There’s something absolutely delightful about the sweet-savory balance of this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, with that subtle caramelized maple touch—it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I always get excited when I make this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe because it takes a humble veggie and turns it into something crave-worthy. The maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweet to balance the natural earthiness of the sprouts—trust me, your family will thank you for this one!
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen, making this a fuss-free side dish.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with tender insides give this recipe that irresistible bite.
- Versatile Flavor: The hint of maple adds sweetness without overpowering, complementing many meal pairings.
- Minimal Prep: Just a quick chop, a simple toss, and the oven does the rest—ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance. Using fresh Brussels sprouts ensures tenderness, while olive oil and maple syrup team up to caramelize those edges beautifully. Here’s a little insight on why each is key:

- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh and trimmed give you the sweetest, most tender results. Cutting them in half exposes more surface area for crispness.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve that beautiful roasting crisp and carries the flavors.
- Maple Syrup: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sprouts without burning.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and bitterness.
- Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a slight kick, it wakes up the dish with subtle heat.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): Adds brightness and cuts through the richness if you want a fresh finish.
- Parmesan (Optional): Adds savory umami and a lovely nutty touch if you want an extra layer of flavor.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to dial up the spice, add a nutty crunch, or keep it vegan, it’s super adaptable.
- Variation: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 5 minutes of roasting for a toasty crunch—my family loves the added texture!
- Dietary Tweaks: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly without losing flavor.
- Seasonal Touch: Swap the maple syrup with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy twist when you want to mix things up.
- Heat Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste—start with a pinch and increase if you like things spicy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming the ends of each Brussels sprout and removing any discolored outer leaves. Then slice them in half lengthwise—this helps them cook evenly and gives more surface area for that perfect caramelization.
Step 2: Toss with Maple and Oil
Place the halved sprouts on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give everything a good toss to coat well—this helps the glaze stick and the sprouts roast evenly.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
For the crispiest sprouts, arrange them cut-side down in a single even layer. Pop the pan into a 400°F (200°C) oven and roast for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye towards the end—the outer leaves might turn very dark, but that’s where the magic happens with crispy bits!
Step 4: Final Touches
When the sprouts are out of the oven, I love squeezing a little fresh lemon juice on top to brighten the rich flavors. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan if you want an added savory note. Serve warm and enjoy!
Top Tip
Over the years, roasting Brussels sprouts has taught me a few secrets that make this Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe sing. Here are my best tips to get you there:
- Cut Side Down: Laying the sprouts cut side down ensures a perfectly browned caramelized surface—don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each sprout some breathing room so they roast instead of steam, which keeps them crispy.
- Watch the Time: Roasting can vary based on sprout size, so start checking around 20 minutes to avoid burning.
- Use Real Maple Syrup: It truly makes the difference in flavor and caramelization compared to substitutes.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes
I often top these sprouts with a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh zing and a handful of freshly grated Parmesan for that nutty, salty pop. Toasted nuts, like pecans or almonds, also add a lovely crunch and a nice visual contrast.
Side Dishes
This side pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even alongside a hearty grain bowl. I especially enjoy serving it with mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf to round out cozy dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I like to arrange the roasted sprouts on a large platter and sprinkle pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs like parsley for a festive look. You can also drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup right before serving for added shine and sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 3 days, though I never find they last that long because everyone wants seconds!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my favorite option because the texture can suffer, but if you want to, just cool the sprouts completely and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid mushiness.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This crisps them back up nicely without turning limp like the microwave often does.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While fresh Brussels sprouts give the best texture and caramelization, you can use frozen ones if needed. Just thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before roasting to avoid sogginess.
Keep an eye on them starting at 20 minutes and remove from the oven once edges are browned but not charred. Also, tossing them halfway through helps even roasting.
Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. This helps restore crispness that microwaving often removes.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s reliable, tasty, and feels special without any fuss. It’s a great way to turn a simple vegetable into a star at the table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite side dish to bring to every meal.
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Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delicious side dish featuring tender Brussels sprouts caramelized with maple syrup and perfectly roasted to achieve crispy edges. This simple recipe uses everyday ingredients and is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional for serving: freshly squeezed lemon juice or freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400° F (200° C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts directly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine, ensuring sprouts are evenly coated. Arrange them cut-side down in a single layer for optimal crisping.
- Roast: Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the cut sides are deeply browned and some outer leaves are crispy. Keep an eye towards the end as cooking times can vary based on sprout size.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top or sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, choose medium-sized Brussels sprouts for even cooking and crispiness.
- The pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Maple syrup caramelizes during roasting, giving the Brussels sprouts a sweet, crispy edge—do not substitute with other sweeteners for the same effect.
- Optional toppings such as lemon juice or Parmesan enhance flavor but are not necessary.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted meats, grains, or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 472 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


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