Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon

Introduction

Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon is a warm, flavorful dish that combines roasted vegetables with crispy bacon and a touch of sweet maple syrup. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of butternut squash, the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts, and the rich, savory flavor of bacon. When roasted in the oven, these ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and slightly caramelized flavors.

Many people enjoy this recipe because it is simple and comforting. The ingredients are easy to prepare, and most of the cooking happens in the oven. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness while making them tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.

Another reason this dish is popular is its versatility. Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon works well as a side dish for many meals. It is especially popular during the fall and winter seasons when butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are widely available.

Even if you are new to cooking vegetables, this recipe is easy to follow. With a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor.

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Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: About 45–50 minutes

Roasting the vegetables slowly helps them develop a rich and caramelized flavor.

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Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon:

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Optional Ingredients

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes for a little heat

Tip: Try to cut the squash pieces into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

2. Prepare the vegetables

Peel the butternut squash and cut it into small cubes.

Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half.

Place the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

3. Add olive oil and seasonings

Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables.

Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme.

Toss everything together so the vegetables are evenly coated.

Tip: Mixing the vegetables well helps them roast evenly.

4. Add the bacon

Add the chopped bacon pieces to the bowl.

Stir gently so the bacon mixes with the vegetables.

5. Spread on a baking sheet

Spread the vegetable and bacon mixture evenly across the baking sheet.

Try not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the vegetables to roast instead of steam.

6. Roast the vegetables

Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, stir the vegetables so they cook evenly.

7. Add maple syrup

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the maple syrup over the vegetables.

Stir gently to coat everything.

8. Continue roasting

Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 10–15 minutes.

The vegetables should become tender and slightly caramelized.

9. Add optional toppings

If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or chili flakes over the dish.

These ingredients add extra texture and flavor.

10. Serve warm

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Tips & Variations

This recipe can be easily adjusted.

Make it vegetarian
Replace bacon with roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu.

Make it vegan
Use plant-based bacon and maple syrup.

Add more vegetables
Carrots, sweet potatoes, or red onions can be added.

Make it sweeter
Add a little extra maple syrup for a stronger sweet flavor.

Add tangy flavor
A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a nice balance.

Small tip: Roasting vegetables on a large sheet pan helps them become crispy instead of soft.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 8 g

Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.

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Health Benefits

Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon contains several nutritious ingredients.

Vitamins from butternut squash
Butternut squash is rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health and the immune system.

Fiber from Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts provide fiber that helps digestion and supports gut health.

Healthy fats from olive oil
Olive oil contains healthy fats that support heart health.

Protein from bacon
Bacon adds protein and flavor to the dish.

When balanced with vegetables, this dish provides a variety of nutrients.

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Serving Suggestions

Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon pairs well with many main dishes.

It works well as a side with:

• Roasted chicken
• Grilled steak
• Turkey
• Baked salmon
• Holiday meals

It is also great served alongside rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

For a complete meal, you can serve it with a fresh green salad.

Storing leftovers

Place leftover vegetables in an airtight container.

• Refrigerator: up to 3 days

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

This helps keep the vegetables slightly crispy.

Freezing option

The dish can be frozen, but the vegetables may become softer after reheating.

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Conclusion

Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines sweet roasted squash, crispy Brussels sprouts, and savory bacon. The addition of maple syrup gives the vegetables a delicious caramelized flavor.

This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. The ingredients work together to create a dish that is both satisfying and full of rich flavor.

If you are looking for a new vegetable side dish, Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon is a great choice. Try making it at home and enjoy a warm, sweet, and savory combination that everyone will love.