This is the Thanksgiving side dish that transforms skeptics into Brussels sprouts lovers. Maple bourbon bacon Brussels sprouts aren’t just another vegetable dish—they’re a show-stopping masterpiece that combines crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and the sophisticated depth of bourbon. This is the recipe that steals the spotlight from the turkey, gets passed around multiple times, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon so exceptional is the perfect balance of flavors. The maple and bourbon create a glossy glaze with subtle sweetness and complex depth. Meanwhile, the bacon adds smoky richness and textural crunch. The Brussels sprouts themselves become impossibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. Additionally, the caramelization creates incredible umami depth. This is sophisticated enough for formal holiday dinners yet approachable enough for casual gatherings.
Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu, looking to wow holiday guests, or simply want to elevate your side dish game, this bacon Brussels sprouts recipe delivers unforgettable results. Let’s explore what makes it so magical and how to perfect your batch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks every box for the ultimate holiday dish.
Sweet and Smoky Flavor Perfection
First, the flavor profile is absolutely irresistible. The maple syrup provides natural sweetness without being cloying. Moreover, the bourbon adds sophistication, warmth, and complexity that elevates this from simple to truly special. Furthermore, the bacon brings smoky richness that grounds the sweet flavors. Meanwhile, the Brussels sprouts themselves provide earthy umami and textural contrast. Every element shines while supporting the others.
Simple Prep for Busy Holiday Cooks
Despite tasting like you spent hours perfecting this, it’s remarkably simple to make. The ingredient list is straightforward, and most items are likely already in your pantry. Additionally, the hands-on time is minimal—mostly the Brussels sprouts roast while you handle other dishes. This frees up oven space and energy for your main course.
Perfect for Holiday Tables
This dish looks absolutely stunning on a holiday table. The glossy glaze catches the light beautifully. The crispy Brussels sprouts maintain their gorgeous green color with caramelized brown spots. Furthermore, the bacon adds visual interest and elegance. It’s a centerpiece-worthy side dish that says “I put thought into this.”
Transforms Vegetable Skeptics
Even guests who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts find themselves reaching for thirds. The caramelization, maple glaze, and bacon flavor convince them to reconsider their vegetable stance. It’s vegetable alchemy—turning something ordinary into something genuinely crave-worthy.
Ingredient Breakdown: Premium Components for Premium Results
This recipe succeeds because it uses quality ingredients that work together beautifully.
The Star: Fresh Brussels Sprouts
You’ll need 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved. Choose medium-sized sprouts for even cooking. Larger ones take longer and can become unevenly cooked. Additionally, trim the stem ends and remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Pat them dry completely—moisture prevents crispy caramelization.
The Protein: Quality Bacon
Include 8 slices high-quality bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Use thick-cut or quality bacon—the flavor difference is noticeable. Cook it until crispy in a large skillet, then set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat for roasting.
The Glaze: Maple and Bourbon Magic
Combine ¼ cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup—the real stuff matters here), 3 tablespoons bourbon or whiskey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. This creates a complex glaze with sweet, tangy, spicy, and sophisticated notes.
The Base: Oil and Seasonings
Use the 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat along with 1 tablespoon olive oil. This combination provides incredible flavor and ensures proper caramelization. Additionally, include ½ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Roast Time: 25-30 minutes | Serves: 8
Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 8 slices chopped bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet (drain excess if needed). This bacon fat is liquid gold for roasting—don’t skip it.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with the reserved bacon fat and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add ½ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper. Toss until every sprout is well coated. The oil ensures even caramelization.
Step 3: Spread on Baking Sheet
Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a large baking sheet in a single layer, cut-side down. This is crucial—the flat side makes direct contact with the hot baking sheet, creating beautiful caramelization. Resist the urge to stir for the first 15 minutes; let them develop those gorgeous golden spots.
Step 4: Roast Until Caramelized
Roast for 15 minutes without stirring. After 15 minutes, stir once and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until the cut sides are deeply golden brown and the Brussels sprouts are fork-tender. Meanwhile, you can prepare the glaze.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup pure maple syrup, 3 tablespoons bourbon, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. This creates a glossy, complex glaze.
Step 6: Combine and Glaze
Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the cooked bacon and pour the glaze over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated. The residual heat activates the glaze.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Transfer to a serving platter while still warm. The glaze will caramelize slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful, glossy coating. Serve immediately as part of your Thanksgiving spread.
