Maple Spiced Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Bacon

Welcome to a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul – Spicy Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon! This dish is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that come together to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. Imagine tender roasted butternut squash and crispy brussels sprouts, kissed with the sweetness of maple syrup, a hint of heat from cayenne pepper, and the rich umami of bacon.

Picture the vibrant colors and irresistible aromas that will fill your kitchen as you prepare this dish. The magic happens as the vegetables caramelize in the oven, creating a medley of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. And let’s not forget the finishing touches – the crunch of toasted pecans, the burst of sweetness from dried cranberries, and the creamy decadence of gorgonzola cheese sprinkled on top.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish for your holiday table or a cozy weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends, Spicy Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon is the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process of creating something special, and savor each bite of this delightful dish that brings together the best of fall flavors in every mouthful.

Quick Benefits

• Exciting Flavor Profile: The combination of maple syrup, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and cloves/allspice creates a sweet and spicy flavor explosion that is both cozy and unexpectedly exciting.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: This dish is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like brussels sprouts, butternut squash, pecans, and bacon, providing a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences and ingredient availability, making it perfect for vegetarians, meat-lovers, and those with specific cheese preferences. Can be served as a side dish, salad, or even a main course with variations.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dish can be partially prepared in advance by roasting vegetables and cooking bacon ahead, and then quickly assembled and reheated before serving, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Spiced Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Bacon Recipe

• Exciting Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet maple syrup, spicy cayenne, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves creates a unique and delicious flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The dish strikes a perfect balance between the sweetness of the maple syrup and butternut squash and the subtle heat from the cayenne pepper, offering a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Textural Contrast: The dish offers a delightful textural contrast with the crispy bacon, tender roasted vegetables, crunchy toasted pecans, and chewy dried cranberries, creating a satisfying and multi-dimensional eating experience.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping ingredients like butternut squash for sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts for broccoli, or blue cheese for feta, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences and ingredient availability.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for meal planning or entertaining. Simply reheat the dish in the oven to revive the crispy bacon and maintain the cheese’s texture.
• Holiday-Worthy Dish: Whether you’re serving it alongside a Thanksgiving turkey or as a main course for a cozy dinner, this dish exudes holiday vibes with its rich flavors and vibrant colors, making it a perfect addition to your festive table.
• Historical Inspiration: The recipe’s roots in colonial America and New England fall flavors add a touch of tradition and history to your meal, making it a conversation starter and adding depth to the dining experience.

Ingredients for Maple Spiced Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Bacon

Vegetables

• 450 g brussels sprouts, stems and outer leaves removed, halved
• 4 cups (about 600 g) peeled and cubed butternut squash

For Roasting

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper
• 0.13 teaspoon (0.3 g) ground cloves or allspice
• 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon

Toppings and Garnishes

• 120-140 g uncooked bacon (about 4–5 slices)
• 50 g crumbled gorgonzola, blue cheese or goat cheese
• 50 g dried cranberries
• 50 g toasted pecan halves, chopped

Pro Tips for Maple Spiced Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Bacon

For the perfect Spicy Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon dish, ensure your brussels sprouts are halved and evenly spaced on the pan to promote even browning. Roasting at a high temperature and flipping them halfway through cooking will help achieve that beautiful caramelization.

Don’t hesitate to customize the dish to suit your preferences. Whether you opt for turkey bacon, pancetta, or no bacon at all for a vegetarian version, the dish will still be bursting with flavor from the toasted pecans and cheese. Experiment with different cheeses like gorgonzola, blue cheese, goat cheese, feta, or parmesan to find the perfect match for your taste buds.

To make meal prep easier, you can roast the vegetables and cook the bacon in advance. When ready to serve, simply assemble the dish, add the cheese, and reheat. This versatile recipe allows for adjustments like reducing or omitting cayenne to control the level of spiciness. Embrace these pro tips to create a showstopping and flavorful dish that will surely impress your guests.

How to Make Maple Spiced Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Bacon

Step 1: Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 220°C and line baking sheet(s) with parchment paper.
2. Spread brussels sprouts and butternut squash evenly on the sheet(s), avoiding overcrowding. Use multiple sheets if needed and rotate halfway through cooking.

Step 2: Seasoning the Vegetables

Whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves or allspice in a small bowl. Drizzle over vegetables on tray. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Roasting

Roast in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes. Flip vegetables, then roast for another 15 minutes or until brussels sprouts are golden and squash is fork-tender.

