Okay, let’s talk about greens! You know how much I love making Brussels sprouts sing, right? Well, forget boring steamed or plain roasted veggies. My absolute favorite way to jazz them up is with this incredible Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon recipe. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for any meal! You get that salty, smoky crunch from the bacon, a deep, savory hit from the miso, and then just a whisper of sweet maple syrup that caramelizes perfectly on the sprouts. It’s this amazing flavor combo that makes me so happy, and my family devours them every single time. It reminds me of a Thanksgiving dinner years ago when I wanted something *different* and totally nailed it!
Why You’ll Love Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon
This side dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons:
- Flavor explosion! You get that perfect salty crunch from the bacon, a super satisfying savory kick from the miso, and just a hint of sweet maple goodness. It’s like a party in your mouth.
- So easy to make! Honestly, tossing everything together takes minutes, and then your oven does most of the work. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fuss-free side.
- Amazing texture combo. The sprouts get nice and tender with little crispy caramelized bits, and that crumbled bacon on top? Pure magic!
- Super versatile. This side dish goes with almost anything – grilled chicken, pork chops, steak, even fish! It really elevates any meal.
Gather Your Ingredients for Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for these flavor-packed sprouts! Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so smooth. I always try to grab the freshest Brussels sprouts I can find, you know, the ones that are nice and firm. And for the bacon, well, any good quality bacon will do, but I find thicker cut really gives you those satisfying crumbles!
Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts: Make sure to trim off those tough ends and then cut them in half. This helps them cook evenly and get those lovely caramelized edges.
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil: Good old extra virgin olive oil is perfect here for coating the sprouts.
- 2 tablespoons White miso paste: This is your umami powerhouse! White miso is a bit milder and sweeter, which pairs beautifully with the maple.
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup: Use the real stuff, okay? None of that pancake syrup knock-off. The pure maple syrup makes all the difference in the flavor here.
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar: Just a touch of acidity to balance out the richness and sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, it adds a little zing.
- 4 slices Bacon: Cooked until nice and crispy, then crumbled. This is our salty, smoky topping!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon
Alright, let’s get these amazing sprouts into the oven! It’s seriously straightforward, and the results are SO worth it. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have the tastiest Brussels sprouts you’ve ever made.
Preheat and Prepare for Roasting
First things first, get that oven nice and toasty! We’re aiming for 400°F (that’s 200°C). While it heats up, grab a baking sheet – I like to line mine with parchment paper. Trust me, this makes clean-up a breeze! Spreading the sprouts out in a single layer is key. If they’re all piled up, they’ll steam instead of roast, and we want those lovely crispy, caramelized bits, right?
Crafting the Miso-Maple Glaze
This is where the magic happens! Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the olive oil, white miso paste, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and that freshly ground black pepper. Whisk it all up until it’s smooth and beautiful. You want it to be one glorious, pourable mixture, no lumps allowed! If it seems a little too thick, a tiny splash more olive oil or vinegar can help it along.
Coating the Brussels Sprouts
Now, pop those trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts into the bowl with the glaze. Get your hands in there (or use a big spoon!) and toss everything around until every single sprout is beautifully coated. You want to make sure they’re all nice and glistening with that savory-sweet glaze. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!
Roasting to Perfection
Carefully spread those glazed sprouts onto your prepared baking sheet. Again, single layer is the way to go! Pop them into that preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through – so around the 10-12 minute mark – give them a good toss or flip on the baking sheet. This helps them brown up nicely on all sides. You’re looking for them to be tender when you poke them with a fork, and you’ll see some lovely dark, caramelized spots. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can check out this maple roasted brussels sprouts recipe for more ideas!
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once they’re perfectly roasted and smelling amazing, take them out of the oven. Transfer those gorgeous sprouts to your serving dish. Now for the grand finale: sprinkle that crispy, crumbled bacon all over the top! It adds that final salty, smoky crunch that just sends these sprouts over the top. Serve them up right away while they’re warm and delicious!
Tips for the Best Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, which is fantastic! But to really make these Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon shine, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. It’s all about those tiny details that take a good dish to a *great* dish. Think of me as your kitchen fairy godmother for Brussels sprouts! This dish reminds me of those cozy nights when you just want something comforting, much like what you’d find in some cozy fall crockpot recipes, but this is a quick stovetop and oven wonder.
