Name: Maple Bourbon Brussels Sprouts - Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, rinsed, trimmed, halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 4 slices beef bacon, diced; 2 oz non-alcoholic bourbon flavoring; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup candied pecans, chopped

Maple Bourbon Extract Brussels Sprouts: a dish that sounds like pure culinary magic, doesn’t it? There’s a reason these little green gems have taken the appetizer and side dish world by storm. We all know Brussels sprouts can be a love-it-or-hate-it situation, but when prepared with the irresistible combination of sweet maple and smoky bourbon, they transform into something truly craveable. What makes these Maple Bourbon Extract Brussels Sprouts so special? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. We achieve that delightful crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside tender and perfectly cooked, all infused with a sophisticated sweetness that’s not overpowering. Forget any past aversions; this recipe will have you reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds, of these delightful Maple Bourbon Extract Brussels Sprouts. Prepare to be amazed!

Ingredients:

2 lbs Brussels sprouts, rinsed, trimmed, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
4 slices bacon, diced
2 oz bourbon
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ cup maple syrup
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup candied pecans, chopped

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Step 1: Roasting the Brussels Sprouts

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving those wonderfully crispy edges on our Brussels sprouts. Take your 2 lbs of Brussels sprouts, which you’ve already rinsed and trimmed, and cut them in half. This exposes more surface area to the heat, ensuring even cooking and caramelization. Place the halved Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, making sure each sprout is lightly coated. Then, season them with ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together with your hands or a spatula to distribute the oil and seasonings evenly. Spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This prevents them from steaming rather than roasting, and is key to getting that delightful crispiness. They will need about 20-25 minutes in the oven, but we’ll be checking on them.

Step 2: Cooking the Bacon

While the Brussels sprouts are getting their initial roast, let’s get started on the bacon. In a large skillet, cook the 4 slices of diced bacon over medium heat. You want to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and your stove. As the bacon cooks, it will render its delicious fat. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet; this flavorful fat will be used to add another layer of savory depth to our Maple Bourbon Extract Brussels Sprouts.

Crafting the Maple Bourbon Glaze

Step 3: Deglazing the Pan and Building the Glaze

Now, with the bacon fat still in the skillet (carefully pour off any excess if there’s a lot, but leave a good tablespoon or two for flavor), it’s time to create our luscious glaze. Turn the heat to medium-low. Carefully add the 2 oz of bourbon to the skillet. Be cautious as the alcohol may momentarily flare up. Let the bourbon bubble and reduce for about 30 seconds to a minute, allowing some of the harsh alcohol notes to cook off and leaving behind that wonderful bourbon essence. Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Now, it’s time for the sweetness! Add ½ cup of maple syrup and ½ cup of brown sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together constantly until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken into a syrupy glaze. This process should take a few minutes.

Combining and Finishing

Step 4: Glazing the Brussels Sprouts

Once the Brussels sprouts have roasted for about 20-25 minutes and are starting to look tender and slightly browned, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to broil (high). Now, gently pour the prepared maple bourbon glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts directly on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to toss the sprouts, ensuring each half is evenly coated in the glossy glaze. This is where the magic happens, as the glaze will caramelize beautifully under the broiler.

Step 5: Broiling to Perfection and Final Touches

Return the glazed Brussels sprouts to the oven and place them under the broiler for 2-4 minutes. Watch them very closely! The broiler is intense and can burn them quickly. You’re looking for the glaze to become slightly bubbly and caramelized, with some beautiful browned edges on the sprouts. Once they’ve reached this state, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the crispy, cooked bacon bits you reserved earlier over the top. Then, generously scatter the ½ cup of chopped candied pecans. The combination of the savory bacon, the sweet and tangy glaze, the tender-crisp sprouts, and the crunchy, sweet pecans creates an incredible explosion of flavors and textures in every bite of these Maple Bourbon Extract Brussels Sprouts.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a truly delightful way to transform humble Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping side dish. These Maple Bourbon Extract Brussels Sprouts offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of smoky warmth, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. The subtle notes from the bourbon extract are what truly elevate this recipe, bringing an unexpected depth of flavor that complements the natural bitterness of the sprouts beautifully. I’ve found that they pair exceptionally well with roasted meats like pork tenderloin or Thanksgiving turkey, but they’re equally at home alongside grilled salmon or a hearty vegetarian stew. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your own twists! Consider adding toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or a sprinkle of crispy pancetta for a salty kick. Ultimately, I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and discover just how delicious Brussels sprouts can be. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe without bourbon extract?

Absolutely! While the bourbon extract adds a unique flavor profile, you can achieve a delicious result without it. You could substitute it with a tiny splash of vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness, or simply omit it altogether. The maple syrup and bacon (if using) will still provide plenty of flavor.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

No problem! You can easily adapt this Maple Bourbon Extract Brussels Sprouts recipe to any oven-safe skillet or even a baking sheet. The key is to achieve a good sear on the sprouts for that desirable crispy texture, so ensure your pan is preheated properly, or spread the sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet for even roasting.