When planning your Thanksgiving feast, side dishes are just as important as the turkey. One standout dish that will impress your guests is Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. This delicious recipe brings together the earthy, nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts, the smoky richness of crispy bacon, and a touch of sweetness from a maple glaze. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

If you’re looking for a new side dish to serve this holiday, this recipe will not only elevate your Thanksgiving spread but also win over even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into how to make this easy and irresistible dish.

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

Ingredients:

1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
6 slices of bacon, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon grease in the skillet. You’ll use this flavorful fat to cook the Brussels sprouts.

2. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the olive oil and Brussels sprouts. Place the sprouts cut-side down to achieve a nice caramelized sear. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat, then stir them and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until tender and browned.

3. Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This simple glaze will bring a delightful sweetness and tanginess to the dish.

4. Combine and Caramelize
Pour the maple glaze over the Brussels sprouts in the skillet. Stir to coat the sprouts evenly, allowing the glaze to thicken and caramelize slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The sprouts will take on a beautiful shiny finish as the flavors meld together.

5. Add the Bacon and Serve
Once the Brussels sprouts are glazed, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and toss to combine. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Why This Recipe is the Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish

Brussels sprouts have become a modern holiday favorite, especially when paired with complementary flavors like bacon and maple syrup. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon hits all the right notes for a Thanksgiving side dish—it’s sweet, savory, smoky, and satisfying. Here’s why this dish will be a hit at your table:

A Balance of Flavors: The natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the maple syrup and the smoky, salty flavor of the bacon. The balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard add a layer of tanginess, rounding out the dish with complexity and depth.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe comes together quickly, freeing you up to focus on the main course. Plus, you can prepare the bacon and Brussels sprouts ahead of time, then glaze and warm them just before serving.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who aren’t typically fans of Brussels sprouts will enjoy this dish. The caramelized maple glaze and crispy bacon make it an indulgent side that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and all your Thanksgiving favorites.
Texture Contrast: The combination of crispy bacon, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and sticky glaze creates an appealing mix of textures in every bite. It adds variety and excitement to your plate, alongside more traditional sides like stuffing or cranberry sauce.

Tips for the Best Brussels Sprouts

Caramelization is Key: Make sure to cook the Brussels sprouts cut-side down to get a nice golden-brown sear. This brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Use Real Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, always use pure maple syrup. The rich, complex sweetness will make a big difference compared to imitation syrups.
Crisp the Bacon: For a perfect textural contrast, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. The crunch adds a great bite to the tender sprouts.

Pairing Suggestions

This Thanksgiving side dish pairs wonderfully with classic turkey and gravy, but it also complements roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a holiday ham. Its bold, sweet-savory flavor can hold its own alongside heartier sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or green bean almondine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a new twist to your holiday meal, Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a must-try recipe. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, offering a delicious balance that complements the rich flavors of Thanksgiving. Plus, its ease of preparation makes it an ideal dish to add to your Thanksgiving menu. Serve this recipe and watch your guests fall in love with Brussels sprouts all over again!

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish