Maple Bourbon glazed Brussels Sprouts / so easy and delicious ️
Maple Bourbon glazed Brussels Sprouts / so easy and delicious❤️ is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 270 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $9.34 total, $1.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Brussels Sprouts (Trimmed, stems removed, halved if large)
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin recommended)
- 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 5 slices Thick‑Cut Bacon (Cut into ½‑inch pieces)
- 0.25 cup Dried Cranberries (Craisins or any reduced‑sugar dried cranberries)
- 2 oz Bourbon (Any brand you enjoy drinking)
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 0.5 cup Brown Sugar (Packed)
- 0.33 cup Maple Syrup (Pure maple syrup)
- 0.25 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
Trim and halve Brussels sprouts
Remove the tough stem end, discard loose outer leaves, and halve any sprouts larger than a bite‑size. Keep smaller sprouts whole.
Time: PT10M
Season the sprouts
Place the prepared sprouts in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, add kosher salt and black pepper, then toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat before loading the pan.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Roast the Brussels sprouts
Spread the seasoned sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20‑25 minutes, tossing once halfway through for even browning.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 400°F
Prep the bacon
Cut the five slices of thick‑cut bacon into ½‑inch pieces.
Time: PT2M
Cook the bacon
Heat a stainless steel skillet over medium‑high and add the bacon pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Drain the bacon
Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Discard excess grease from the skillet, leaving just enough to coat the bottom.
Time: PT2M
Deglaze with bourbon and balsamic
With the skillet off the heat, pour in 2 oz bourbon and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Create the glaze
Return the skillet to medium heat, bring the bourbon mixture to a light boil while scraping the browned bits from the pan. Add ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup maple syrup, ¼ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously.
Time: PT5M
Combine everything
Turn off the heat. Add the roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and drained cranberries to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the maple‑bourbon glaze.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Transfer the glazed sprouts to a serving dish and serve hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 270
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbohydrates
- 50g
- Fat
- 14g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Contains Pork, Contains Alcohol
Allergens: Pork (bacon), Alcohol (bourbon)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Thick‑Cut Bacon: Turkey bacon, Smoked pancetta
- Instead of Dried Cranberries: Raisins, Dried cherries
- Instead of Bourbon: Rum, Whiskey
- Instead of Balsamic Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, Agave nectar
- Instead of Onion Powder: Granulated onion
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Stainless Steel Skillet
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Tongs or Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Trimming and halving Brussels sprouts correctly
- Roasting the sprouts at 400°F for proper caramelization
- Rendering bacon to a crisp texture
- Deglazing the skillet safely with bourbon
- Thickening the maple‑bourbon glaze without burning
- Tossing the roasted sprouts with the glaze, bacon, and cranberries while hot
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor balance.
- For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze.
- If you like a brighter note, finish with a squeeze of fresh orange juice just before serving.
- Toast the cranberries briefly in the dry skillet for added chewiness.
Troubleshooting
Brussels sprouts are soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the sprouts are spread in a single layer and the oven is fully preheated. Increase roasting time by 5 minutes and avoid overcrowding.
Glaze is too thin and runs off the sprouts.
Continue simmering the glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it coats the back of a spoon. If it still seems thin, add a teaspoon of brown sugar.
Bacon burns or becomes overly salty.
Cook bacon over medium‑high heat, stirring frequently, and remove it as soon as it turns golden‑brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
The bourbon flare‑up caused a flame.
Always add bourbon off the heat, then return the pan to low‑medium heat. Keep a lid nearby to smother any unexpected flame.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become soggy.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; can sit out for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Roast the Brussels sprouts a day ahead and keep them warm in a low oven (200°F).
- The maple‑bourbon glaze can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead; reheat gently before tossing.
- Crispy bacon can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge; add just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts in American Thanksgiving cuisine?
Brussels sprouts have become a classic Thanksgiving side in the United States, especially when paired with sweet and savory flavors. The addition of maple syrup reflects North American maple traditions, while bourbon adds a regional touch from the Southern and Appalachian culinary heritage, making the dish a modern twist on a historic holiday staple.
What are the traditional regional variations of Brussels sprouts dishes in American holiday cooking?
In New England, Brussels sprouts are often roasted with butter and bacon. In the South, they may be glazed with brown sugar or honey. Some Midwestern families add nuts or cheese. The maple bourbon glaze combines sweet maple from the Northeast with bourbon from the South, creating a cross‑regional flavor profile.
How is maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts traditionally served in American Thanksgiving meals?
The dish is typically served hot as a side, placed on a serving platter alongside turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. It is often garnished with a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for color and presented as a bright, glossy component of the holiday spread.
What occasions or celebrations is maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts traditionally associated with in American culture?
While most popular at Thanksgiving, the dish also appears at Christmas dinner, fall potlucks, and harvest festivals because its warm, sweet‑savory flavor pairs well with seasonal roasts and winter comfort foods.
What other American side dishes pair well with maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts?
They complement creamy mashed potatoes, herb‑roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and a buttery cornbread stuffing. The sweet maple and smoky bacon balance rich, savory mains nicely.
What makes maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts special or unique in American Thanksgiving cuisine?
The combination of caramelized Brussels sprouts, crisp bacon, plump dried cranberries, and a glossy maple‑bourbon glaze creates a layered sweet‑savory profile that stands out from the more common butter‑only preparations, offering depth and a festive aroma.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts?
Common errors include overcrowding the baking sheet (which steams the sprouts), letting the glaze boil too vigorously (causing it to burn), and adding bourbon to a hot pan, which can cause a flare‑up. Also, under‑cooking the bacon will leave excess grease in the glaze.
Why does this recipe use bourbon and maple syrup instead of plain butter for the glaze?
Bourbon adds a subtle smoky, caramel flavor that deepens the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a more complex glaze than butter alone. The alcohol also helps deglaze the pan, lifting the browned bacon bits for extra flavor.
Can I make maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Roast the sprouts and prepare the glaze up to 2 hours ahead. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the glaze gently, toss with the sprouts, bacon, and cranberries just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specializes in clear, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials, focusing on approachable recipes for everyday meals and holiday celebrations with an emphasis on technique and visual guidance.
How does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step's approach to American holiday cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Rachel's Step by Step emphasizes detailed, paced instruction with visual close‑ups of each step, making complex holiday dishes like this maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts feel accessible to home cooks of all skill levels, whereas many other channels rely on faster cuts and assume prior knowledge.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
