Sweet and Savory Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts

Craving a sensational side dish that perfectly blends savory richness with a touch of sweet zest? Look no further than these incredibly flavorful Maple Syrup Mustard Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. This recipe takes a humble vegetable and transforms it into an irresistible culinary delight, making it a star on any table. Pan-searing brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts, creating a tender-crisp texture that’s simply divine. The addition of crispy bacon introduces an unparalleled savory and salty element, while a vibrant maple-mustard glaze ties all the magnificent flavors together. It’s a dish so good, you might find yourself eating every last bite!

While my dream of converting even the pickiest eaters (like my discerning partner!) into ardent Brussels sprouts fans with this particular Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe might not have fully materialized for everyone, I can personally attest to its deliciousness. Rest assured, if there are any leftovers, they won’t go to waste – I’ll be more than happy to enjoy every single forkful myself. This recipe isn’t just a side dish; it’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create extraordinary taste sensations, especially when prepared with a thoughtful approach.

Why These Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts Will Be Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons to add this outstanding Brussels sprouts recipe to your culinary repertoire, especially if you’re searching for an easy yet impressive side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors and smart cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results every time.

• Inspired by a Culinary Legend: This remarkable Brussels Sprouts recipe is tried and true, adapted from the renowned cookbook author, Dorie Greenspan. Her culinary wisdom ensures a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful dish that even skeptics will adore. Trust in a recipe from a master, and you won’t be disappointed.
• Harmonious Flavor Balance: The natural sweetness of pure maple syrup plays a crucial role in taming and complementing the often-strong, earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts. This creates a beautifully rounded taste profile that is both comforting and sophisticated, making it appealing to a wider audience.
• Achieving Perfect Texture: The unique cooking method of steaming first and then sautéing guarantees that your Brussels sprouts will be cooked to perfection. This two-step process ensures they are tender on the inside while developing a wonderfully caramelized and slightly crisp exterior – avoiding the dreaded mushy sprout entirely.

Many home cooks, including those in my “French Fridays with Dorie” circle, swear by Dorie Greenspan’s innovative recipes, often found in her acclaimed cookbook, Everyday Dorie: The Way I Cook. This particular preparation of steamed, then sautéed Brussels sprouts, enhanced with the savory depth of bacon, the aromatic notes of shallots and garlic, and the sweet-tangy kick of maple syrup and grainy mustard, is a standout example of her genius. It’s a dish that artfully combines familiar ingredients to create something truly special.

These flavorful Brussels sprouts, with their multifaceted autumnal glaze, are designed to help this once-maligned vegetable reverse its historical reputation. No longer are Brussels sprouts seen as a dreaded side; instead, they emerge as a vibrant, appealing dish. They are perfectly suited for a comforting Sunday supper alongside your favorite roast, or as an elegant and essential addition to your elaborate Thanksgiving buffet, adding a touch of gourmet flair to any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Creating this irresistible side dish requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that make these Brussels sprouts truly exceptional. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for choosing the best:

• Kitchen Staples: Ensure you have good quality olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper on hand. These foundational ingredients enhance and season every element of the dish.
• Brussels Sprouts: Select firm, bright green sprouts without blemishes. Trim their woody stems and, for larger sprouts, cut them in half to ensure even cooking and better absorption of the glaze. Smaller sprouts can often be left whole.
• Shallot: Often described as a milder, sweeter cousin to the onion, a finely slivered shallot adds a delicate, aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors. It caramelizes beautifully, contributing to the glaze.
• Garlic Clove: Fresh garlic, thinly slivered, infuses the Brussels sprouts with its pungent, savory notes. It’s a key aromatic that elevates the overall profile.
• Bacon: The heart of the savory element! Look for meaty, good quality bacon that renders well and crisps up perfectly. Thick-cut bacon often provides the best texture and flavor for this recipe, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender sprouts.
• Pure Maple Syrup: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for the glaze. Always opt for real, pure maple syrup (preferably Grade A dark, robust taste) over artificially flavored pancake syrup. Its rich, natural sweetness is essential for balancing the mustard and the earthy sprouts.
• Grainy Mustard: A high-quality grainy mustard (such as Grey Poupon Country Dijon) provides a delightful tang and a subtle textural pop. The mustard seeds offer a pleasant bitterness that cuts through the sweetness of the maple and richness of the bacon, adding complexity.
• Splash of Vinegar (optional): A small splash of vinegar, like an aged balsamic or apple cider vinegar, added at the end, provides a bright, acidic finish. This touch of acidity helps to cut through the richness and elevate the entire flavor profile, making the dish feel fresh and vibrant.

Mastering Your Maple Mustard Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts once suffered from a rather undeserved “bum rap” for years, primarily because they were frequently served overcooked, resulting in a mushy texture and an unappealing sulfurous smell. Thankfully, the vegetable roasting revolution brought these mini cabbages back into culinary favor, turning many former snubbers into instant fans. Dorie Greenspan, a true pioneer, had us rediscover them by steaming these vegetables alongside delicate slivers of garlic and shallots, then expertly sautéing them in savory bacon grease. This process, combined with the addition of rich maple syrup, piquant mustard, crispy bacon bits, and a bright splash of vinegar, results in Brussels sprouts with bacon that are incredibly flavorful and perfectly textured.

• Cooking Method Matters: While roasting is a popular method for Brussels sprouts, the quick steaming followed by sautéing technique used here is equally, if not more, tasty and effective. The ultimate goal for any cooking method is to avoid overcooking the sprouts. This recipe’s approach guarantees a tender interior with a beautifully browned, slightly crispy exterior.
• Preventing Overcooking: The key to delicious Brussels sprouts is mindful cooking. When these vegetables are cooked for too long, they lose their vibrant green color, become mushy, and unfortunately, release excess sulfur compounds. These compounds are responsible for the unpleasant, “stinky” aroma and unappealing taste that turned many people off Brussels sprouts in the past.
• Achieving “Just Tender”: Steam your Brussels sprouts until they are just tender enough to be easily pierced with a knife, typically 6-10 minutes, depending on their size. They should still retain their bright green color and a slight bite. This ensures they don’t become soggy when subsequently sautéed.
• The Cold Water Shock: To stop the cooking process immediately after steaming and preserve that vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, plunge the hot Brussels sprouts into a bowl of ice-cold water. This “shocking” method is a chef’s secret for perfect vegetables. Once cooled, drain them thoroughly and pat them dry before moving to the next step.
• Building Bold Flavors: Brussels sprouts pair exceptionally well with bold, robust ingredients. The grainy mustard adds a sharp, tangy kick, while the pure maple syrup provides a comforting sweetness that beautifully counterbalances the sprouts’ inherent earthiness. Crispy bacon contributes a rich, smoky, and salty element, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive glaze.
• The Acidic Finish: Don’t skip the optional splash of vinegar at the end of the browning stage. A touch of acid, like aged balsamic or apple cider vinegar, acts as a secret weapon, balancing the sweetness of the maple and the richness of the bacon. It brightens the entire dish and adds a final layer of complexity that truly makes the flavors sing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brussels Sprouts

More Irresistible Autumn Side Dishes

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, our kitchens fill with the comforting aromas of seasonal cooking. While these Maple Syrup Mustard Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are sure to be a star, there are many other delightful side dishes that celebrate the bounty of autumn. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a cozy family meal, these recipes will complement your main course beautifully and leave everyone craving more.

• Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash: Sweet and tender butternut squash, seasoned with aromatic cinnamon and roasted to perfection, makes for a vibrant and healthy fall side.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: A classic holiday favorite, this creamy sweet potato casserole is topped with a crunchy praline topping, offering a decadent balance of flavors and textures.
• Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun and flavorful twist, these spicy sweet potato fries are seasoned with a kick, making them an exciting accompaniment to any meal.
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a creamy, cheesy twice-baked potato casserole, perfect for a hearty dinner.
• Plus, explore more of my Best Side Dishes to find your next go-to recipe for any occasion!

The Recipe:

Maple Syrup Mustard Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Yield
4 servings

Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into an extraordinary side dish! Steamed to tender perfection, then charred in a sauté pan, these Brussels sprouts are coated in a delectable glaze of savory bacon, tangy mustard, and sweet maple syrup for an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, stems trimmed and cut in half if larger
• 1 shallot, cut into slivers
• 1 garlic clove, cut into slivers
• 6 strips bacon, good quality
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
• Olive oil, if needed
• Splash of vinegar, optional (I used balsamic)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare your steamer: Place the trimmed Brussels sprouts, slivered shallots, and garlic in a steamer basket. Position the basket in a pot filled with enough water to generate steam without touching the basket’s bottom.
2. Steam the vegetables: Cook until the Brussels sprouts are just tender, about 6-10 minutes, depending on their size. Immediately plunge them into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
3. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they are perfectly crisp. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour out all but about 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon grease from the pan. Chop the crisp bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
4. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and the grainy mustard until well combined. Set this delicious glaze mixture aside.
5. Sauté the Brussels sprouts: Drain the cooled Brussels sprouts thoroughly and pat them very dry. Add them back to the pan with the reserved bacon grease.
6. Brown for flavor: Cook the Brussels sprouts over high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are well browned and slightly charred, developing a delightful caramelized crust. If the pan seems too dry, you may add a little olive oil.
7. Glaze and serve: Lower the heat, then pour in the maple-mustard mixture. Stir continuously until the sprouts are beautifully coated and glazed. Mix in the chopped bacon. If desired, add a final splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Feel free to steam the Brussels sprouts, shallots, and garlic the day before you plan to sauté them. After steaming and shocking in cold water, refrigerate them in an airtight container until ready for the final cooking steps. This makes for excellent meal prep!

Recipe adapted from Everyday Dorie: The Way I Cook by the esteemed Dorie Greenspan, ensuring a high-quality culinary experience.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

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• Metal Steamer Basket
• Nonstick Saute Pan with Lid
• 10-Inch Wire Whisk

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 189Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 433mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 3gSugar: 9gProtein: 9g

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