Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delightful Dish

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Looking for a tasty side dish that impresses? Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels Sprouts are your answer. They combine the sweet taste of maple with the crunch of pecans for a delightful treat. Trust me; these sprouts will change how you think about veggies! In this post, I’ll share simple steps, tips, and variations to make this dish a hit at your table. Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar creates a delightful sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the roasted Brussels sprouts.
  2. Crunchy Texture: The addition of pecans adds a satisfying crunch that enhances the overall texture of the dish, making each bite enjoyable.
  3. Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
  4. Versatile Side Dish: These roasted Brussels sprouts can be served alongside a variety of main dishes, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients Needed

To make Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, you will need:

– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

– 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Measurements and Substitutions

If you want to change things up, here are some options:

– You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.

– Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.

– If you are out of balsamic vinegar, try apple cider vinegar.

– Garlic powder can be replaced with minced fresh garlic.

– For a nut-free dish, leave out the nuts entirely.

Nutritional Information

This dish serves about four people. Each serving has:

– Calories: 220

– Protein: 3g

– Fat: 12g

– Carbohydrates: 28g

– Fiber: 4g

– Sugar: 10g

These numbers can vary based on your ingredient choices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the Brussels sprouts roast well.

2. Next, take 1 pound of Brussels sprouts and trim the ends. Then, cut them in half.

3. In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with 1/4 cup of chopped pecans.

4. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.

5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, if you want some heat.

6. Toss everything together until the Brussels sprouts are fully coated.

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread the Brussels sprouts and pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are in a single layer.

2. Roast them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, toss them to ensure even cooking.

3. You’ll know they are done when they look golden brown and crispy on the edges.

4. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

5. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover maple syrup from the baking sheet on top.

6. Finally, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips for Perfect Roasting

– Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. This helps them roast better.

– For extra crunch, use fresh pecans and chop them just before adding.

– If you like them even crispier, roast for an extra 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

– Use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor. It makes a big difference!

Tips & Tricks

How to Enhance Flavor

To make your Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels Sprouts shine, think about adding more depth. A dash of lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also try using smoked paprika for a fun twist. If you love heat, sprinkle in more cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can give a lovely aroma. Remember, the key is to balance the sweet maple syrup with savory and spicy notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people rush through the roasting part. Do not skip tossing the sprouts halfway. This step helps them brown and crisp up evenly. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If you pile them too high, they will steam instead of roast. Lastly, forget not to check for seasoning. Taste your mix before cooking to ensure it has enough salt and spice.

Tools and Equipment Recommendations

For this recipe, you need a few simple tools. A large mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients well. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is a must. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier. Use a sharp knife for halving the Brussels sprouts. A sturdy spatula helps in tossing them around when roasting. If you want to get fancy, a digital thermometer can help check if they are done perfectly.

Pro Tips

  1. Freshness Matters: Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright green sprouts with tight leaves.
  2. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
  3. Perfectly Roasted: Ensure the Brussels sprouts are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness.
  4. Garnish for Flair: Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest along with the parsley enhances the dish’s freshness and adds a pop of color.

Variations

Alternative Nuts and Add-ins

You can switch up the pecans for other nuts. Walnuts or almonds work well too. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also toss in dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. These add sweetness and chewiness. If you want a savory twist, add cooked bacon bits. The saltiness balances the sweet maple syrup perfectly.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Adjustments

This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just make sure your maple syrup is pure. Some brands add extra ingredients that may contain gluten. You can also use a different sweetener if you prefer. Agave syrup or coconut sugar can be good choices. Both will give a nice flavor without the need for honey.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Maple pecan roasted Brussels sprouts fit well with many meals. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a hearty dinner. They also pair nicely with quinoa or rice for a vegetarian option. For a light lunch, add them to a salad with mixed greens and goat cheese. Drizzle with balsamic dressing for extra flavor. These sprouts can even shine on their own as a snack!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store your leftover Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels sprouts in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Be sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep them crispy and tasty.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place your sprouts on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast them for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch.

Freezing Tips for Brussels Sprouts

If you want to freeze your Brussels sprouts, spread them on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They will last for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, fresh sprouts taste best. Frozen sprouts may have more water. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking. This step helps avoid a soggy dish.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, use cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, like 1/4 teaspoon. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra spice. For a bold flavor, try mixing in diced jalapeños. Taste as you go to find the right heat level.

Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, use honey or agave nectar. Both add sweetness but change the flavor slightly. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water. This mix gives a caramel-like taste that works well in this dish.

