Crispy Fried Maple Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that often get a bad reputation, but when prepared correctly, they can transform into a crispy, caramelized, and downright addictive dish. In this recipe, Brussels sprouts are fried to perfection, paired with crispy bacon, and dressed in a sweet maple glaze that balances their natural bitterness with a rich sweetness.

Whether you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show or a snack that satisfies, Crispy Fried Maple Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are sure to become a favorite. The dish is a perfect combination of textures and flavors, with the soft, caramelized centers of the sprouts and the satisfying crunch of the bacon and crispy outer leaves. The maple syrup adds an unexpected sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salty, savory bacon.

This recipe is not only delicious but can also be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add different seasonings, adjust the sweetness of the maple glaze, or even make it a complete meal by adding a protein. Let’s dive into how to prepare these irresistible sprouts!

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

The first step in creating these crispy fried Brussels sprouts is to prepare the vegetable itself.

1. Trimming the Brussels Sprouts:
   Begin by trimming the Brussels sprouts. Cut off the tough stems and remove any outer leaves that are damaged or yellowed. After trimming, slice each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. This will help the Brussels sprouts cook more evenly and allow more of the outer leaves to become crispy during the frying process.

2. Rinsing and Drying:
   Rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel. It’s important that the Brussels sprouts are as dry as possible to ensure they fry crisply rather than steam.

Step 2: Preparing the Bacon

Crispy bacon will add a savory crunch to balance the sweet maple glaze. Here’s how to cook it perfectly.

1. Cooking the Bacon:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon slices to the skillet in a single layer. Fry the bacon until it is crisp and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

2. Draining the Bacon:
   Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Let it cool for a minute or two, then crumble or chop it into small pieces. Set it aside.

3. Saving the Bacon Drippings:
   Keep the bacon drippings in the skillet. You’ll use this flavorful fat to fry the Brussels sprouts, adding extra richness and flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Frying the Brussels Sprouts

Now, we move on to the crucial step of frying the Brussels sprouts to achieve the desired crispy texture.

1. Coating the Brussels Sprouts:
   In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated. The flour coating will create a crispy outer layer when fried.

2. Heating the Oil:
   Heat the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat. If there’s not enough bacon fat, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil to help fry the Brussels sprouts evenly.

3. Frying the Brussels Sprouts:
   Once the oil is hot, add the Brussels sprouts, cut side down, to the skillet in a single layer. Fry the Brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent them from getting crispy. If necessary, work in batches.

4. Removing the Brussels Sprouts:
   Once the Brussels sprouts are crispy and browned, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Making the Maple Glaze

Now it’s time to make the sweet and savory maple glaze that will tie the dish together.

1. Combining the Ingredients:
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), and butter. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. You want it to have a syrupy consistency that will coat the Brussels sprouts.

2. Seasoning the Glaze:
   Taste the glaze and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a little more maple syrup. If you prefer a bit more tang, add extra balsamic vinegar.

Step 5: Assembling the Dish

Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.

1. Tossing the Brussels Sprouts:
   In a large bowl, add the fried Brussels sprouts and the crumbled bacon. Pour the maple glaze over the Brussels sprouts and toss everything together gently to coat the sprouts evenly. The glaze should stick to the crispy outer leaves, creating a deliciously sticky coating.

2. Serving the Dish:
   Transfer the glazed Brussels sprouts to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon, if desired, and a drizzle of any leftover maple glaze. Serve immediately while the sprouts are still crispy!

Tips and Variations

• For Extra Crispy Brussels Sprouts:
  If you want extra crispy Brussels sprouts, after frying, you can place them in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. This will further crisp up the outer layers without burning them.

• Add Other Seasonings:
  You can adjust the flavor profile of the Brussels sprouts by adding different spices. For example, try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the maple glaze for a warm, fall-inspired flavor. A splash of soy sauce in the glaze can also add a savory depth.

• For a Vegetarian Version:
  If you’re making this dish vegetarian, you can skip the bacon and instead fry the Brussels sprouts in olive oil or butter. You could also use smoked paprika to add a smokey flavor and sprinkle some toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for crunch.

• Serving Suggestions:
  These Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for roasted meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef. You could also serve them as a main dish, perhaps over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.

• Leftovers:
  Leftover Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot skillet or in the oven to restore some of their crispiness. You can also eat them cold, straight from the fridge, as a snack or salad topping.

• Make It Spicy:
  Add a little bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the maple glaze to give the dish a spicy kick. The sweetness of the maple syrup pairs beautifully with the heat, creating a sweet-spicy combination that’s irresistible.

Conclusion

Crispy Fried Maple Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy, making them an unforgettable side dish or appetizer. The fried Brussels sprouts provide a satisfying crunch, while the maple glaze adds a sweet, rich coating that enhances the flavor. The crispy bacon brings a savory, smoky element to the dish, completing the flavor profile with perfection.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any special occasion. Customize the recipe to your liking by adjusting the spices, changing the glaze ingredients, or adding different toppings. Regardless of how you make it, Crispy Fried Maple Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are sure to be a hit at your table.

Yield: 4

Crispy Fried Maple Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

Print

Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that often get a bad reputation, but when prepared correctly, they can transform into a crispy, caramelized, and downright addictive dish. In this recipe, Brussels sprouts are fried to perfection, paired with crispy bacon, and dressed in a sweet maple glaze that balances their natural bitterness with a rich sweetness.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Brussels Sprouts:
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crispness)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or any high-heat oil for frying)
• For the Maple Bacon Glaze:
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

For the Brussels Sprouts:

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half.
2. Season the Brussels Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until evenly coated. The flour helps them crisp up when fried.
3. Fry the Brussels Sprouts: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of Brussels sprout into the oil), carefully add the Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Fry for about 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in batches.
4. Drain and Set Aside: Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the Brussels sprouts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

For the Maple Bacon Glaze:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a medium skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Make the Maple Glaze: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the maple syrup, Dijon mustard (if using), apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
3. Combine: Add the crispy Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the maple glaze, tossing gently to coat. Add the crispy bacon bits and give everything another toss.

Serving:

• Serve immediately while warm, garnished with extra bacon bits if desired.

Notes

• Crispiness Tip: For extra crispy Brussels sprouts, you can double-coat them in flour (flour first, then a quick dip in water, followed by more flour).
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for the glaze, or swap in plant-based bacon.
• Frying Tip: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding Brussels sprouts, or they may absorb too much oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer to check for an oil temperature of about 350°F.
• Serving Variations: This dish pairs well with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or turkey. You can also serve it as a snack or appetizer.