Brussel Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes
A hearty and flavorful dish combining crispy bacon, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, toasted pecans, and a sweet maple glaze, perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet, cook bacon until crispy; drain excess fat and reduce heat to low.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Brussels sprouts and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer the bacon, onion, and Brussels sprouts mixture to a bowl; stir in salt, pepper, and toasted pecans.
- Add sweet potato slices to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and melted butter.
- Combine all ingredients and transfer to a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until heated through and caramelized.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. You can also replace pecans with walnuts or almonds based on preference. Ensure Brussels sprouts are fresh and firm for the best texture. This dish can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a hearty side at your next holiday gathering or family dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork recipes, making it a versatile addition to your table. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but oven reheating helps retain the crispness of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brussel Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 1973 calories, with 9g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 194g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (175% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2051mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time by cooking the bacon and vegetables, then assembling everything in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just allow extra time for baking if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that honey will add a different flavor profile, but it will still provide sweetness. Adjust the quantity to taste, as honey is sweeter than maple syrup.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for their texture, you can use frozen ones if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).