Smoky Bacon Lardon Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Almonds

Name: Smoky Bacon Lardon Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze
Ingredients: ● 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved● 4 oz thick-cut bacon lardons (or diced bacon)● ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted● 1 tablespoon olive oil● 2 tablespoons maple syrup● 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar● ½ teaspoon salt● ½ teaspoon black pepper● ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Crispy, caramelised, and packed with irresistible savoury-sweet flavour, these Smoky Bacon Lardon Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Almonds elevate a humble vegetable into a restaurant-worthy side dish. Tender Brussels sprouts are roasted until beautifully golden, then tossed with smoky bacon lardons, a glossy maple glaze, and crunchy toasted almonds for the perfect combination of textures and flavours.

As the Brussels sprouts roast, their natural sweetness intensifies while their edges become deliciously crisp. The smoky bacon adds rich, savoury depth, perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of pure maple syrup. Toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch, while garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of black pepper complete this elegant side dish.

Smoky Bacon Lardon Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze

Print Recipe

Ingredients

● 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
● 4 oz thick-cut bacon lardons (or diced bacon)
● ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 2 tablespoons maple syrup
● 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
● ½ teaspoon salt
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

I. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
II. In a large skillet, cook the bacon lardons over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
III. In the same skillet, add the Brussels sprouts and olive oil, tossing to coat in the bacon drippings. Cook for 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
IV. Transfer Brussels sprouts to the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once, until tender and caramelized.
V. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle over the roasted Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.
VI. Add the crispy bacon and toasted almonds, then season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Author: mia recipe

Ready in about 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday roasts, family meals, or special occasions. Whether served alongside roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or pork, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favourite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, Smoky, and Savoury

Combines:

Roasted Brussels sprouts
Smoky bacon lardons
Pure maple syrup
Toasted almonds
Garlic and herbs

For a beautifully balanced side dish.

Crispy and Caramelised

Golden roasted sprouts with crispy bacon and crunchy almonds in every bite.

Elegant Yet Easy

Simple ingredients come together to create an impressive side dish.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Ideal for:

Holiday dinners
Thanksgiving
Christmas feasts
Sunday roasts
Dinner parties
Family gatherings

What Are Smoky Bacon Lardon Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze and Toasted Almonds?

This dish features roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon lardons, coated in a light maple glaze, and finished with toasted almonds for added crunch.

It typically includes:

Brussels sprouts
Bacon lardons
Maple syrup
Garlic
Toasted almonds

The result is a rich, caramelised vegetable side with layers of sweet, smoky, and nutty flavour.

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

Fresh Brussels sprouts
Bacon lardons

These create the hearty base.

Maple Glaze

Pure maple syrup
Butter
Dijon mustard
Apple cider vinegar

These create a glossy sweet-and-tangy coating.

Aromatics

Garlic
Shallots (optional)
Black pepper
Fresh thyme

These add depth and fragrance.

Crunchy Finish

Toasted sliced almonds

They provide texture and nutty richness.

Garnishes

Fresh parsley
Extra cracked black pepper
Lemon zest (optional)

These brighten the finished dish.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Selecting Brussels Sprouts

Choose firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves.

Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and roast more evenly.

Choosing Bacon

Thick-cut smoked bacon or bacon lardons provide the richest flavour and crisp texture.

Selecting Maple Syrup

Use 100% pure maple syrup for the best caramelisation and natural sweetness.

Choosing Almonds

Lightly toasted sliced or slivered almonds add the perfect crunch without overpowering the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Baking Tray

For roasting the Brussels sprouts evenly.

Large Skillet

For cooking the bacon and preparing the maple glaze.

Mixing Bowl

For tossing the sprouts with oil and seasoning.

Sharp Knife

For trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts.

Spatula or Wooden Spoon

For gently combining all the ingredients.

Preparing for Success

Before cooking:

Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
Dice the bacon if necessary.
Toast the almonds.
Mince the garlic.
Measure the glaze ingredients.

Preparing everything ahead ensures smooth cooking and even roasting.

Understanding the Flavour Profile

This dish delivers beautifully layered flavours.

The Brussels sprouts provide:

Earthy sweetness
Crispy caramelised edges

The bacon contributes:

Smoky richness
Crispy texture

The maple glaze adds:

Gentle sweetness
Glossy finish

The toasted almonds provide:

Nutty flavour
Crunchy texture

The garlic and herbs contribute:

Aromatic depth
Fresh savoury notes

Together, these ingredients create a perfectly balanced side dish that’s rich, crisp, and full of flavour.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts

Provide:

Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Fibre
Antioxidants

Almonds

Contain:

Healthy fats
Vitamin E
Magnesium
Protein

Garlic

Provides:

Natural antioxidants
Beneficial plant compounds
Rich aromatic flavour

Pure Maple Syrup

Contains:

Manganese
Zinc
Natural antioxidants

Tips Before You Start

For the best Smoky Bacon Lardon Brussels Sprouts:

Roast the sprouts cut-side down for maximum caramelisation.
Do not overcrowd the baking tray.
Toast the almonds separately to enhance their flavour.
Add the maple glaze during the final minutes to prevent burning.
Toss everything together just before serving.

These simple techniques help create perfectly crisp sprouts with a glossy, flavourful finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pan

Too many sprouts on one tray will steam instead of roast.

Adding Maple Syrup Too Early

The syrup may burn before the sprouts finish roasting.

Undercooking the Bacon

Cook until crisp for the best texture.

Skipping the Toasted Almonds

Toasting greatly enhances their flavour and crunch.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

People love this recipe because it offers:

Crispy roasted vegetables
Smoky bacon flavour
Sweet maple glaze
Crunchy almonds
Elegant presentation

It’s a versatile side dish that turns everyday ingredients into something truly memorable.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

Roast chicken
Roast turkey
Grilled steak
Pork tenderloin
Baked salmon
Mashed potatoes

It also pairs beautifully with stuffing, roasted carrots, and cranberry sauce during holiday meals.

Make-Ahead Benefits

Trim the Brussels sprouts, cook the bacon, and toast the almonds up to 2 days ahead.

Roast and glaze everything just before serving for the best flavour and texture.

Easy Variations

Try adding:

Pecans
Walnuts
Dried cranberries
Crumbled goat cheese
Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes

These additions create delicious seasonal variations while preserving the sweet, smoky character of the dish.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore the crispy texture before serving.