Description
Maple-glazed Brussels sprouts and butternut squash with bacon elevate winter vegetables into a delightful side dish. Crisp bacon, sweet maple syrup, and caramelized edges create an irresistible combination you’ll crave at every seasonal gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 lb (454 g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup (30 g) chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Station: Preheat oven to 400F (200C), positioning rack in center for optimal roasting conditions.
- Bacon Technique: Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp, removing pieces and reserving drippings for added flavor complexity.
- Vegetable Preparation: Trim Brussels sprouts, halve lengthwise, and cube butternut squash into consistent, bite-sized pieces. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to create a robust seasoning layer.
- Roasting Process: Spread seasoned vegetables on parchment-lined baking sheet in single layer, ensuring maximum caramelization and even cooking. Roast for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden and interiors become tender.
- Maple Glaze Creation: While vegetables roast, simmer maple syrup in small saucepan, reducing to create a thick, glossy coating.
- Final Assembly: Remove roasted vegetables from oven, drizzle with reduced maple syrup, and scatter crispy bacon pieces across the surface. Gently toss to distribute flavors and textures.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, creating an aromatic herb accent. Serve immediately as a warm, indulgent side dish that balances sweet and savory notes.
Notes
- Optimize Veggie Cutting: Ensure uniform, bite-sized cuts for even roasting and consistent caramelization across all vegetable pieces.
- Manage Bacon Fat Wisely: Reserve bacon drippings for extra flavor infusion, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Control Roasting Temperature: Watch vegetables closely to prevent burning while achieving golden-brown caramelized edges.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap bacon with smoked almonds or coconut bacon for vegetarian versions, maintaining the dish’s rich, smoky essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 232
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 266 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg