Transform Your Table: Make These Crispy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Today!

As the fall season brings cooler weather and festive gatherings, it’s time to elevate your side dish game with a recipe that’s healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any roast dinner. With their crispy, caramelized edges and a sweet-spicy flavor profile, these Brussels sprouts will convert even the most skeptical eaters into veggie lovers. Vegan, paleo, and ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is a must-have for your holiday spread or weeknight meals. Ready to discover the magic of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Are a Fall Favorite

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but that’s only because they haven’t been cooked the right way. Forget soggy, overcooked sprouts—the secret to irresistible Brussels sprouts is roasting them to perfection. This recipe takes it up a notch with a sweet and spicy glaze made from maple syrup and chili flakes, creating a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a cozy dinner at home, these maple roasted Brussels sprouts are a versatile, healthy side that pairs beautifully with any roast. Plus, they’re vegan and paleo, making them perfect for a variety of dietary needs.

The Power of Roasting

Roasting Brussels sprouts at a high temperature (425°F) is the key to unlocking their full potential. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the sprouts, giving them a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a crispy texture. The addition of maple syrup enhances this sweetness, while a touch of chili flakes or black pepper adds a subtle kick. The result is a perfectly balanced side dish that’s both indulgent and nutritious, making it a standout at any meal.

Ingredients for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to create a show-stopping side dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

- Brussels Sprouts (2 lbs): Fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved, for maximum crispiness.

- Coconut Oil or Olive Oil (3 tbsp, melted): Adds richness and helps the sprouts crisp up in the oven.

- Maple Syrup (¼ cup): Pure maple syrup for a natural, sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully.

- Chili Flakes or Cracked Black Pepper (½ tbsp): Adds a subtle spicy kick (optional but recommended).

- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt (½ tsp, plus more to taste): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Optional Add-Ins: Quartered mushrooms, red onion wedges, sliced garlic, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a few steps to achieve crispy, caramelized perfection. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Parchment paper is preferred to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

1. Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trim the woody stems, and cut them in half.

2. Pat the sprouts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this is crucial for crispiness.

Step 3: Season the Sprouts

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, melted coconut oil (or olive oil), maple syrup, chili flakes (or black pepper), and salt.

2. Toss until the sprouts are evenly coated.

3. Optional: Drizzle a little extra oil on the lined baking tray to further prevent sticking, especially if using foil.

Step 4: Roast

1. Spread the coated Brussels sprouts evenly on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they’re in a single layer for even cooking.

2. Roast in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they’re not burning.

3. For extra caramelization, roast for an additional 5–10 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid overcooking.

4. Remove from the oven, taste, and add more salt if needed. Toss to combine.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve immediately as a side dish for your roast dinner or holiday feast.

2. For a fun twist, save leftovers to reheat in a skillet the next day and top with a fried egg for a wholesome breakfast.

Pro Tip: Use a convection oven to shave a few minutes off the cooking time and achieve even crispier results.

You’ll Love These Brussels Sprouts For

This maple roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and just 40 minutes from start to finish.

Healthy and Flavorful: Vegan, paleo, and packed with vitamins and fiber.

Versatile: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight dinner.

Crowd-Pleasing: The sweet-spicy flavor converts even Brussels sprouts skeptics.

Customizable: Add bacon, mushrooms, or cranberries for extra flair.

Tips for Perfect Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

To ensure your Brussels sprouts are crispy and flavorful every time, follow these tips:

Dry the Sprouts Thoroughly: Excess moisture can make the sprouts soggy, so pat them dry after washing.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the sprouts in a single layer to ensure even roasting and crispiness.

Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili flakes or use black pepper instead.

Use Pure Maple Syrup: Avoid pancake syrup, which contains artificial sweeteners and won’t caramelize as well.

Check for Doneness: The sprouts should be golden-brown and crispy on the edges but still tender inside.

Customizing Your Brussels Sprouts

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Add Protein: Toss in crispy bacon or pancetta for a smoky, savory twist (note: this will make it non-vegan).

Incorporate More Veggies: Add quartered mushrooms, red onion wedges, or sliced garlic for extra flavor and texture.

Make It Sweeter: Stir in a handful of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots after roasting for a sweet-tart contrast.

Go Nutty: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or almonds for added crunch.

Air Fryer Option: For a quicker alternative, air fry at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Perfect Pairings for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes and sides to create a complete meal:

Main Dishes: Serve alongside roast turkey, slow cooker pork loin, sous vide beef tenderloin, or a vegetarian stuffed acorn squash.

Side Dishes: Pair with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or a pear and sausage stuffing for a festive spread.

Drinks: Enjoy with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a warm spiced cider for a cozy fall vibe.

Dessert: Finish the meal with a crustless pumpkin pie or pecan pie bars for a sweet ending.

Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, making this dish as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. They’re rich in:

Vitamins: High in vitamins C and K, supporting immunity and bone health.

Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and keeps you full longer.

Antioxidants: Helps reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Low Calories: A guilt-free side dish that’s perfect for balanced meals.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This dish is great for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat:

In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

In the Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy texture, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. For a fun breakfast, reheat in a skillet and top with a fried egg.

How This Recipe Works

These maple roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The high-heat roasting creates crispy, caramelized edges, while the maple syrup and chili flakes add a sweet-spicy balance that makes this dish irresistible. It’s vegan, paleo, and versatile enough to complement any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. With minimal ingredients and prep, it’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers maximum impact.

Get Cooking This Fall!

Ready to transform Brussels sprouts into a dish everyone will rave about? These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are the ultimate side dish for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or everyday dinners. Save this recipe to your collection and make it tonight! For more healthy and delicious side dishes, visit The Flavor Bender and explore their collection of festive recipes