If you’re looking for a dish that brings together comforting warmth, a touch of sweetness, and a delightful crunch, this Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those side dishes that feels both cozy and elegant, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special holiday gatherings. The magic happens when caramelized maple syrup meets buttery pecans and perfectly sautéed Brussels sprouts, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. This recipe is quick, approachable, and transforms a humble vegetable into something so memorable you might just steal the spotlight at your next meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but carefully chosen ingredients is the first step to nailing this Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the nuttiness of the pecans, the satisfying caramelization from the maple syrup, or the vibrant crunch from the Brussels sprouts themselves.
- Brussels sprouts (2 dozen, trimmed & halved): Fresh sprouts provide that perfect crisp-tender bite and gorgeous green color.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps beautifully brown the sprouts while adding subtle richness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds creaminess and depth, enhancing the nuts and sprouts.
- Pecan halves (3/4 cup): Give a wonderful crunchy texture with a slightly sweet, buttery flavor.
- Pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient that brings a luscious glaze and natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors and seasoning everything just right.
How to Make Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts to Perfection
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the halved Brussels sprouts cut side down for maximum browning. Sauté them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring fairly often, until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust while remaining tender-crisp inside. This step is what builds the foundational flavor and texture that makes this dish so addictive.
Step 2: Add Butter and Pecan Halves
Once the sprouts are beautifully caramelized, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the butter and pecan halves. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes. The butter melts into the sprouts and pecans, creating a rich coating that brings out the nuttiness in the pecans and elevates every bite.
Step 3: Finish with Maple Syrup and Season
Next, drizzle in the pure maple syrup and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for about a minute, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly and cling to the sprouts and pecans in a shiny glaze. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from the heat immediately to preserve all that beautiful flavor and crunch before serving.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe to the next level, consider sprinkling some additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch. A light drizzle of maple syrup or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish visually and in flavor. For a touch of contrast, a few dried cranberries or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds unexpected freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or even a savory pork tenderloin. The sweet, nutty qualities offer a lovely balance alongside rich meats and creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside quinoa or wild rice for a vegetarian-friendly meal packed with texture and taste.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these sprouts in small rustic bowls for a family-style dinner or as part of a festive holiday spread. You could also toss the finished sprouts into a grain bowl with some crumbled goat cheese and dried cranberries for a vibrant, seasonal salad. For entertaining, arrange the sprouts on a platter garnished with extra pecans and fresh herbs to create a stunning, shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain most of their delicious texture and flavor, making for an easy next-day side or snack.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the sprouts can become mushy and lose their crispness after thawing. It’s better enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sprouts in a skillet over medium heat to restore some of that lovely crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the pecans crunchy and the Brussels sprouts tender-crisp rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture that will prevent browning.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If pecans aren’t your favorite or you have allergies, walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives and provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly before adding for the best taste.
Is pure maple syrup necessary? Can I use other sweeteners?
Pure maple syrup really shines in this dish because of its distinctive flavor and natural sweetness. However, if you don’t have it on hand, honey or a brown sugar glaze could work as substitutes with slightly different results.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for a quality plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil, and you’ll still get plenty of rich flavor and texture in the dish.
How do I ensure my Brussels sprouts are not soggy?
Browning the sprouts on medium-high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan are key. Sauté them until they’re nicely caramelized and tender-crisp to keep that perfect texture without sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe that makes it a go-to side dish you’ll want to serve again and again. It’s quick, flavorful, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a lovely crunch that feels indulgent yet wholesome. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how such simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary on your plate!
Print
Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and simple recipe featuring tender-crisp Brussels sprouts sautéed with pecan halves and finished with a touch of pure maple syrup for a sweet and nutty flavor. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 2 dozen Brussels sprouts, trimmed & cut in half
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Brussels Sprouts: Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Brussels sprouts. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the Brussels sprouts are nicely browned and tender-crisp.
- Add Butter and Pecans: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the butter and pecan halves. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the pecans to toast slightly and the butter to melt into the mixture.
- Incorporate Maple Syrup and Season: Stir in the pure maple syrup and cook for about one minute to glaze the Brussels sprouts and pecans evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Trim the Brussels sprouts by removing any wilted or discolored outer leaves before cutting them in half to ensure even cooking.
- Sautéing on medium-high heat is key to achieving a nice caramelization on the Brussels sprouts without overcooking.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or additional olive oil.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor as Brussels sprouts tend to lose crispness when cooled.
