Introduction:
Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon is a side dish that beautifully balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors with delightful textures. This recipe elevates simple roasted vegetables to a gourmet level with a luscious maple glaze, crispy bacon, and optional additions of cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese for even more complexity. It’s a stunning and flavorful side perfect for holiday dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, fall gatherings, or any meal where you want to impress with a vegetable dish that’s anything but boring.
Imagine savoring a forkful of tender-crisp Brussels sprouts and sweet butternut squash, coated in a glistening maple glaze and studded with crispy bacon. The slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the squash and maple syrup, while the smoky bacon adds a savory depth and irresistible crunch. Optional additions of tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese take this dish to the next level, creating a truly harmonious and unforgettable flavor experience.
Whether you’re looking to expand your vegetable side dish repertoire, find a showstopper for a holiday menu, or simply want a delicious and healthy way to enjoy Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, this Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon recipe is an excellent choice. It’s relatively easy to prepare, mostly hands-off once the roasting begins, and guaranteed to convert even Brussels sprouts skeptics. Get ready to experience roasted vegetables in a whole new, incredibly delicious way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are countless reasons why this Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Firstly, the flavor combination is simply divine. The interplay of sweet maple, savory bacon, and the naturally earthy and slightly bitter Brussels sprouts and sweet butternut squash is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Secondly, the textures are wonderfully contrasting and satisfying. The roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash achieve a perfect balance of tender interiors and slightly crisp exteriors, while the bacon adds irresistible crispy bits. Optional additions of walnuts and cranberries further enhance the textural complexity, providing a delightful crunch and chewy burst of tartness.
Finally, this recipe is surprisingly versatile and customizable. You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. It’s a flexible recipe that can be adapted for vegetarian or even vegan diets (by omitting bacon and using vegan butter and maple syrup). The visual appeal is also undeniable, making it a beautiful addition to any table setting, especially during the fall and holiday seasons.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this flavorful and visually stunning Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, you’ll need a selection of fresh vegetables, pantry staples, and bacon to build its signature sweet, savory, and smoky profile. The stars of the dish are, of course, Brussels sprouts and butternut squash.
For the Brussels sprouts, you will need 1 1/2 pounds of Brussels sprouts. Choose firm, bright green Brussels sprouts. Smaller to medium-sized Brussels sprouts are ideal as they tend to be more tender and less bitter. Trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts are recommended for even roasting and good surface area for browning.
For the butternut squash, you will need 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds). Choose a firm, heavy butternut squash without soft spots or bruises. Peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash is recommended for convenience and even roasting. Cubing ensures even cooking and good surface area for caramelization.
Bacon is essential for the savory and smoky element. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for its substantial texture and rendered fat that adds flavor to the vegetables during roasting. You can use regular bacon if thick-cut isn’t available, but thick-cut holds up better during roasting.
For the maple glaze, you’ll need pure maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is crucial for the signature maple flavor and sweetness. Use good quality pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor. Olive oil or avocado oil is used for roasting the vegetables and bacon, preventing sticking and promoting browning. Olive oil or avocado oil are healthy fats suitable for roasting at high temperatures. Balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity and complexity to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup. Balsamic vinegar provides a tangy counterpoint to sweetness.
Garlic powder and onion powder are convenient seasonings that enhance the savory flavor profile. Garlic powder provides a savory garlic note. Onion powder adds a subtle onion flavor. These powdered seasonings are easy to incorporate and provide consistent flavor. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper provides a more aromatic and nuanced flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. Proper seasoning is crucial for a well-balanced and flavorful side dish.
Optional additions for enhancing the flavor and presentation of the dish include dried cranberries, adding a chewy tart-sweet element that complements the other flavors and textures. Walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped, toasted, adding a crunchy nutty element that pairs beautifully with maple and bacon. Goat cheese, crumbled, adding a creamy tang that contrasts nicely with the sweetness and savories. Fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary sprigs, for roasting with vegetables, adding aromatic herbaceous notes (optional, for enhanced herb flavor).
HOW TO MAKE “Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon”:
Making Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon is a rewarding and straightforward culinary process. The recipe centers around roasting the vegetables and bacon to achieve optimal flavor and texture, then tossing them in a simple yet flavorful maple glaze. Roasting is key to bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and crisping the bacon. The maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and ties all the flavors together.
The recipe is structured into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It begins with prepping the vegetables and bacon for roasting. The vegetables and bacon are then roasted until tender and crisp. While they roast, the maple glaze is prepared. Roasted vegetables and bacon are tossed with the maple glaze and optional additions like cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese.