Flavor Variations to Explore
The basic recipe is perfection, but simple variations create exciting new versions.
Maple Pecan Version
Add ¾ cup toasted pecans chopped into bite-sized pieces during the final toss. The nuts add textural contrast and sophisticated flavor. Furthermore, pecans and maple are a classic holiday pairing.
Balsamic Glaze Twist
Use ½ cup balsamic vinegar reduced over medium heat for 5 minutes until it becomes syrupy. Combine with maple syrup instead of including vinegar separately. This intensifies the tangy-sweet complexity beautifully.
Spicy Chili Version
Increase cayenne to ½ teaspoon and add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the glaze. The heat balances the sweet maple while the bourbon adds warmth. This variation appeals to those who love bold flavors.
Serving Ideas: The Perfect Pairings
These maple bourbon bacon Brussels sprouts complement every Thanksgiving main course beautifully.
- With Roasted Turkey: The maple and bourbon flavors echo traditional Thanksgiving flavors while the bacon adds unexpected richness.
- With Glazed Ham: The sweet glaze enhances ham’s natural saltiness without competing. They’re a sophisticated pairing.
- Alongside Mashed Potatoes: The buttery potatoes provide creamy contrast to crispy Brussels sprouts. The flavors complement perfectly.
- With Stuffing: The crispy texture provides wonderful contrast to soft, buttery stuffing. Include them in the same bite for incredible flavor balance.
- As Part of a Harvest Platter: Arrange alongside roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and other fall vegetables for a stunning presentation.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips: Holiday Kitchen Hacks
Strategic planning makes holiday cooking less stressful.
Prep Ahead
Trim and clean Brussels sprouts the morning of Thanksgiving. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Prepare the glaze up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in a jar. Cook the bacon the morning of and store separately. This means final assembly takes just 30 minutes.
Roast During Dinner
Time the roasting so Brussels sprouts finish 10-15 minutes before serving. They taste best when served warm from the oven. Additionally, this timing prevents the oven from getting too crowded during final meal preparation.
Reheating Without Losing Crispiness
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and exterior becomes crispy again. The oven preserves texture better than microwaving. Additionally, they’re delicious eaten at room temperature straight from the fridge.
Make-Ahead Storage
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve slightly as they sit. Reheat gently to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
Absolutely. Substitute bourbon with additional balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You’ll lose some sophistication and warmth, but the dish remains delicious. Additionally, some recipes use apple juice or broth for alcohol-free versions.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh sprouts are ideal because they achieve superior crispiness and caramelization. However, frozen Brussels sprouts work in a pinch. Thaw and dry completely before roasting. They may not crisp quite as beautifully but still taste wonderful.
Can I make them ahead for Thanksgiving?
You can prep components completely ahead of time. Cook bacon, prepare Brussels sprouts, and make glaze up to 2 days ahead. On Thanksgiving, simply roast the Brussels sprouts and combine everything 30 minutes before serving.
What kind of maple syrup works best?
Pure Grade A or Grade B maple syrup works beautifully. Grade B has stronger maple flavor. Avoid pancake syrup with artificial ingredients. The maple flavor is too important to compromise on this ingredient.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Pat Brussels sprouts very dry before roasting. Don’t crowd the baking sheet—give them space for air circulation. Additionally, don’t stir for the first 15 minutes, allowing the cut sides to develop deep caramelization. Finally, increase oven temperature to 425°F for extra crispiness.
Final Thoughts: The Thanksgiving Game-Changer
These maple bourbon bacon Brussels sprouts transform an ordinary Thanksgiving into something truly memorable. With their crispy caramelization, complex glaze, and smoky bacon richness, they’re the side dish that disappears first and gets the most compliments. Moreover, they prove that vegetable dishes deserve a place of honor on the holiday table.
Start planning your Thanksgiving menu now. Make these Brussels sprouts your signature dish. Your family and guests will be talking about them long after the holiday ends. Furthermore, you’ll find yourself making them year-round because they’re just that good.
Crispy, caramelized, and absolutely irresistible—that’s what these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon bring to your Thanksgiving table. Make them this year.
Ready to steal the show at Thanksgiving? Make these maple bourbon bacon Brussels sprouts and watch them become the most-requested side dish on your table!