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To make this tasty dish, you need these main ingredients: - 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved - 3 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ cup maple syrup - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - ¼ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper These ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory flavor. The Brussels sprouts become tender, and the maple syrup adds a nice glaze. You can enhance your dish with a few optional ingredients: - ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The pecans add a crunchy texture. The red pepper flakes give a spicy kick if you like heat. If you have special diet needs, here are some substitutions: - Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different fat. - Swap maple syrup with agave nectar for a vegan option. - Try apple cider vinegar if you want a fruity twist. These swaps help everyone enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts. Cut off the tough stem ends. Then, slice each sprout in half. This helps them cook evenly and soak up flavors. Rinse them under cold water to remove dirt. Dry them well with a clean towel. Dry sprouts will caramelize better. In a large bowl, add the halved Brussels sprouts. Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Next, add ¼ cup of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything well until the sprouts are fully coated. This mixture adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the coated Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Make sure they are cut side down. This helps them brown nicely. Roast them for 20 minutes. Halfway through, stir them gently to cook evenly. After 20 minutes, sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped pecans over the Brussels sprouts. If you like a kick, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes. When they are tender and caramelized, take them out. Drizzle with more maple syrup if you want. Toss them gently and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy! To get that sweet, rich flavor, you need a few key tips. First, always cut the Brussels sprouts in half. This helps them cook evenly and caramelize well. Make sure they are cut side down on the baking sheet. This way, they get a nice sear. Avoid crowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of roasting. If they are too close together, they won’t brown nicely. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for caramelizing. Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20 minutes first. After that, stir them to ensure even cooking. Add the chopped pecans and optional red pepper flakes, then roast for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the sprouts to be tender and golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid burning. You can change this recipe to fit your taste! Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup. For a tangy kick, increase the balsamic vinegar. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a savory twist, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top before serving. These adjustments can make the dish your own! {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts. Try adding some garlic or onion for a savory touch. You can also mix in some orange zest for a bright, fresh flavor. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. A sprinkle of cheese, like feta or Parmesan, makes a rich addition. You can swap Brussels sprouts with other seasonal veggies. Try using butternut squash or carrots in the fall. In spring, asparagus brings a light taste. For summer, zucchini works well. Just adjust cook times to fit the new veggie. These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting all year. This dish is easy to make vegan or gluten-free. Use maple syrup and olive oil, which are both vegan and gluten-free. To make it nut-free, skip the pecans or use seeds instead. You can also change the balsamic vinegar to a gluten-free option if needed. With these changes, everyone can enjoy this tasty side. To store leftover Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep their taste fresh and delicious. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them for the best flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method maintains their caramelized texture. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives better results. You can freeze Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts if you need to store them longer. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts ahead of time. Cook them fully, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to serve, reheat them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This keeps them crisp and tasty. Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts pair well with many dishes. Try serving them alongside roasted chicken or pork. They also go great with quinoa or rice. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a creamy risotto or a fresh salad. The sweet and savory flavor makes them a perfect side. You’ll know Brussels sprouts are cooked when they are tender. Use a fork to check. If it goes in easily, they are ready. Look for a nice golden-brown color on the outside. This shows they have caramelized well. If they are still hard, give them a few more minutes in the oven. Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute for maple syrup. Both options add sweetness. However, honey has a stronger flavor, while agave is milder. If you want a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute like stevia. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences. We explored how to make delicious Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts. You learned about main and optional ingredients, along with tips on prepping and roasting. I shared advice on achieving the perfect caramelization and creative recipe twists. We also covered storage tips and common questions. Enjoy trying this recipe to impress your family and friends. Simple steps lead to a tasty dish that makes Brussels sprouts shine. Happy cooking!

Maple Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

Elevate your dinner with these delicious maple caramelized Brussels sprouts! This easy recipe combines the perfect blend of maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and crunchy pecans for a sweet and savory side dish that everyone will love. Perfectly roasted and beautifully caramelized, they're not just tasty but also a feast for the eyes. Click through to explore the recipe and impress your family with this delightful dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

3 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all the sprouts evenly.

      Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring the Brussels sprouts are cut side down for better caramelization.

        Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

          After 20 minutes, sprinkle the chopped pecans and red pepper flakes (if using) over the Brussels sprouts, then return to the oven. Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender and caramelized.

            Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with any remaining maple syrup if desired and toss gently.

              Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4