By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can easily achieve delicious and impressive Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon at home. The simplicity of the method belies the incredible flavor and satisfying texture of the finished dish. Get ready to impress your family and guests with this restaurant-quality vegetable side!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables and Bacon for Roasting. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating the oven ensures it reaches the correct temperature for roasting vegetables and bacon. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the hard ends and halving or quartering larger sprouts. Trimming Brussels sprouts removes tough ends. Halving or quartering ensures even roasting. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into roughly 1-inch cubes. Peeling and seeding butternut squash prepares it for cooking. Cubing into roughly 1-inch pieces ensures even roasting time with Brussels sprouts. Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cutting bacon into pieces allows it to crisp up more evenly during roasting.
In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash cubes with olive oil or avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Large bowl provides ample space for tossing vegetables and seasonings. Olive oil or avocado oil helps vegetables roast and caramelize and adds flavor. Seasoning vegetables before roasting enhances their flavor. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. Even coating ensures consistent roasting and flavor.
Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts and butternut squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Single layer promotes even roasting and browning. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure single layer. Scatter the bacon pieces evenly over the vegetables on the baking sheet. Scattering bacon ensures even cooking and distribution of bacon flavor and crispness.
Step 2: Roast Vegetables and Bacon. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and slightly browned, the butternut squash is tender, and the bacon is crispy. Roasting time may vary slightly depending on your oven and size of vegetable cubes and bacon pieces. Stirring halfway through ensures even roasting and browning. Roasted vegetables should be tender and have some browned edges. Bacon should be crispy.
Step 3: Prepare the Maple Glaze. While the vegetables and bacon are roasting, prepare the maple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Small saucepan is suitable for making maple glaze. Maple syrup and balsamic vinegar create the sweet and tangy glaze.
Bring the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Simmering allows flavors to meld and glaze to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes syrupy, stirring occasionally. Short simmering time thickens glaze slightly. Glaze should be syrupy enough to coat vegetables but not too thick. Remove from heat and set aside. Having glaze ready streamlines final assembly.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve. Once the vegetables and bacon are roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and crispy bacon to a large serving bowl. Large serving bowl provides ample space for tossing vegetables, bacon, and glaze.
Pour the prepared maple glaze over the roasted vegetables and bacon in the serving bowl. Pour glaze evenly to coat all vegetables and bacon. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables and bacon are evenly coated with the maple glaze. Gentle tossing prevents breaking up roasted vegetables. Ensure even coating for consistent glaze flavor in every bite.
Optional additions: If using dried cranberries and toasted walnuts or pecans, add them to the bowl and toss gently to combine. Adding cranberries and nuts enhances texture and flavor complexity. Add crumbled goat cheese (if using) just before serving, gently scattering it over the top. Goat cheese is best added at the end to prevent melting too much and to maintain creamy texture and visual appeal.
Serve warm as a side dish immediately. Serve warm for optimal enjoyment and warmth. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon are a versatile and satisfying side dish. Enjoy this flavorful and festive vegetable dish!
USEFUL TIPS:
For extra crispy Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, ensure they are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can steam vegetables instead of roasting, preventing browning and crisping. Single layer and avoiding overcrowding are key for crispy roasted vegetables. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
For a smoky bacon flavor throughout the dish, consider cooking the bacon slightly before roasting it with the vegetables. Partially cooking bacon before roasting renders out some fat and allows it to crisp up further during vegetable roasting. Partially cooked bacon can be added to baking sheet with vegetables for roasting.
To prevent the maple glaze from being too thin, simmer it for the full 2-3 minutes as directed, or slightly longer if needed, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Simmering for recommended time ensures glaze thickens sufficiently. Under-simmering will result in a thinner, less coating glaze.
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple glaze while simmering, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. Red pepper flakes or hot sauce adds heat to maple glaze. Adjust spice level according to your preference.
To add more flavor depth, roast a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary with the vegetables for an herbaceous aroma and flavor. Fresh thyme or rosemary roasted with vegetables enhances herb flavor in the dish. Add fresh herb sprigs to baking sheet with vegetables before roasting.
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon entirely and increase the amount of olive oil or avocado oil used for roasting the vegetables. Vegetarian version can be achieved by omitting bacon. Vegetarian dish will still be flavorful with roasted vegetables and maple glaze.
For a vegan option, omit the bacon and goat cheese. Use vegan butter instead of dairy butter (if butter is used in glaze variations – this recipe uses olive oil and maple syrup, so no butter substitution needed for vegan version). Vegan version is possible by omitting bacon and goat cheese, and ensuring maple syrup and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
For a make-ahead component, you can roast the vegetables and bacon ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Roasted vegetables and bacon store well separately in refrigerator. Prepare maple glaze just before serving. Toss roasted vegetables and bacon with glaze and other additions just before serving. Making roasted vegetables and bacon ahead saves time on the day of serving.
