Festive Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Orange Zest
These Festive Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts combine savory bacon with sweet maple syrup and bright orange zest for a delightful side dish. Perfect for holidays or any special meal, they are tender-crisp and bursting with flavor.
Equipment
- Oven
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat, ensuring about 2 tablespoons total fat.
- Add trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet and toss to coat in the oil and bacon fat.
- Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender-crisp and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- Whisk together maple syrup and orange zest in a small bowl.
- Transfer roasted Brussels sprouts back to the skillet or a serving bowl, then add crispy bacon and the maple-orange mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately as a festive side dish.
Notes
Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. For extra crispiness, ensure Brussels sprouts are in a single layer on the baking sheet and not overcrowded.