Few vegetables transform as beautifully in the oven as Brussels sprouts. When roasted with olive oil and pure maple syrup, their sharp bitterness melts away into nutty sweetness and golden-brown crispness. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts capture the essence of autumn—cozy, aromatic, and elegant enough for any table. The drizzle of balsamic, a handful of toasted pecans, and a scatter of dried cranberries turn these humble sprouts into something festive and memorable.
I first made Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts dish for a Sunday roast in early November. The air was cool, the oven warm, and that faint maple aroma filled the kitchen. What began as a simple side quickly became the star of the meal. These sprouts bridge the gap between comfort and sophistication—they’re crisp at the edges, tender within, and kissed with the perfect blend of sweet and savory.
- Why You’ll Love This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions For Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Serving and Pairing Guide For Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Storage and Flavor Variations For Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- FAQs & Why This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works
- Conclusion-Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Why You’ll Love This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
The Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is a fall favorite because it proves that simple ingredients can taste extraordinary. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have vegetables that look restaurant-worthy but feel homemade and heartwarming. The maple syrup caramelizes in the oven, while the pecans add crunch and the cranberries bring a tart pop of color.
You’ll love it because it’s easy enough for weeknights but polished enough for holidays. The sweet-savory balance makes it universally appealing, even for people who swear they don’t like Brussels sprouts. And best of all, it’s entirely plant-based and naturally gluten-free. For another cozy seasonal side, try the Roasted Butternut Squash & Kale Salad; together they create a vibrant, harvest-style plate full of texture and color.
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions For Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ihgredients
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (preferably dark amber)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (toasted)
Flavor Note: The combination of maple syrup and balsamic creates a glaze that’s rich yet balanced. The nuts and cranberries bring both crunch and tang, rounding out every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1-Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. This ensures the sprouts crisp instead of steaming. While the oven heats, trim the ends of the sprouts and cut each one in half. Removing any loose outer leaves helps prevent burning.
Step 2 -Toss the Sprouts in Maple Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the halved sprouts and toss until every piece is evenly coated. The glaze should lightly cling to the leaves—just enough to caramelize as they roast. This step is where the magic begins: that glossy mixture will later turn into a golden glaze that coats each crisp leaf.
Step 3-Roast Until Golden and Crisp
Spread the coated sprouts on the baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down. Give them space to breathe—crowding traps steam and prevents crisping. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. When finished, the outer leaves should be deep golden with caramelized edges, and the centers tender but not mushy. You’ll smell the maple syrup deepening as it mingles with the nutty aroma of roasted sprouts.
Step 4-Finish and Serve
Transfer the roasted sprouts to a serving bowl while still warm. Toss with toasted pecans and dried cranberries so their sweetness blends with the maple glaze. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or a drizzle of balsamic for brightness. Serve immediately and watch them disappear.
Serving and Pairing Guide For Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Serving Suggestions
These sprouts are the perfect companion to almost anything coming out of your oven this season. Pair them with roasted chicken or salmon for balance, or make them the centerpiece of a vegetarian spread with mashed potatoes or quinoa. They also complement the warmth of Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes beautifully—the sweet notes echo one another while their textures contrast perfectly.
Pairings and Plating Ideas
For holiday meals, serve alongside herb-roasted turkey or Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. For something lighter, combine them with a bowl of Quinoa Chickpea Salad and a drizzle of tahini dressing. On a casual weeknight, they make an excellent side for Lemon Herb Butter Salmon and Asparagus. Their maple glaze soaks up any savory sauce on the plate, tying everything together.
Storage and Flavor Variations For Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 400 °F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness.
- Meal prep tip: Roast the sprouts earlier in the day, then reheat before serving—they’ll taste freshly made.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Maple Version: Add a pinch of red-pepper flakes or cayenne before roasting for heat that balances the sweetness.
- Mustard Twist: Whisk a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the glaze for tangy depth.
- Smoky Touch: Sprinkle with smoked paprika or drizzle with a little Cowboy Butter Sauce before serving.
- Extra-Festive: Toss with roasted sweet potatoes or pomegranate seeds for color and texture.
- Nut Swap: Replace pecans with walnuts or sliced almonds for a different crunch.
Refrigerate leftovers once fully cooled in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, reheat in a 400°F oven for 5–10 minutes to bring back that crisp, caramelized texture. For meal prep, roast the Brussels sprouts earlier in the day and reheat before serving — they’ll taste as if freshly made.
Try fun variations to make this dish your own: spice it up with red-pepper flakes, add Dijon for tang, or sprinkle with smoked paprika. For a festive flair, mix in pomegranate seeds or swap pecans for walnuts for a new crunch.
Additional Resources and Cooking Notes
According to Healthline, Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants that support heart and bone health. To keep their nutrients intact, avoid over-roasting; the goal is golden edges, not burnt leaves. For food-safety guidance, FoodSafety.gov recommends cooling cooked vegetables promptly and reheating them to 165 °F (74 °C) before serving again. If you’re new to glazing vegetables, The Spruce Eats offers a great overview of roasting techniques for achieving perfect caramelization.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and toss with dried cranberries and toasted pecans. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs & Why This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works
FAQs- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast them a few hours in advance, then reheat in a 400°F oven for 5–10 minutes before serving. They’ll stay crisp and caramelized.
What type of maple syrup works best?
Use pure, dark amber maple syrup for rich flavor that balances the bitterness of Brussels sprouts. Avoid pancake syrup, it’s too sweet and lacks the depth needed for caramelization.
Can I make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts dish vegan?
Absolutely. It’s naturally vegan as long as you use pure maple syrup and plant-based oil. It pairs beautifully with other vegan recipes like Quinoa Chickpea Salad for a wholesome meal.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes! Roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or pomegranate seeds all complement the maple flavor and add festive color. Experiment freely,the glaze works with many vegetables.
My sprouts don’t get crispy , why?
Make sure they’re in a single layer with space between each piece. Crowding traps steam and prevents browning. For extra crispness, bake cut-side down and finish with a two-minute broil.
Why Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works
What makes these Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts so good is their perfect balance of technique and taste. High-heat roasting draws out natural sugars, while maple syrup enhances caramelization. Balsamic adds tang that keeps the sweetness in check, and the nuts and cranberries add texture and color. It’s a side that looks gourmet but couldn’t be simpler, a showcase of how patience and good ingredients turn a modest vegetable into a showstopper.
Conclusion-Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts prove that the best dishes don’t rely on complexity-just care, balance, and a few high-quality ingredients. With olive oil, maple syrup, and a hint of balsamic, you create something that feels both rustic and elegant. Each bite brings together crispy edges, tender centers, and a deep caramelized sweetness that makes this side dish unforgettable. It’s the kind of recipe that turns even Brussels-sprout skeptics into fans.
Whether you serve Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts at a Sunday roast, a holiday dinner, or a cozy weeknight meal, these sprouts carry the warmth of the season in every bite. The contrast of sweetness and earthiness, with that gentle crunch of toasted nuts, creates a texture and flavor that feel perfectly balanced.
What I love most is its versatility, it fits right beside roasted meats, salmon, or vegetarian mains and shines in every setting. Simple ingredients, seasonal comfort, and the magic of real, honest flavor, that’s what makes Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts dish a true reflection of what Mellow Dishes stands for.