For reheating leftover dish, reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Oven reheating helps to maintain crispness of vegetables and bacon better than microwaving. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Goat cheese is best added fresh and may melt upon reheating.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 25 minutes. The preparation time includes preheating oven, prepping Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, cutting bacon, making maple glaze, and preparing components for roasting. Efficient prep work will streamline the cooking process. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes roasting + 2-3 minutes glaze simmering. The cooking time is primarily roasting vegetables and bacon and a short simmer time for glaze. Roasting is the longer component for tenderizing vegetables and crisping bacon. Glaze simmering is a quick stovetop step. Total cook time reflects roasting and stovetop cooking combined.
Total Time: 45-53 minutes. The total time from start to finish, including prep time and cook time, is approximately 45-53 minutes. Roasting time makes up the bulk of total time. Total time is reasonable for a flavorful and impressive vegetable side dish.
Yield: 6-8 servings. This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, suitable for a family meal or small gathering. Serving size can be adjusted based on individual appetites and serving context. Yield is sufficient for a holiday side dish or to serve guests.
Category: Side Dish, Vegetable Dish, Holiday Side, Fall Recipe, Roasted Vegetables. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon is versatile, categorized as a side dish, vegetable dish, holiday side, fall recipe, and roasted vegetables. It is primarily served as a side dish and is particularly well-suited for fall and holiday meals. Categorization highlights its versatility and culinary role.
Method: Roasting, Simmering, Tossing. The primary cooking methods are roasting vegetables and bacon, simmering the maple glaze, and tossing all components together for serving. Roasting develops flavor and texture in vegetables and bacon. Simmering prepares the maple glaze. Tossing combines all ingredients for serving. These methods combine to create the final dish.
Cuisine: American, Fall, Holiday, Vegetable-Focused. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon is American in style, particularly suited for fall and holiday meals, and focuses on highlighting vegetables in a flavorful and appealing way. Its flavor profile and ingredients align with fall and holiday cuisine. American cuisine often features roasted vegetables as side dishes, especially during fall and holidays. Cuisine reflects the recipe’s origin and culinary style.
Diet: Not Vegetarian (contains bacon), Adaptable (can be modified to vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free). The base recipe is not vegetarian due to the bacon. It can be adapted to be vegetarian by omitting bacon, and vegan by omitting bacon and goat cheese and ensuring maple syrup and oil are vegan-friendly. It is naturally gluten-free. Diet category highlights its standard form (non-vegetarian) and potential for modification.
NOTES:
One note on Brussels sprouts – don’t overcook Brussels sprouts as they can become mushy and develop a stronger, less desirable flavor. Roasting until tender-crisp is key to perfect texture. Overcooked Brussels sprouts become mushy and less flavorful. Roast until tender-crisp for optimal texture and flavor.
Another note is regarding butternut squash cube size – aim for roughly 1-inch cubes for the butternut squash to ensure even roasting time with the Brussels sprouts. Uniform cube size promotes even cooking and prevents some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked. Consistent cube size leads to evenly cooked vegetables.
For serving suggestions, Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon is a stunning side dish on its own, or served as part of a larger holiday feast or fall-inspired meal. It pairs well with: roasted chicken or turkey, pork tenderloin, beef roast, vegetarian main courses like lentil loaf or nut roast, or alongside other fall side dishes like mashed potatoes or stuffing. Pairing suggestions enhance serving presentation and complement vegetable side dish flavors. Consider serving with protein main course and other complementary side dishes for a balanced meal.
If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the recipe ingredients. Roasting may need to be done in batches for larger quantities of vegetables and bacon, or use two large baking sheets. Glaze quantity may also need to be increased proportionally for larger batches. Doubling recipe is easy for larger gatherings or holiday meals. Larger batches may require adjustments to roasting and glaze preparation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I use different types of squash instead of butternut squash?
A: Yes, you can substitute other types of winter squash for butternut squash in this recipe, offering different flavor nuances and textures. Acorn squash, delicata squash, or kabocha squash would all be delicious alternatives. Different squash varieties will have slightly different sweetness and textures. Choose squash based on your preferred flavor and texture profile.
Q: Can I use pancetta or prosciutto instead of bacon?
A: Yes, you can use pancetta or prosciutto instead of bacon for a different savory flavor profile. Pancetta will offer a richer, slightly porkier flavor and will crisp up similarly to bacon. Prosciutto will become crispy in the oven and offer a more delicate and salty flavor. Pancetta and prosciutto are flavorful alternatives to bacon, offering variations in taste and texture. Choose cured pork based on your preferred flavor intensity.
Q: Can I make the maple glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the maple glaze ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make glaze completely and store in airtight container. Reheat glaze gently in a saucepan or microwave before tossing with roasted vegetables and bacon, if needed, as glaze may thicken upon cooling. Making glaze ahead saves time on the day of cooking. Reheating may be needed if glaze becomes too thick after cooling.
Q: What are good substitutions for goat cheese if I don’t like it?
A: If you don’t enjoy goat cheese, there are several delicious alternatives that would complement the flavors of this dish. Feta cheese, crumbled, will offer a salty and tangy flavor similar to goat cheese, though with a firmer texture. Crumbled blue cheese will provide a stronger, pungent, and creamy alternative for those who enjoy bolder cheese flavors. For a milder and creamier option, try mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese, dolloped on top. If you prefer to avoid cheese altogether, toasted nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds) or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast (for a savory, cheesy-like flavor) would be good dairy-free alternatives. Choose cheese or cheese substitute based on your preferred flavor profile and texture.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure your leftover Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon remains delicious and safe to eat, proper storage is key. Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Do not store while warm as trapped heat will create condensation and soften the roasted vegetables and bacon. Cooling completely before storing is crucial for maintaining texture.
Once cooled, store the leftover dish in airtight containers. Store in a single layer if possible to prevent vegetables and bacon from becoming soggy or sticking together. If you need to layer them, place paper towels between layers to absorb any excess moisture. Airtight containers are essential for preventing air exposure and maintaining best texture for a longer period (though crispness will diminish over time).
Store the airtight containers of leftover dish in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety, especially because of the bacon content. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Proper refrigeration is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety for dishes containing meat.
Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. While leftovers may remain safe to eat for slightly longer, the texture of the roasted vegetables and bacon will soften, and the overall dish quality may degrade over time. For optimal taste and to minimize health risks, it is recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe. Always use your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to assess the quality of leftovers before consuming.
Reheating leftover Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon is best done in an oven or air fryer to help regain some crispiness, especially for the bacon. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy again. Microwaving is also an option for reheating individual portions quickly, but the vegetables and bacon may become softer and less crispy compared to oven or air fryer reheating. Oven or air fryer reheating is preferred for best texture retention. Goat cheese, if added, is best served fresh and may melt or lose texture upon reheating; consider adding fresh goat cheese after reheating for best results.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this flavorful and festive Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, you will likely enjoy these other roasted vegetable and Brussels sprouts variations. Consider trying Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze for a simpler Brussels sprouts side dish highlighting balsamic vinegar and roasting for flavor. Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze offer a simpler preparation of Brussels sprouts with a tangy balsamic glaze, emphasizing the roasted vegetable flavor with balsamic notes. It’s a delicious alternative for a more streamlined Brussels sprouts side.
Another excellent option is Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage and Brown Butter, for a roasted butternut squash side dish highlighting autumnal flavors of sage and brown butter. Roasted butternut squash with sage and brown butter focuses on butternut squash flavor enhanced by sage and rich brown butter, offering a different flavor direction from maple and bacon. It’s a great choice for squash lovers seeking a more herbaceous and buttery side.
For a different style of roasted vegetable medley, explore Roasted Root Vegetables with Herbs, featuring a mix of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes roasted with herbs. Roasted root vegetables with herbs offer a diverse medley of root vegetables roasted with herbs, providing a wider range of vegetable flavors and textures. These related recipes offer diverse flavor combinations and vegetable choices within the roasted vegetable side dish category, providing a range of delicious options to explore beyond Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon.
CONCLUSION
Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon is a side dish that truly shines, transforming simple vegetables into a flavor-packed and visually appealing culinary experience. This recipe offers a straightforward yet incredibly rewarding way to create a sweet, savory, and smoky vegetable side that is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings. Whether you’re a vegetable enthusiast or looking to impress your guests with a memorable dish, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success.
The combination of tender-crisp roasted vegetables, crispy bacon, a luscious maple glaze, and optional additions of cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. Homemade Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon are far more flavorful and satisfying than any restaurant or store-bought version, and the relatively simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a treat that is as enjoyable to make and share as it is to eat, perfectly capturing the spirit of relaxed, delicious, and wholesome home cooking.
So, gather your Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and bacon, and prepare to experience the simple joy of homemade Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite nuts, cheeses, spices, herbs, or dried fruits to create your own personalized version of this delightful side dish. Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavors, and enjoy the sweet, savory, and smoky goodness of every bite. Happy cooking, and may your Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon be a delicious success!
