Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

My garden always gives me too many Brussels sprouts. Now I have the best way to use them up. These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts turn the humble little cabbage into something special. They become tender inside, yet wonderfully crisp and slightly charred on the outside. The balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy balsamic vinegar is truly unbeatable.

I often whip this simple side dish up last minute for busy weeknights. Even my picky eater enjoys these beautifully caramelized sprouts. They reheat well too, making leftovers a breeze for lunch. This recipe quickly became a staple at our family table.

why i love this recipe

Honestly, this side dish is a lifesaver! It takes almost no effort. You toss everything together and let the oven do the heavy lifting. That amazing sweet and savory flavor combination never disappoints. People always ask for the recipe.

key benefits of maple roasted brussels sprouts

• Speedy Prep: Seriously under ten minutes to get these ready for baking.
• Flavor Bomb: The maple syrup caramelizes perfectly every time.
• Weeknight Wonder: A fancy-tasting vegetable that’s actually fast.
• Crowd Pleaser: Even veggie skeptics usually grab seconds of these sprouts.

maple roasted brussels sprouts ingredients

The alchemy happening here is surprisingly simple. We use just a few pantry staples to transform humble green vegetables. This sweet and tangy roasting liquid creates beautiful, slightly sticky edges on the finished dish.

the magic combination for perfect maple roasted brussels sprouts

The star ingredient, of course, is the Brussels sprout itself. We pair this with healthy olive oil for crisping. Pure maple syrup brings that essential sweetness for caramelization. Then goes the slightly acidic balsamic vinegar. This tang cuts through the richness perfectly. Salt and pepper are our basic seasoning foundation.

substitutions and tips

Don’t stress if you are missing something! You can easily switch things up here. Try honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness. Apple cider vinegar works if you skip the balsamic vinegar completely. For an added depth, sometimes I toss in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard before roasting. This always boosts the savory notes beautifully. Remember to keep those sprouts dry before tossing them in the oil mixture.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

kitchen tools you’ll need

• Large bowl for tossing everything together well.
• A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the sprouts.
• Baking sheet, preferably rimmed, for roasting evenly.
• Parchment paper is handy for easier cleanup later.
• Tongs or a spatula for that mid-way toss of the roasted vegetables.

how to make maple roasted brussels sprouts

Making these truly delicious roasted vegetables is simple, trust me. Follow these steps closely. You will soon have amazing caramelized sprouts on your table. Patience during the roasting phase is key here. Let us begin making these wonderful Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

preparing the oven and sprouts

First, ready your oven for high heat cooking. Preheat your oven right away to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. That high temperature helps everything crisp up nicely. Next, trim the woody ends off your sprouts. Then, slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This exposes the inner leaves to the heat. It helps them cook evenly too.

coating for flavor and caramelization

Grab a large mixing bowl now. Add your halved sprouts to the bowl. Drizzle in olive oil and the pure maple syrup. Pour in that optional splash of balsamic vinegar. Then, sprinkle on salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything thoroughly together now. Make sure every single sprout gets coated well. This coating is essential for that sweet, sticky exterior.

achieving the best roast

Now you need a large baking sheet ready. Line it with parchment paper if you want easy clean up. Spread the coated sprouts onto the sheet. Listen closely to this pro tip. Do not let them overlap too much. Overcrowding traps steam instead of roasting them. Crowded sprouts become soggy instead of crisp roasted vegetables.

knowing when they are done

Slide the pan into the hot oven carefully. Roast them for about 20 minutes initially. After that time, pull the pan out quickly. Use tongs to toss the sprouts around gently. Then, return them to the oven for another 10 minutes. Look for those dark, slightly charred edges. They should be tender when pierced with a fork. This means your delicious Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are ready to enjoy!

how to store maple roasted brussels sprouts

Storing these tasty roasted vegetables is quite simple. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They generally stay good for about three or four days. The maple syrup coating might soften them slightly over time. If they lose crunch, you can refresh them. Simply roast them again briefly at 350 degrees. Freezing these is not usually recommended. The texture changes too much upon thawing.

Tips for Success

• Use the biggest baking sheet you own. This prevents steaming.
• Make sure the sprouts are completely dry first. Wetness hinders crisping.
• Roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the best caramelization.
• Don’t be afraid of some slightly browned, almost black edges!
• Toss them halfway through cooking, not before, for even roasting.
• Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best depth of flavor.

serving suggestions

• Serve these alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin.
• They pair wonderfully with a bright, crisp white wine.
• Grate a little Parmesan cheese over them just before serving.
• A sprinkle of toasted pecans adds a nice textural crunch.
• These are fantastic mixed with leftover grains for a quick lunch.

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