This post covered all you need to know about Brussels sprouts. We discussed ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. I shared tips for roasting and how to avoid common mistakes. You also saw variations for different diets and creative serving ideas. Don’t forget to store leftovers well for later use.

Brussels sprouts can be simple yet tasty. With the right methods and tips, you can impress anyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventur

To make Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, you will need: - 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved - 1/4 cup pecans, chopped - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you want to change things up, here are some options: - You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. - Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. - If you are out of balsamic vinegar, try apple cider vinegar. - Garlic powder can be replaced with minced fresh garlic. - For a nut-free dish, leave out the nuts entirely. This dish serves about four people. Each serving has: - Calories: 220 - Protein: 3g - Fat: 12g - Carbohydrates: 28g - Fiber: 4g - Sugar: 10g These numbers can vary based on your ingredient choices. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the Brussels sprouts roast well. 2. Next, take 1 pound of Brussels sprouts and trim the ends. Then, cut them in half. 3. In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with 1/4 cup of chopped pecans. 4. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. 5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, if you want some heat. 6. Toss everything together until the Brussels sprouts are fully coated. 1. Spread the Brussels sprouts and pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are in a single layer. 2. Roast them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, toss them to ensure even cooking. 3. You’ll know they are done when they look golden brown and crispy on the edges. 4. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. 5. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover maple syrup from the baking sheet on top. 6. Finally, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. This helps them roast better. - For extra crunch, use fresh pecans and chop them just before adding. - If you like them even crispier, roast for an extra 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. - Use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor. It makes a big difference! To make your Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels Sprouts shine, think about adding more depth. A dash of lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also try using smoked paprika for a fun twist. If you love heat, sprinkle in more cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can give a lovely aroma. Remember, the key is to balance the sweet maple syrup with savory and spicy notes. Many people rush through the roasting part. Do not skip tossing the sprouts halfway. This step helps them brown and crisp up evenly. Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If you pile them too high, they will steam instead of roast. Lastly, forget not to check for seasoning. Taste your mix before cooking to ensure it has enough salt and spice. For this recipe, you need a few simple tools. A large mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients well. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is a must. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier. Use a sharp knife for halving the Brussels sprouts. A sturdy spatula helps in tossing them around when roasting. If you want to get fancy, a digital thermometer can help check if they are done perfectly. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright green sprouts with tight leaves. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Perfectly Roasted: Ensure the Brussels sprouts are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness. Garnish for Flair: Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest along with the parsley enhances the dish's freshness and adds a pop of color. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pecans for other nuts. Walnuts or almonds work well too. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also toss in dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. These add sweetness and chewiness. If you want a savory twist, add cooked bacon bits. The saltiness balances the sweet maple syrup perfectly. This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just make sure your maple syrup is pure. Some brands add extra ingredients that may contain gluten. You can also use a different sweetener if you prefer. Agave syrup or coconut sugar can be good choices. Both will give a nice flavor without the need for honey. Maple pecan roasted Brussels sprouts fit well with many meals. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a hearty dinner. They also pair nicely with quinoa or rice for a vegetarian option. For a light lunch, add them to a salad with mixed greens and goat cheese. Drizzle with balsamic dressing for extra flavor. These sprouts can even shine on their own as a snack! Store your leftover Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels sprouts in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Be sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep them crispy and tasty. To reheat, place your sprouts on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast them for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. If you want to freeze your Brussels sprouts, spread them on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They will last for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, fresh sprouts taste best. Frozen sprouts may have more water. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking. This step helps avoid a soggy dish. To add heat, use cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, like 1/4 teaspoon. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra spice. For a bold flavor, try mixing in diced jalapeños. Taste as you go to find the right heat level. If you don't have maple syrup, use honey or agave nectar. Both add sweetness but change the flavor slightly. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water. This mix gives a caramel-like taste that works well in this dish. This post covered all you need to know about Brussels sprouts. We discussed ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. I shared tips for roasting and how to avoid common mistakes. You also saw variations for different diets and creative serving ideas. Don't forget to store leftovers well for later use. Brussels sprouts can be simple yet tasty. With the right methods and tips, you can impress anyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Maple Pecan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A delicious side dish featuring Brussels sprouts roasted with pecans and a sweet maple syrup glaze.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 black pepper
  • 1 4 cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped pecans, olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • Toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the mixture.
  • Spread the Brussels sprouts and pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining maple syrup from the baking sheet over the top.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Optional cayenne pepper adds a hint of heat.
Keyword Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, pecans, roasted vegetables

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