Step 4: Preparing Crispy Bacon

Cook bacon according to package instructions until crisp. Place on paper towel to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Assembly and Finishing

Place the roasted vegetables in a serving bowl. Mix in chopped bacon, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Sprinkle crumbled cheese on top and serve while warm.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed your Spicy Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish on a sheet pan and gently warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help revive the bacon’s crispiness and prevent the cheese from melting too much. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but note that the bacon may be a bit softer in texture after reheating.

For variations on this recipe, consider using sweet potatoes or delicata squash if you cannot find butternut squash. Broccoli florets or cauliflower can be substituted for brussels sprouts, and creamy feta or ricotta can replace blue cheese crumbles. This dish pairs well with roast meats or turkey during the holidays, or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main by omitting the bacon and adding extra cheese and nuts. You can also serve it over warm grains like quinoa or wild rice for a complete meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have butternut squash, sweet potatoes or delicata squash can be great substitutes for a similar color and sweetness in this dish. Likewise, if you are out of brussels sprouts, broccoli florets or cauliflower can be used as replacements. These swaps will still provide a delicious blend of flavors and textures in the dish.

For those who prefer a different type of cheese, creamy feta or ricotta can be used instead of gorgonzola, blue cheese, or goat cheese. These alternatives will still bring a rich and tangy element to the dish. Additionally, parmesan cheese can also be a tasty option if you are looking for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Spicy Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon as a festive side dish for Thanksgiving or as a flavorful main for a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet maple syrup, spicy cayenne, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both comforting and unexpectedly exciting. Top it off with crumbled blue cheese, gorgonzola, or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy finish that will surely impress your guests.

For a creative twist, try turning this dish into a hearty vegetarian meal by omitting the bacon and adding extra cheese and nuts. Serve it over warm grains like quinoa or wild rice for a satisfying and flavorful dinner option. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently to maintain the crispiness of the bacon and the melty cheese. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or a casual dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a new favorite on your table.

FAQs for Maple Spiced Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Bacon

Can I use a different type of squash if I can’t find butternut squash?

Yes, you can try sweet potatoes or delicata squash as substitutes for butternut squash. They offer a similar color and sweetness to the dish.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the vegetables and cook the bacon ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish and reheat it just before serving, adding the cheese as the final step.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and add extra cheese and nuts for added flavor. It can also be served over warm grains like quinoa or wild rice for a hearty vegetarian meal.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the dish?

If you prefer less heat, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you enjoy spicier flavors, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences. The recipe is easily customizable in terms of spiciness.

Conclusion

I hope this Spicy Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon recipe brings as much joy and deliciousness to your table as it has to mine. The blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors truly creates a dish that stands out and leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds. The combination of maple syrup, cayenne, bacon, and cheese is a medley of flavors that come together harmoniously, making each bite a delightful experience.

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by trying out different variations, such as swapping ingredients or adjusting the spice level to suit your preferences. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a main course, this Spicy Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon will surely become a staple in your fall and winter menu rotation. So, gather your loved ones, savor the aromas as it bakes, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors that this dish has to offer. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

Maple Spiced Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Bacon

“Sweet and spicy maple-glazed butternut squash and brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, cranberries, and blue cheese – a vibrant and cozy side dish or main.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time45 Minutes

Total Time60 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 450 g brussels sprouts, stems and outer leaves removed, halved
• 4 cups (about 600 g) peeled and cubed butternut squash

For Roasting

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper
• 0.13 teaspoon (0.3 g) ground cloves or allspice
• 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon

Toppings and Garnishes

• 120-140 g uncooked bacon (about 4–5 slices)
• 50 g crumbled gorgonzola, blue cheese or goat cheese
• 50 g dried cranberries
• 50 g toasted pecan halves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 220°C and line baking sheet(s) with parchment paper.
   2. Spread brussels sprouts and butternut squash evenly on the sheet(s), avoiding overcrowding. Use multiple sheets if needed and rotate halfway through cooking.
2. Seasoning the Vegetables: Whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves or allspice in a small bowl. Drizzle over vegetables on tray. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Roasting: Roast in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes. Flip vegetables, then roast for another 15 minutes or until brussels sprouts are golden and squash is fork-tender.
4. Preparing Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon according to package instructions until crisp. Place on paper towel to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. Assembly and Finishing: Place the roasted vegetables in a serving bowl. Mix in chopped bacon, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Sprinkle crumbled cheese on top and serve while warm.