Maple Brussels sprouts
Instructions
FAQ: Questions about maple Brussels sprouts
Find out more about maple Brussels sprouts by reading our FAQ below.
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
|
500 g |
---|---|
Pecan nuts, roughly chopped
|
3 tbsp |
Dried cranberries
|
300 ml |
Fresh sage leaves
|
15 |
200 g | |
Butter
|
2 tbsp |
Vegetable oil
|
4 tbsp |
Olive oil
|
2 tbsp |
Maple syrup
|
2 tbsp |
Salt
|
|
Pepper
|
Tips: Perfecting maple Brussels sprouts
Improve your maple Brussels sprouts with these helpful tips.
Choose fresh Brussels sprouts
Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm to the touch, indicating that they are fresh and not past their prime. They should have a vibrant green colour without any yellowing leaves. The leaves should be tightly packed, which shows they are still moist and fresh, and the stem end should look freshly cut without excessive dryness. It is also helpful to choose sprouts that are similar in size, as they will cook more evenly and should be done cooking at the same time.
Go for a high-grade maple syrup
When selecting maple syrup, consider the grade and flavour, which are related to the harvest time. For most cooking purposes, a Grade A amber colour with a rich taste is an excellent choice as it provides a balanced, sweet flavour that complements the Brussels sprouts without overpowering them. If you prefer a deeper maple flavour that can stand out amidst the savoury and nutty components of the dish, opt for a Grade A dark colour with a robust taste.
Discover our sweet maple Brussels sprouts
Green Brussels sprouts take on a whole new character with our recipe for sweet maple Brussels sprouts. This maple-glazed version combines the earthy greens with a mix of maple syrup, oil, and butter to create a simple yet irresistible side dish. Whether as an indulgent side for a weeknight meal or as part of an extravagant family dinner, these sweet sprouts will surely draw attention.
Cooked in a mix of butter, oil, and sweet maple syrup
To make the Brussels sprouts truly shine, we use a combination of butter and maple syrup. The rich and sweet flavours of these ingredients complement the earthy notes from the sprouts, while the high heat gives them a nice, caramelised glaze. The result is a crispy, golden-brown crust that surrounds the tender interior. Because of this sweet, almost candied touch, it is only natural to want to make an extra batch or two of these bite-sized delights.
Topped with crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and creamy white cheese
What makes our Brussels sprouts really stand out is a delicious topping. The simple addition of chopped pecans introduces a satisfying crunch opposite the crisp but tender Brussels sprouts. While the pecans also bring a slightly sweet and buttery flavour, the dried cranberries cut through the richness with their sharp, tangy sweetness. Crumble creamy white cheese on top for a wonderful contrast in texture while giving the dish a welcome savoury note.
Serve with roasted meats, potatoes, or fresh grain salads
If you are looking to put together a larger meal, our recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. They are especially good with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, where their sweetness complements the savoury depth. Couple that with an easy new potato salad or a spinach potato salad with greens to serve for friends and family. Maple Brussels sprouts also go well with fresh grain salads like our pearl couscous salad or couscous tabbouleh with white cheese.
Tailor the dish to your liking
You can make quite a few tweaks to the recipe to tailor it to your liking. Before adding the sprouts, introduce a hint of apple cider vinegar to the maple syrup. The vinegar brings a subtle acidity that counters the syrup’s sweetness and enhances the sprouts’ natural flavour. Additionally, adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of paprika will give the sprouts a lovely warmth that pairs well with the syrupy sweetness.
If you want to try different nuts, consider almonds or cashews for added crunch. Lightly toasting the nuts before adding them releases their oils and gives them a more prominent nutty flavour. Hazelnuts and walnuts are also excellent alternatives if you want to add a sweeter or earthier taste to your maple Brussels sprouts.