If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and just the right touch of sweetness, let me introduce you to the incredible Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe. This recipe effortlessly combines crispy bacon, tender yet crunchy Brussels sprouts, and a luscious maple-infused dressing that sings on your taste buds. It’s a fabulous way to elevate your veggie game, perfect as a side or a light main, and guaranteed to win over even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics at the table. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a crowd favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, creating a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting. The simplicity of the components means nothing overwhelms the palate, but every bite is packed with personality.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The base for the dressing, adding smoothness and helping to marry all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory bacon and tangy mustard.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle zing and depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a gentle acidity that brightens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a herbal note that enhances the overall aroma and taste.
- 8 ounces bacon (finely chopped): Crisp bacon bits add smoky richness and irresistible crunch.
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts (trimmed and sliced ¼-inch thick): The star ingredient, shredded for ideal texture and flavor absorption.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors and seasoning everything perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup toasted pecans (coarsely chopped): They introduce a luxurious crunch and nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the sprouts.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: These provide a tart and chewy element, adding a pop of color and a hint of fruity sweetness.
How to Make Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start your journey by whisking together the olive oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme in a small bowl or mason jar. Give it a good shake or stir until everything is perfectly combined. This dressing is the soul of the dish, delivering a sweet, tangy, and herbal punch that will tie all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Next, add your finely chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook it for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s delightfully crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon bits onto a paper towel-lined plate, allowing the excess grease to drain. Don’t throw out all the bacon grease – keep about 2 tablespoons in the skillet to sauté the Brussels sprouts. This leftover fat carries tons of flavor and adds that signature smoky note to your dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. For extra texture, strategically place some whole Brussels sprout slices directly on the skillet’s surface before adding the rest. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring only occasionally to allow nice caramelized edges and a slight char to develop. This technique amps up the flavor while keeping the sprouts crisp-tender, which is key to the experience of this salad.
Step 4: Season and Finish Cooking
In the final minute of cooking, sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, stirring them in to season the sprouts evenly. You want your Brussels sprouts bright green, tender but not mushy, and with a bit of snap left. Once done, transfer them into a large bowl to get ready for the final assembly of the dish.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
If you’re serving this Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe warm, drizzle the dressing over your sautéed sprouts, then add the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crispy bacon bits. Toss everything gently until fully combined and serve immediately. For a chilled serving option, refrigerate the components separately and toss them together right before serving to retain freshness and crunch.
How to Serve Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish really pop, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. A few extra pecans or cranberries scattered over the serving platter not only boost the flavor but also add an inviting splash of color, making the salad irresistible.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a hearty grain bowl. Its balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes can complement a wide variety of main dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl or on a pretty platter garnished with extra dried cranberries and whole pecans. You can also stuff the mixture into pita pockets or use it as a topping for baked sweet potatoes to give the dish a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if you want to preserve the crispness of the Brussels sprouts and nuts, especially if you plan on serving it chilled later.
Freezing
This particular recipe is best enjoyed fresh; Brussels sprouts’ texture can get a bit soft after freezing. However, if you must freeze it, store the cooked sprouts and bacon separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, then defrost slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Brussels sprouts and bacon gently in a skillet over low-medium heat until heated through. Avoid the microwave for reheating to maintain that delightful texture. Add the dressing and other mix-ins fresh after reheating for a perfect, just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal because they retain a better texture when shredded and sautéed. Frozen sprouts tend to be more watery, which can make the dish soggy, but if frozen is all you have, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon bits with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a smoky, savory crunch while keeping the dish meat-free.
Can I make this Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe vegan?
With a few swaps, yes. Use a plant-based bacon alternative and replace the honey/maple syrup with a vegan-friendly sweetener if needed. Just be sure your mustard and vinegar are vegan as well.
How do I get the Brussels sprouts to stay crunchy?
The key is not to overcook them. Shred the sprouts thinly, sauté them briefly with minimal stirring to get a bit of char, and remove from heat while they’re still bright green and slightly firm.
Can I prepare this salad ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare all components separately and toss them together just before serving. This ensures the salad stays crisp, fresh, and visually appealing when your guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings together the flavors of sweet maple syrup, smoky bacon, and punchy Brussels sprouts into one deliciously memorable dish. Whether you’re serving it warm or chilled, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table — I promise you’ll be asked to make it again soon!
Print
Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Maple Bacon Shredded Brussels Sprouts salad combining crispy bacon, tender-charred Brussels sprouts, toasted pecans, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy maple-Dijon dressing. Perfect as a warm or chilled side dish that balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon, finely chopped into ‘bacon bit’ pieces
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- ½ cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk or shake together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet carefully.
- Sauté the Brussels sprouts: Add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease, arranging some whole pieces directly on the skillet’s surface to achieve a nice char. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring only every couple of minutes to allow the sprouts to caramelize and char slightly while retaining some crunch.
- Season the sprouts: During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. When the Brussels sprouts are bright green and almost cooked through but still crunchy, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Combine and serve: For a warm salad, immediately drizzle the cooked Brussels sprouts with the prepared dressing, then add the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crispy bacon. Toss until evenly coated and serve right away. For a chilled version, refrigerate the cooked Brussels sprouts, bacon, and dressing separately, then toss everything together just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
Notes
- Shredding the Brussels sprouts thinly helps them cook quickly and absorb the dressing flavors better.
- You can prepare the bacon and dressing ahead to save time on serving day.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste for salt and sweetness.
- For added texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
- This salad works great served warm or cold, fitting different meal preferences and seasons.
