Enjoy these Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts as a holiday side or winter weeknight side dish. Packed full of flavor from fresh orange and smoky bacon, these bacon brussels sprouts can be easily made in the oven or stovetop and will not disappoint.

I like to believe that anyone who says they “don’t like brussels sprouts” just hasn’t made them correctly… I know that’s not true but if you are steaming or boiling your brussels, you’re doing it wrong. Not surprisingly, boiling or steaming brussels leads to a pretty unappetizing taste.

In all seriousness, you probably can’t go wrong but I have to say… this recipe is my favorite way to enjoy brussels sprouts. Add some bacon and complimentary sweet flavors and you’ve got yourself a winner. They also make for a delicious Thanksgiving side!

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Ingredients

• Brussels sprout – 2 pounds brussel sprouts (instructions for prepping below)
• Oranges – you want the rind, zest + juice
• Bacon – 1/2 pound bacon
• Maple syrup – 2 tablespoons maple syrup. You’ll drizzle this into the cast iron when roasting brussels
• Red wine vinegar – for balancing acidity and finishing dish.
• Red chili flakes – optional but adds a nice kick

How to Prep Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts

First things first, let’s chat about picking out the best brussels sprouts at the store! If you ever see sprouts on a stalk, grab them! These will stay the freshest, the longest. Keep them on the stalk until you’re ready to use them. If you don’t see stalks there are usually two other options in the store: prepackaged brussels sprouts or sprouts sold in bulk. Either works great, just be sure to look for firm, green sprouts without holes or major discoloration. 

When you’re ready to prep them, give them a good rinse in a colander. Use a paring knife to cut off the bottom, hard stem. Remove any discolored or shriveled outer leaves. Slice the sprout in half lengthwise and set aside. 

How to Make Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts

STEP 1: Wash and dry your oranges. Remove the rind of one orange using a paring knife. Try to just get the rind and not much of the pith (the bitter white layer). 

STEP 2: Juice the orange that you peeled and set aside. Zest the second orange and set the zest aside. 

STEP 3: Chop the bacon into bite sized pieces and cook in a single layer in cast iron pan over medium high heat until you have crisp bacon pieces. Remove the bacon pieces and place on a paper towel lined plate. Pour the bacon grease into a small bowl or jar and set aside. 

STEP 4: Prep brussels sprouts according to instructions above if you haven’t already. Place the brussels, orange rind and juice, 6 tablespoons of bacon fat, chili flakes and maple syrup into the cast iron skillet. Season with salt and pepper and roast at 425ºF for 40 minutes, stir halfway through. Brussels are ready when they are tender. 

STEP 5: When the brussels are nice and crispy, remove from the oven and finish by adding the red wine vinegar, orange zest and bacon pieces. Toss everything together and serve. 

What if I Don’t Have a Cast Iron Skillet?

You can still make these brussels sprouts if you don’t have a cast iron skillet. Start by cooking your slices bacon in the oven with this easy tutorial. After the bacon is roasted, spread the brussels sprout mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and cook for the same amount of time as listed above. Finish with the orange zest, red wine vinegar and bacon and you’ve got a delicious side my entirely in the oven. 

How to Store Brussel Sprouts

Like most vegetables, these maple bacon brussel sprouts will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They’re best immediately after cooking but you can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. They most likely won’t be crispy though! Alternative would be to do air fryer brussels sprouts to keep them crispy.

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