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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Preheat the oven

    Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat before loading the pan.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  4. 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

  5. Prep the bacon

    Cut the five slices of thick‑cut bacon into ½‑inch pieces.

    Time: PT2M

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Maple Bourbon glazed Brussels Sprouts / so easy and delicious❤️

Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step

A sweet‑savory Thanksgiving side featuring roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a buttery maple‑bourbon glaze, crispy bacon, and plump dried cranberries. Perfectly balanced flavors and a beautiful presentation make this dish a holiday favorite.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
41m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 12m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.34
Total cost
$1.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Bourbon is flammable; always deglaze off the heat and keep a lid nearby.
  • Handle the hot skillet and oven tray with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not leave the glaze unattended; sugar can scorch quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts in American Thanksgiving cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Brussels sprouts dishes in American holiday cooking?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts traditionally served in American Thanksgiving meals?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts special or unique in American Thanksgiving cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use bourbon and maple syrup instead of plain butter for the glaze?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make maple bourbon glazed Brussels sprouts ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step's approach to American holiday cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Glazed Duck Skewers with Brussels Sprouts and Apricots
16

Glazed Duck Skewers with Brussels Sprouts and Apricots

Summer skewers combining glazed duck breast, slightly crunchy Brussels sprouts and firm apricots, all coated with a sweet-salty miso, honey and lime sauce. Perfect for the barbecue or the oven, they offer a contrast of textures and spicy sweet-salty flavors.

1 hr 5 minServes 4$31
French
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
14

Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A foolproof method for perfectly crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts. The sprouts are briefly blanched in salted water, tossed with olive oil, then roasted cut‑side down on a sheet pan until the edges are golden and slightly charred. Simple, healthy, and ready for any holiday spread.

1 hr 14 minServes 4$5
American
Firecracker Beef and Brussels Sprouts Meal Prep
14

Firecracker Beef and Brussels Sprouts Meal Prep

A spicy, sweet‑and‑tangy ground beef bowl with air‑fried Brussels sprouts, peppers, onions and rice. Perfect for high‑protein meal‑prep that stays moist in the fridge for up to five days.

40 minServes 5$19
American
Crispy honey balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts
4

Crispy honey balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts

A quick, healthy side dish that turns Brussels sprouts into caramelized, crunchy bites using an air fryer. Tossed with garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, brown sugar, and balsamic glaze, then finished with a drizzle of honey for a sweet‑savory finish.

40 minServes 4$4
American
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
4

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet‑savory balsamic glaze. The sprouts are blanched to remove bitterness, then roasted flat‑side down for maximum caramelization. Finished with a quick glaze of reduced balsamic, honey, garlic powder, and red‑pepper flakes.

1 hrServes 4$4
American
Bomb honey balsamic glazed brussels sprouts
3

Bomb honey balsamic glazed brussels sprouts

Crispy oven‑roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet‑tangy honey‑balsamic glaze. Perfect as a stand‑alone side or paired with your favorite main. Quick, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.

50 minServes 4$5
American