Description
Maple-glazed brussels sprouts and butternut squash with bacon combines roasted vegetables caramelized with sweet maple syrup and crispy bacon. Rich flavors from New England inspire this simple seasonal side dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 lb (454 g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup (30 g) pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 3 tbsps pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for efficient roasting.
- Chopping: Slice Brussels sprouts and butternut squash into consistent pieces, and cut bacon into small fragments to ensure crisp texture.
- Seasoning: Toss vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, then spread evenly across the prepared baking sheet, interspersing bacon pieces throughout.
- Initial Roasting: Place baking sheet in preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to promote even caramelization and golden-brown edges.
- Glaze Creation: Whisk maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon in a small bowl to craft a rich, complex coating.
- Glazing: Remove roasted vegetables from oven, drizzle with prepared maple mixture, and gently toss to ensure thorough coverage.
- Final Caramelization: Return glazed dish to oven for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to intensify and create a glossy, deeply flavored finish.
- Serving: Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with toasted nuts and chopped parsley, presenting a vibrant and aromatic side dish ready to delight.
Notes
- Chop Uniformly: Cut Brussels sprouts and butternut squash into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even roasting and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Control Bacon Crispness: Slice bacon into small pieces and distribute sparingly to prevent overwhelming the vegetables while maintaining perfect crispiness.
- Watch Glaze Caramelization: Monitor maple glaze closely during final roasting to prevent burning, ensuring a rich caramelized finish without scorching.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh for vegetarian version or use turkey bacon for lower-fat alternative without compromising flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg