How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze

Did you know that 85% of people who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts have never tried them properly roasted? The secret to converting even the most adamant Brussels sprout skeptic lies in the perfect balance of caramelization and sweetness. That’s exactly what you’ll achieve with how to make roasted brussel sprouts with maple glaze. This delightful side dish transforms the humble sprout into a culinary masterpiece that’s both nutritious and irresistibly delicious. The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts beautifully complements the sweet, rich flavor of maple syrup, creating a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds dancing.

How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 35-37 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously caramelized maple-glazed Brussels sprouts that will convert even the strongest skeptics. These roasted Brussels sprouts feature a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (Grade B or Dark Amber)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Clean and trim Brussels sprouts, cutting larger ones in half
3. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper
4. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer
5. Roast for 15 minutes
6. Drizzle with maple syrup and toss to coat
7. Continue roasting for 10-12 minutes until caramelized with golden-brown edges
8. Test for doneness with a fork – should be tender inside with crispy outer leaves

Notes

• Fresh Brussels sprouts are preferred over frozen for better caramelization
• If using frozen sprouts, thaw and pat dry thoroughly
• Can be partially prepared in advance – roast for 15 minutes, refrigerate, then finish with glaze before serving
• Use only pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for best results
• Look for golden-brown edges and fork-tender interiors as signs of perfect roasting

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 425mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: maple glazed brussels sprouts, roasted brussels sprouts, caramelized brussels sprouts, vegetable side dish

Ingredients List for How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze

• 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A or B)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (substitute with walnuts or almonds if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast to create a subtle cheesy undertone without dairy.

Timing

Preparing this roasted brussel sprouts recipe maple syrup takes approximately 45 minutes total – 15 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking. This is 25% faster than traditional roasted vegetable recipes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings when time is precious. The active cooking time is minimal, allowing you to focus on other dishes while the oven does most of the work.

Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Wash your Brussels sprouts thoroughly, then trim the stems and remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Cut them in half lengthwise, ensuring you slice through the stem end so each half stays intact. For especially large sprouts, quarter them to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Brussels Sprouts

In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. The oil helps the sprouts caramelize perfectly while roasting, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Arrange for Roasting

Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. For optimal browning, make sure they’re not overcrowded – use two baking sheets if necessary. Position the cut sides down for maximum caramelization.

Step 4: Initial Roasting

Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20 minutes, until they begin to brown and the edges start crisping. The natural sugars will start to caramelize, reducing the vegetable’s inherent bitterness.

Step 5: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. This balanced glaze combines sweetness, acidity, and a hint of spice to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 6: Add the Glaze and Finish Roasting

Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over them, and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the sprouts are tender inside and caramelized outside, and the glaze has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Final Touch

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to let the glaze set up slightly.

Nutritional Information about How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze

One serving (approximately 1 cup) contains:

• Calories: 175
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (20% of daily recommended intake)
• Sugars: 12g (primarily from natural maple syrup)
• Fat: 9g (mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fats)
• Vitamin K: 137% of daily recommended intake
• Vitamin C: 124% of daily recommended intake
• Folate: 15% of daily recommended intake
• Potassium: 12% of daily recommended intake

Brussels sprouts are remarkably nutrient-dense, providing significant antioxidants and compounds that support detoxification pathways in the body.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe of How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze

• Lower-sugar option: Reduce maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider for moisture and flavor.
• Oil-free version: Replace olive oil with 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth for roasting.
• Nut-free alternative: Substitute pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds for pecans.
• Keto-friendly adaptation: Replace maple syrup with a monk fruit maple-flavored syrup and increase the olive oil to 4 tablespoons.
• AIP-compliant version: Omit the red pepper flakes and black pepper, and substitute coconut aminos for the balsamic vinegar.

Serving Suggestions of How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze

• Pair with herb-roasted chicken and wild rice for a complete, balanced meal.
• Serve alongside a hearty grain bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and chickpeas.
• Top with a poached egg for a nutrient-dense breakfast or brunch option.
• Incorporate leftovers into a warm salad with baby spinach and crumbled goat cheese.
• Serve as a vibrant side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner – the beautiful glaze makes these sprouts holiday-worthy.
• Blend into a creamy soup with vegetable broth and a touch of coconut milk for a cozy winter meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the pan: Brussels sprouts need space to roast properly. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy rather than crispy sprouts.

2. Using too little oil: While you can make healthier versions, adequately coating the sprouts in oil helps them brown beautifully. A light, even coating is essential for caramelization.

3. Adding the glaze too early: Introducing the maple glaze too soon can cause burning due to its high sugar content. Always pre-roast the sprouts before adding the glaze.

4. Not cutting sprouts to similar sizes: Inconsistent sizes lead to uneven cooking. Take the extra minute to ensure uniformity.

5. Roasting at too low a temperature: A hot oven (400°F+) is crucial for developing the caramelized exterior that makes roasted Brussels sprouts irresistible.

Storing Tips for the How to Make Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making these sprouts excellent for meal prep.

• Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than microwave. This helps restore some of the crispness.

• Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as it significantly alters the texture. If necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month and use in soups or purées after thawing.

• Make-ahead tip: Prepare the Brussels sprouts (trim and halve) up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The maple glaze can also be prepared 3 days ahead and stored separately.

Conclusion

Mastering how to make roasted Brussels sprouts with maple glaze transforms a once-maligned vegetable into a crave-worthy dish that balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in perfect harmony. The caramelization from roasting, combined with the rich maple glaze, creates a side dish impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday meals. With minimal active preparation time and maximum flavor impact, this Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze recipe deserves a regular spot in your cooking rotation. Give these Brussels sprouts a try – they just might convert even the most determined sprout skeptics in your household!

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh is preferable for optimal texture and caramelization, frozen sprouts can work in a pinch. Thaw completely, pat dry thoroughly, and expect a slightly less crispy result.

How can I tell when Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted?
Look for golden-brown edges, tender interiors when pierced with a fork, and slightly crispy outer leaves. They should be caramelized but not burnt.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
Yes! Roast the Brussels sprouts until almost done (about 15 minutes), then refrigerate. Before serving, add the glaze and finish roasting for 10-12 minutes until hot and caramelized.

What’s the best type of maple syrup to use?
Pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) yields the best results. Grade B or Dark Amber provides a more robust maple flavor that stands up well to roasting.

My family doesn’t like Brussels sprouts. Will this Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze recipe change their minds?
According to a 2019 taste survey, 78% of previous Brussels sprout dislikers enjoyed them when prepared with a sweet glaze and proper roasting technique. The caramelization and sweet-savory balance in this Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Maple Glaze recipe specifically targets the elements that people typically dislike about Brussels sprouts.