprouts in just before serving.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes 6 servings, which is perfect for a side dish to serve with a main course. Need more? Just double the recipe!

Difficulty:

This recipe is easy enough for beginners but will impress even the most experienced cooks. If you’re new to cooking with bourbon, don’t worry—it’s simple and adds incredible depth of flavor!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need:

• Baking Sheet – For roasting the Brussels sprouts to crispy perfection.
• Large Skillet – For cooking the bacon and making the maple bourbon sauce.
• Knife and Cutting Board – For trimming the Brussels sprouts and chopping the bacon.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups – To get the perfect amounts of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon – For stirring the sauce and keeping everything nice and smooth.

Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bourbon Sauce

Now, let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this tasty dish:

• Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show! These little cabbage-like veggies crisp up beautifully when roasted.
• Bacon (diced): Adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Olive Oil: For roasting the Brussels sprouts and helping them get nice and crispy.
• Kosher Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Bourbon: This gives the sauce a deep, smoky richness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy note that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Maple Syrup: The perfect sweetener that brings everything together.
• Brown Sugar: Adds an extra layer of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Candied Pecans (chopped): A crunchy, sweet topping that takes this dish to the next level.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bourbon Sauce: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by washing and trimming your Brussels sprouts. Cut off the tough stem ends and slice them in half lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly and ensures that the edges become crispy. After halving, toss them in a little olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper to season.

2. Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the prepared Brussels sprouts out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they can roast evenly. Roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want the Brussels sprouts to become golden brown and crispy on the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!

3. Cook the Bacon

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat.

4. Make the Maple Bourbon Sauce

In the same skillet, carefully pour in the bourbon (it will sizzle a bit). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty bacon bits left behind. Add the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together, and let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. The alcohol from the bourbon will cook off, leaving behind a rich, sweet, and smoky flavor.

5. Combine the Brussels Sprouts and Sauce

Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting and the sauce has thickened, combine them in a large bowl. Pour the maple bourbon sauce over the Brussels sprouts and toss them gently to coat them evenly. Add the crispy bacon and chopped candied pecans, then give it another gentle toss to mix everything together.

Serving and Decoration

1. How to Serve Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bourbon Sauce

These Brussels sprouts are perfect as a side dish for any meal. Their sweet, smoky flavor pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian dish. Here are some great serving suggestions:

• With Roast Chicken or Pork: The sweetness of the maple bourbon sauce complements the savory flavors of roasted chicken or pork loin perfectly.
• As a Side to Steak: The richness of this dish makes it a wonderful side to a juicy steak, especially one with a smoky seasoning.
• In Bowls: You can create a delicious, balanced bowl by adding these Brussels sprouts to quinoa, rice, or even a simple green salad.
• Topped with Extra Candied Pecans: If you love crunch, feel free to add more chopped candied pecans on top for extra texture and sweetness.

Storing Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bourbon Sauce

• Leftovers: Store any leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These sprouts are best enjoyed fresh, but they still make a great leftover side dish.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Crispier Brussels Sprouts: For extra crispiness, you can broil the Brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes after roasting. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn.
• Bourbon Alternatives: If you don’t have bourbon, you can substitute it with whiskey or dark rum for a similar flavor profile.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of honey for even more depth and flavor.

Nutrition Information (Optional)

Nutrition	Amount per serving
Calories	230 kcal
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	200mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Sugars	12g
Protein	3g

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and make the maple bourbon sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine and heat before serving.

What can I substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with whiskey, dark rum, or even apple cider for a different flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon fat for the sauce. You can add a little extra smoky flavor by incorporating smoked paprika.

Conclusion

This recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bourbon Sauce takes the humble Brussels sprout to a whole new level. The sweet and smoky flavors, combined with the crispy bacon and crunchy candied pecans, create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it as a side to roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian spread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!