Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Sheet Pan (No Bacon)

When the holidays arrive, side dishes are what truly make the table shine — and Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a star in their own right. With their naturally nutty flavor enhanced by the sweetness of pure maple syrup, these caramelized sprouts strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet.

This no-bacon Brussels sprouts recipe celebrates the beauty of simplicity. By roasting them on a sheet pan, you allow every sprout to crisp and brown, developing irresistible edges while staying tender on the inside. The touch of maple syrup creates a beautiful glaze that gives them that special holiday flair — elegant enough for Christmas dinner, yet easy enough for weeknight comfort.

Forget about soggy or bitter Brussels sprouts. When done right, these little green gems turn into glossy, golden bites bursting with rich, seasonal flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

• No bacon, no problem: Naturally flavorful and satisfying with clean, vegetarian ingredients.

• Crispy & caramelized: Roasted to perfection with golden edges and soft centers.

• Easy holiday side: Minimal prep, one sheet pan, and a short ingredient list.

• Naturally gluten-free & dairy-free: Perfect for guests with dietary preferences.

• Customizable: Add cranberries, pecans, or balsamic for a festive twist.

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Ingredients

Core Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)

• 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (real maple syrup, not imitation)

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a savory layer)

Optional Add-Ins (for holiday flair)

• ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts – for crunch

• ¼ cup dried cranberries – for sweetness and color

• ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar – for tangy balance

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs – for aromatic depth

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Equipment Needed

• Large sheet pan (or two smaller pans for even roasting)

• Mixing bowl

• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

• Tongs or spatula

• Measuring spoons

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Trim and Halve the Brussels Sprouts

Trim the ends of each Brussels sprout and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise for faster and more even roasting.

Halving increases surface area, helping each piece get perfectly browned and crisp.

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Step 3: Toss with Oil and Seasoning

In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Toss until evenly coated — every sprout should have a light sheen.

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Step 4: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Spread the sprouts in a single layer on your sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding, as too many sprouts close together will steam instead of crisp.

Roast for 18–20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.

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Step 5: Add the Maple Glaze

After about 20 minutes, drizzle the maple syrup over the roasted sprouts and toss gently with tongs. Return to the oven for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the maple syrup caramelizes and the sprouts are deeply golden.

The maple syrup should form a light, glossy coating — not burn. Keep an eye during the final few minutes.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or fresh herbs for extra festive flair.

Serve warm as a stunning Christmas side dish or part of any elegant dinner spread.

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Flavor Profile

Every bite of these maple roasted Brussels sprouts delivers a perfect symphony of contrasts:

• Caramelized sweetness from the maple syrup

• Toasty nuttiness from the roasting process

• Slight bitterness of the sprouts balanced by warmth and depth

• Light crisp edges that give a satisfying bite

This flavor combination feels indulgent and comforting — a dish that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

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Holiday Pairing Ideas

Maple roasted Brussels sprouts complement nearly every classic holiday main course. Serve them alongside:

• Roasted turkey or chicken

• Prime rib or beef tenderloin

• Honey glazed salmon or trout

• Stuffed butternut squash

• Baked mac and cheese

• Cheesy scalloped potatoes with Gruyere

Their sweet-savory balance adds brightness and texture to heavier dishes, making your Christmas plate complete.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

To Make Ahead:

• Trim and halve Brussels sprouts up to 2 days before roasting. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

• The maple glaze can be mixed ahead of time (olive oil + maple syrup) and kept refrigerated until ready to use.

After Cooking:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to re-crisp the edges. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Freezing:
Not recommended. Roasted Brussels sprouts tend to lose their texture once thawed.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1. Use high heat: Roasting at 425°F ensures crisp edges and caramelized flavor.

2. Cut uniformly: Halved sprouts of similar size cook evenly.

3. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the sprouts space to brown beautifully.

4. Add maple near the end: Prevents burning and preserves sweetness.

5. Toss halfway: Helps all sides get that delicious golden crust.

6. Balance flavors: Add acidity (like balsamic) or crunch (like nuts) for extra dimension.

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Recipe Variations

Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

Whisk 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into your maple syrup before adding. This adds tangy contrast and a more complex flavor.

Maple Balsamic Glaze

Mix 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar with maple syrup before tossing for a deep, sweet-tart glaze.

Maple Roasted Vegetables Mix

Roast Brussels sprouts with carrots, sweet potatoes, and red onions for a colorful and hearty sheet pan side.

Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts

Add chopped toasted pecans right before serving — the crunch and nuttiness complement the maple glaze perfectly.

Maple Cranberry Holiday Style

Toss in dried cranberries after roasting for a pop of color and sweetness that feels festive and bright.

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Presentation Ideas

Make your Christmas side dish feel restaurant-worthy with these serving suggestions:

• Arrange roasted sprouts on a white platter for contrast, then drizzle with a touch more maple syrup.

• Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or pomegranate seeds for color.

• Serve them on a rustic wooden board for cozy, farmhouse holiday charm.

• For elegant dinners, portion them into mini ramekins or small ceramic bowls.

The deep green of the Brussels sprouts combined with the amber maple glaze adds a luxurious glow to any table.

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Troubleshooting

Why are my Brussels sprouts soggy?
They were likely too crowded on the pan. Spread them out in a single layer and roast at high heat.

Why did the maple syrup burn?
Add maple syrup in the final 10 minutes, not at the start — it caramelizes quickly at high heat.

Why are the sprouts bitter?
Older Brussels sprouts can taste stronger. Choose small-to-medium, tightly packed sprouts for the sweetest flavor.

How do I get them crispier?
Use convection bake mode if available or broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

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Serving Size and Nutrition

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FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first. Fresh Brussels sprouts roast better and get crispier.

Is maple syrup the same as pancake syrup?
No. Use pure maple syrup for best flavor — pancake syrup is mostly corn syrup and will burn easily.

Can I air fry them instead of roasting?
Yes! Toss the sprouts with the same ingredients and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway. Add maple syrup for the final 3 minutes.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Use two sheet pans to avoid overcrowding. Rotate them halfway through baking for even caramelization.

Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, parsnips, or red onions roast beautifully with Brussels sprouts in the same glaze.

Can I make this vegan?
It already is! Just ensure your maple syrup is certified vegan (most are).

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to perfect Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts lies in two key techniques:

1. High heat roasting – locks in flavor and crisps edges.

2. Timing the maple glaze – added near the end to caramelize without burning.

These small but crucial steps transform simple sprouts into an elegant, flavorful side dish that embodies the warmth of the season. The result? A dish that’s sweet, savory, and beautifully balanced — ideal for Christmas or any festive gathering.

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What to Serve With Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These sprouts shine next to other holiday classics:

• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Brown Butter Green Beans with Almonds

• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere

• Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

• Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Bread Wreath

For mains, they pair beautifully with:

• Roast turkey or chicken

• Herb-crusted beef tenderloin

• Glazed salmon or trout

• Stuffed acorn squash for a vegetarian menu

This simple side dish adds color, contrast, and a touch of natural sweetness to any plate — a quiet star among richer holiday dishes.

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Final Thoughts

These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts prove that simple ingredients can create truly spectacular flavor. The magic happens in the oven, where the natural sugars caramelize, the maple glaze deepens, and every sprout becomes a golden bite of comfort and elegance.

This recipe captures everything we love about the holidays — warmth, richness, and beautiful simplicity. Whether you’re preparing Christmas dinner, hosting a cozy winter meal, or just want an easy vegetable side that feels special, this dish delivers every time.

So preheat that oven, drizzle on the maple syrup, and let the magic happen — because once you try these, you’ll never think of Brussels sprouts the same way again.