I’ve struggled to love Brussels sprouts my entire life, until this magical combination changed everything. The crispy bacon bits, toasted pecans, and that touch of maple sweetness transform those humble sprouts into something truly crave-worthy. You know that slight caramelization that happens when the edges brown? Pure flavor gold. And trust me, even the most stubborn Brussels sprout haters (my family included) will find themselves reaching for seconds. Want to know my secret to getting those sprouts perfectly shredded?
Why You’ll Love these Savory Bacon & Maple Brussels Sprouts
Once you try these Brussels sprouts, you’ll wonder why you ever turned your nose up at them before. The combination of crispy bacon, toasted pecans, and that touch of maple sweetness transforms these little green veggies into something magical.
I love how the Brussels sprouts get slightly caramelized when sautéed, creating those delicious browned edges. The bacon adds a smoky punch while the maple syrup balances everything with just a hint of sweetness. Not too sweet, mind you, just enough to make things interesting.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this warm salad might convert even the most stubborn Brussels sprout skeptics.
What Ingredients are in Savory Bacon & Maple Brussels Sprouts?
To make this irresistible warm Brussels sprouts salad, you’ll need a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy ingredients.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, shredded
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe with optional add-ins like dried cranberries for a tart-sweet pop or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra savory note—these little tweaks can really elevate the dish depending on what you’re serving it with.
How to Make these Savory Bacon & Maple Brussels Sprouts
This warm Brussels sprouts salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday side dishes. Start by cooking 6 slices of bacon in a large skillet until they reach that perfect crispy texture. Don’t rush this part—those crispy bacon bits will distribute their smoky goodness throughout the entire dish. Once your bacon is done, remove it from the pan, let it cool slightly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces, but leave that gorgeous bacon fat right in the skillet.
Now comes the heart of our dish. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bacon fat, then toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 pound of shredded Brussels sprouts. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point. Sauté everything until the Brussels sprouts begin to soften and develop delicious browned edges, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. For even better results, consider using a cast iron griddle which distributes heat evenly and creates the perfect sear on your Brussels sprouts.
Meanwhile, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup in a small bowl—this sweet-tangy mixture will become our simple dressing that ties everything together.
For the final touch, add 1 cup of chopped pecans to the skillet along with your bacon pieces and the maple-lemon mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, giving everything a good toss to combine. The warm Brussels sprouts will soak up all those amazing flavors, the pecans will add a satisfying crunch, and the hint of maple sweetness will balance the savory elements perfectly. Remember to serve this dish immediately while it’s still warm—that’s when all the flavors shine brightest. Want to take it over the top? This is the moment to sprinkle on some dried cranberries or shaved parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
What to Serve with Savory Bacon & Maple Brussels Sprouts
Now that you’ve mastered this mouthwatering Brussels sprouts dish, let’s talk about what to pair with it for a complete meal. This warm salad works beautifully alongside a simple roasted chicken or grilled salmon. The savory-sweet flavors complement pork tenderloin perfectly, too.
For a vegetarian option, I’d suggest serving it with a hearty quinoa pilaf or creamy polenta.
Want something simpler? A crusty loaf of sourdough bread makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up those delicious bacon drippings and maple dressing.
Can’t decide? Just double the recipe and enjoy it as a main course, perhaps with a poached egg on top.
Leftovers and Storage for these Savory Bacon & Maple Brussels Sprouts
While these Brussels sprouts taste best fresh from the skillet, leftovers can still be absolutely delicious for up to three days when stored properly. I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll maintain their flavor profile nicely.
To reheat, a quick sauté in a hot pan works wonders, bringing back that crispy texture we all crave. The microwave? It’ll work in a pinch, but expect softer sprouts.
One clever trick: cold leftovers make a surprisingly tasty addition to grain bowls or tossed with pasta. Who knew yesterday’s side could become tomorrow’s star ingredient?
Savory Bacon & Maple Brussels Sprouts Substitutions and Variations
Speaking of making this dish your own, let’s explore some creative tweaks for those times when your pantry isn’t cooperating or you’re simply in the mood for something different.
No bacon? Try pancetta or prosciutto for a similar smoky flavor, or use smoked tempeh for a vegetarian option. Can’t find Brussels sprouts? Cabbage or kale work beautifully instead. The pecans can be swapped with walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds if nut allergies are a concern. Don’t have maple syrup? Honey or a touch of brown sugar will do the trick.
And those optional add-ins? Go wild with feta instead of parmesan, dried cherries instead of cranberries, or toss in some diced apple for unexpected crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Brussels sprouts salad has completely transformed my relationship with these little green gems. Who knew that combining them with crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup would create such magic in my mouth? The contrast between the slightly caramelized sprouts and crunchy pecans makes every bite interesting.
I’m convinced even the most dedicated Brussels sprouts hater might be converted by this warm salad. It’s hearty enough for a main dish but works beautifully alongside roasted chicken or pork.
What I love most? How quickly it comes together for something that tastes so sophisticated. Weeknight-friendly but dinner-party worthy.
For another quick and satisfying comfort food option, try pairing this salad with Sloppy Joes topped with melty cheddar cheese.