Choosing and Preparing Brussels Sprouts
When you’re picking out your sprouts, look for ones that are nice and firm, with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that look yellow or have lots of loose leaves. Before you toss them in the glaze, make sure to trim off that tough little stem end – it’s usually a bit woody. And then, cutting them in half is non-negotiable! It really helps them get those lovely charred, caramelized bits around the edges and cook through beautifully.
Achieving Crispy Bacon
Nobody likes soggy bacon bits! My favorite way to get bacon super crispy is to bake it. Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet (you can line it with foil for easy cleanup!) and pop it in the oven while your sprouts are roasting, usually around 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s perfectly crisp. Then, just lay it on a paper towel for a minute to drain off any excess grease before crumbling. It’s so much easier than pan-frying and less splattery, too!
Ensuring Even Roasting
Seriously, the single layer on the baking sheet is your best friend here. If you crowd the pan, the sprouts will steam, and that’s not what we want. We’re after that delightful roast! Also, don’t forget to give them a good toss or flip halfway through. Ovens can be funny things, and some spots get hotter than others, so flipping ensures all those little sprouts get gloriously browned and tender all around. It really makes a difference!
Variations for Your Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts
You know, the beauty of a good recipe is that it’s a starting point, not a rigid rulebook! While I absolutely adore these Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon just as they are, I love playing around with them too. Sometimes I get this craving for a little extra crunch or a different flavor note, and you can totally do that! It’s all about making it *your* perfect side dish.
How about tossing in some toasted pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of roasting? They get perfectly crunchy and add this amazing nutty depth. Or, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try swapping the rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar – it gives a slightly different tang. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the glaze before tossing? Yum! It just adds this subtle warmth that’s lovely with the sweet and savory notes. Experimenting is half the fun!
Serving Suggestions for Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon
Honestly, these Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon are so darn good, they make almost any meal feel special! They’re fantastic alongside a hearty roasted chicken or some juicy pork chops. I love pairing them with a simple pan-seared steak too – the rich flavors just complement each other perfectly. They’re amazing with quick weeknight meals, too, you know, those 30-minute dinner recipes that save the day. They really elevate even the simplest of mains, making any meal feel like a feast. They’re just one of those perfect easy dinner recipes companions!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
So, if you happen to have any of these amazing Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon leftover (which is rare in my house!), don’t worry! They store and reheat pretty well. I usually pop them into an airtight container once they’ve cooled down a bit. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the oven is really your best bet for getting that nice texture back. A quick toss in a hot oven or even a toaster oven works wonders to crisp them up again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts
I get asked about this recipe all the time, and honestly, it’s one of my favorites to tweak and answer questions about! Brussels sprouts can be tricky, but this miso-maple combo really opens up a world of yum. Here are a few things people usually wonder about:
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! If you want to keep this dish meat-free or totally vegan, all you need to do is skip the bacon. But don’t worry, you won’t miss that salty crunch if you add something else delicious! Try some toasted chopped walnuts or pecans tossed in with the sprouts for the last 10 minutes of roasting, or some crispy fried shallots. For a vegan version, just make sure your maple syrup is definitely maple syrup and not just flavored syrup!
What type of miso paste is best?
For these Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts, I really love using white miso paste. It’s also sometimes called “shiro miso.” It’s got a lighter color and a much milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to yellow or red miso. This makes it perfect for coating vegetables where you want the other flavors like maple and bacon to really shine through without the miso being too overpowering. It’s a really gentle umami boost!
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! I’ve done this before when I know I’ll be short on time later. You can whisk up that miso-maple glaze mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before you plan to use it, just let it sit out on the counter for about 15-20 minutes to come back to room temperature and loosen up a bit. It makes getting the sprouts ready super quick!
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
Okay, so while we’re all about flavor here, it’s sometimes helpful to have a ballpark idea of what you’re eating. Keep in mind this is just an estimate, and it can really change depending on the exact brands you use, how much bacon grease sticks around, and even the size of your Brussels sprouts! But generally, a serving of these Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon will give you a good kick of vitamins and fiber, with a nice balance of savory, sweet, and fatty goodness.
Share Your Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts Creations!
I absolutely adore seeing your kitchen creations! When you whip up these Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon, please, please share it with me! Drop a comment below, let me know how they turned out, or even better, share a photo on social media and tag me! It makes my day to see you enjoying these (or any!) of my recipes, and it helps other home cooks decide to give them a try too. You can read more about my kitchen adventures anytime over on my About page – I’d love for you to connect!
Miso-Maple Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, miso paste, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the glaze.
- Spread the glazed Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping them halfway through.
- Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving dish, and top with the crumbled bacon before serving.