Looking for a tasty side dish that packs a punch? Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts are the answer! With their sweet maple flavor, tangy Dijon kick, and crispy edges, these sprouts will impress everyone at your table. Easy to make and loaded with goodness, this dish will become a new favorite. Stay tuned as we dive into the ingredients, steps, and tips to perfect this delicious veggie delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of maple syrup and Dijon mustard creates a unique sweet and tangy flavor that elevates the Brussels sprouts.
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is quick to prepare, taking only about 10 minutes of prep time before roasting.
- Health Benefits: Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and nutrients, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Versatile Side Dish: These roasted Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of main courses, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- Optional: 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
To make Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts, you need fresh Brussels sprouts. I like to choose firm ones that are bright green. You will also need olive oil for roasting. Maple syrup adds a sweet touch. Dijon mustard gives a nice tang. Garlic adds depth to the flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning. If you want crunch, add chopped pecans. For a finishing touch, balsamic glaze drizzled on top is great.
Using these ingredients, you create a dish that balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. They combine well to make a veggie delight that everyone will enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until it’s well mixed.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the bowl.
- Toss them in the dressing until they are coated.
Cooking Steps
- Lay the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
- If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Roast them in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir the sprouts halfway through for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze on top.
- Serve them hot as a tasty side dish.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
How to choose the best Brussels sprouts Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green. They should feel heavy in your hand. Avoid any with yellow leaves or brown spots. Fresh sprouts taste better and cook more evenly.
Tips for crispy Brussels sprouts To get crispy Brussels sprouts, space them out on the baking sheet. Crowding leads to steaming, not roasting. Toss them halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Make sure to use enough olive oil; this helps them crisp up.
Adjusting sweetness with maple syrup You can tweak the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup. Start with the two tablespoons in the recipe. Taste as you go. If you want a sweeter dish, add a bit more maple syrup.
Ingredient Substitutions
Alternatives to Dijon mustard If you don't have Dijon mustard, use yellow mustard for a milder taste. You can also try whole grain mustard for more texture. Each option brings a unique flavor to the dish.
Using different nuts or seeds Pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to swap them out. Walnuts or almonds work well too. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These add crunch without the nuts.
Vegan options for maple syrup Maple syrup is vegan, but if you want a different sweetener, try agave nectar. It has a similar taste and texture. Honey is not vegan, so stick to plant-based options if you want to keep it vegan.
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for vibrant green sprouts with tightly packed leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut Evenly: Halve Brussels sprouts uniformly to ensure they cook evenly and achieve consistent crispness.
- Mix and Match Flavors: Experiment with different mustards or sweeteners like honey for a unique twist on the dressing.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make Maple Dijon Brussels sprouts even better with simple tweaks. Adding bacon gives a savory twist. The salty flavor pairs well with the sweet maple and tangy mustard. Just cook the bacon first, then mix it in before serving.
You can also spice things up by adding chili flakes. This adds heat and makes your dish more exciting. Just a pinch goes a long way.
Experimenting with glazes can change the whole dish. Try honey or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor. Each glaze brings its own unique taste.
Seasonal Variants
Seasons can inspire new flavors in your Brussels sprouts. In spring, add lemon zest or asparagus. The bright lemon taste adds freshness. Asparagus gives a nice crunch and extra nutrients.
In fall, consider adding cranberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness of maple syrup. You can toss dried cranberries in just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Maple Dijon Brussels sprouts fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to trap moisture. This helps the sprouts stay crisp and tasty. They can last up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option.
- Best practices for refrigeration:
- Wait until they cool down.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing cooked Brussels sprouts is easy. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. They will be good for up to three months.
- Freezing cooked Brussels sprouts:
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date.
Reheating Methods
When it’s time to eat your leftovers, reheating can change the texture. The oven is best for keeping the sprouts crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sprouts evenly on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Oven vs. microwave for reheating:
- Oven keeps them crispy.
- Microwave may make them soggy.
To restore crispiness, check your oven method. If they feel soft, a quick blast in the oven helps. You can also try a skillet. This adds a nice crunch back to the sprouts.
- Tips for restoring crispiness:
- Use the oven for best results.
- Heat in a skillet for a quick fix.
- Avoid microwave if you want crispiness.
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dressing and cut the Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just toss them together and roast when you are ready.
What can I serve with Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts? These Brussels sprouts pair well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or quinoa. They also make a great side for holiday meals. Add them to a salad for a tasty twist.
How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from being bitter? To reduce bitterness, choose fresh Brussels sprouts. Trim and cut them in half to allow for even cooking. Roasting them with maple syrup and Dijon mustard helps to balance the flavors.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional benefits of Brussels sprouts Brussels sprouts are high in vitamins C and K. They also provide fiber, which helps with digestion. Plus, they have antioxidants that can help protect your cells.
Caloric content of the recipe per serving This recipe has about 150 calories per serving. It includes healthy fats from olive oil and pecans, making it a nutritious choice.
Dietary considerations (gluten-free, vegan, etc.) Maple Dijon Brussels sprouts are gluten-free and can be made vegan. Just ensure that the Dijon mustard you use is vegan-friendly.
This article covered how to make Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts, including tasty ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. You can tweak the recipe for your taste or use different ingredients. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. Try out these ideas to make your sprouts shine. Whether for a side dish or a main, these Brussels sprouts will impress your guests. Happy cooking!
