Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

These maple glazed Brussels sprouts with pecans are the kind of side dish that can turn a humble vegetable into the star of the table. The Brussels sprouts roast until their edges become beautifully browned and caramelized, while maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to balance their earthy flavor. Toasted pecans bring a buttery crunch that makes every bite better.

They are easy enough for a weeknight dinner but festive enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven.
   Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.

2. Prepare the Brussels sprouts.
   Trim the woody ends from the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half.

3. Make the maple glaze.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar if using.

4. Coat the Brussels sprouts.
   Add the halved Brussels sprouts and toss until they are evenly coated.

5. Arrange for roasting.
   Spread the Brussels sprouts across the baking sheet in a single layer, placing as many of the cut sides face-down as possible. Give them plenty of room so they roast instead of steam.

6. Roast.
   Roast for 15 minutes, then toss the Brussels sprouts and continue roasting for another 5 to 8 minutes, until they are tender with deeply browned, caramelized edges.

7. Add the pecans.
   Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the Brussels sprouts during the final 3 to 5 minutes of roasting. Keep an eye on them because pecans can go from perfectly toasted to burnt surprisingly fast.

8. Serve.
   Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and drizzle with any remaining maple glaze from the pan. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Maple Brussels Sprouts

• Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Don't crowd the baking sheet. Space helps the Brussels sprouts develop those delicious browned edges.
• Place the cut sides down against the pan for deeper caramelization.
• Add the pecans near the end so they become toasted without burning.
• For extra richness, add a small pat of butter to the finished Brussels sprouts.
• Want more savory flavor? Add a pinch of garlic powder or a little fresh minced garlic to the glaze.
• For a holiday version, toss in a handful of dried cranberries just before serving.

What to Serve with Maple Brussels Sprouts

They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, glazed ham, or a hearty vegetarian main dish. They also make a gorgeous addition to a holiday dinner alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted carrots, and homemade cranberry sauce.

Technical Note

Brussels sprouts vary in size, so roasting time can vary. Smaller sprouts may finish sooner, while large halves may need a few extra minutes. For the best texture, roast until the centers are tender and the cut edges are deeply browned.