Sweet & Savory Delight: Your New Favorite Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

  Thanksgiving dinner is a symphony of flavors and textures, and while the turkey often takes center stage, a truly memorable meal relies on equally stellar side dishes. This year, let's elevate a sometimes-maligned vegetable into an absolute showstopper: Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts!

Forget those childhood memories of mushy, bland sprouts. When roasted properly, Brussels sprouts transform into tender, slightly crisp, and utterly delicious bites. And when they're tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-tangy maple balsamic glaze? Pure magic! This dish is vibrant, packed with flavor, and adds a perfect touch of sophistication to your holiday table.

It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, leaving you more time to focus on the turkey (or pie!). Plus, it brings a beautiful green to your plate, balancing out all those rich, indulgent flavors.

Ready to make Brussels sprouts believers out of everyone at your Thanksgiving feast? Let’s get roasting!

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Roasted Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if very large)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced garlic)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, toasted pecans, or crumbled bacon bits

Instructions:

1.    Preheat Oven & Prep Sprouts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim the tough ends and remove any loose outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half (or quarter large ones) to ensure even cooking.

2.    Combine Glaze: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and garlic powder.

3.    Coat Sprouts: Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the glaze. Toss well to ensure all the sprouts are evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

4.    Roast: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; use two sheets if necessary to ensure they roast rather than steam.

5.    Bake to Perfection: Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and nicely caramelized. Some of the outer leaves should be slightly crispy and browned – that's where the best flavor is!

6.    Serve Hot: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, toasted pecans, or a few crumbled bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately.

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This Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts dish is proof that Thanksgiving sides can be both simple and sensational. The sweet, tangy glaze combined with the earthy, slightly bitter sprouts is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s a guaranteed hit that will have even the pickiest eaters reaching for more!