There’s something about the cozy sweetness of maple syrup paired with the crunch of toasted pecans that instantly turns Brussels sprouts into a star at the Thanksgiving table. This Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts recipe became my go-to after I realized even the skeptics couldn’t resist seconds. The vibrant caramelized glaze and nutty finish bring out the best in this humble vegetable, making it a perfect side that’s both comforting and unexpectedly festive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a warm, homemade treat away from fast food’s usual suspects, this dish is as simple to prepare as it is rewarding to eat. Let me show you how to elevate your holiday meal with a touch of maple magic and a handful of pecans!
Why choose Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts?
Bold, festive flavor: Maple syrup and toasted pecans create a perfect balance of sweet and nutty that transforms Brussels sprouts. Effortless elegance: This recipe is simple yet impressive, ideal for home cooks wanting to wow guests. Texture perfection: Crisp-tender sprouts with crunchy pecans offer a delightful contrast. Crowd-pleaser: Even Brussels sprouts skeptics ask for seconds! Versatile side: Great for Thanksgiving or any cozy meal craving a warm, homemade touch.
Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts
- Fresh Brussels sprouts – Choose firm, bright green sprouts for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil – Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior when roasting.
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the sprouts.
- Black pepper – Adds a mild kick to balance the sweetness.
For the Maple Pecan Glaze
- Pure maple syrup – The star sweetener that creates the warm, festive glaze in this Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts recipe.
- Toasted pecans – Provide a crunchy, nutty contrast that complements the tender sprouts perfectly.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the glaze coat the Brussels sprouts beautifully.
- Apple cider vinegar – A splash brightens the glaze with tangy acidity, balancing the sweetness.
How to Make Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 400°F to ensure a hot, even roast for crisp-tender Brussels sprouts with caramelized edges that bring out a sweet, nutty flavor after roasting.
- Trim & halve: Cut off stems, remove loose leaves, and slice each sprout in half so they cook evenly and develop golden-brown crispiness.
- Season & roast: In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated; spread in a single layer and roast 20–25 minutes until tender.
For the Maple Pecan Glaze:
- Melt butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until foamy, about two minutes, creating a luscious base for the maple pecan glaze.
- Add syrup & vinegar: Stir in pure maple syrup and apple cider vinegar, simmering gently for one minute until the glaze thickens and gleams with a warm amber hue.
- Toast pecans: Fold in pecans off heat, stirring gently so nuts remain crunchy, then let mixture cool for a minute to lock in crisp texture.
- Combine & serve: Drizzle glaze over roasted sprouts, gently toss until evenly coated, then transfer to a warmed serving platter and garnish with extra pecans.
Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts
- Choose fresh sprouts: Select firm, bright green Brussels sprouts to ensure a crisp-tender texture and vibrant flavor in this Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts recipe.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Roast in a single layer with space between sprouts to achieve even caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Toast pecans carefully: Watch nuts closely when toasting to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as they smell nutty and turn golden.
- Balance glaze thickness: Simmer maple syrup and vinegar just enough to thicken glaze—too thick can overpower sprouts, too thin won’t cling well.
- Use room temperature butter: Melting butter slowly releases a richer flavor and prevents separation in your glaze.
- Add glaze off heat: Mix toasted pecans into the glaze after removing it from heat to keep their crunch intact.
Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and explore some delightful twists that can tailor it to your family’s taste!
- Vegan Delight: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to make this dish plant-based and still wonderfully rich.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap toasted pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, adding a nutty crunch without the allergens.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the maple glaze for a delightful kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Balsamic Twist: Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a tangy depth that enhances the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts.
- Fruit Infusion: Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped apples at the end for a pop of sweetness and added texture that brightens each bite.
- Herbaceous Spin: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for an aromatic layer of flavor that complements the sweetness wonderfully.
- Cheesy Indulgence: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the sprouts just before serving for a savory finish that nicely contrasts with the sweet glaze.
- Maple Bacon: For the meat lovers, add crisp bacon bits to the Brussels sprouts for an irresistible savory crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor delightful flavors while saving time on the big day! You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the maple pecan glaze (including the toasted pecans) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, roast the Brussels sprouts as directed and drizzle the warmed glaze over them right before plating, ensuring a just-as-delicious taste without the last-minute rush. Enjoy a stress-free holiday gathering with this time-saving approach!
How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts
- Fridge: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them unglazed to maintain their crispy texture until you’re ready to enjoy them again.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the roasted sprouts without glaze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the Brussels sprouts in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, adding the maple pecan glaze just before serving.
- Texture tip: For the best taste, consume thawed Brussels sprouts within a few days after freezing, ensuring you can savor the original flavors of the Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts?
These delightful Brussels sprouts are just the start of your festive feast, promising to elevate your Thanksgiving spread.
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Savory Stuffing: A hearty, seasoned stuffing provides a warm contrast and balances the sweetness of the Brussels sprouts. It’s a classic holiday staple that deserves a place on your table.
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Crispy Roast Turkey: Juicy, golden-brown turkey pairs beautifully with the nutty notes of the glaze, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that every guest will savor.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The silky smoothness of mashed potatoes creates a lovely backdrop for the sweet and crunchy sprouts, ensuring each bite is a comforting experience.
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Garlic Herb Bread: A rustic loaf adorned with garlic and herbs complements the rich, nutty glaze, adding warmth and aroma to your meal.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the sweet Brussels sprouts, offering a refreshing pop of flavor that brightens your plate.
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Apple Cider: A glass of crisp apple cider brings a burst of seasonal flavor that pairs nicely with the caramelized sweetness of the sprouts.
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Pecan Pie: For dessert, a slice of pecan pie echoes the flavors in your Brussels sprouts, providing a delightful and sweet ending to your meal.
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Roasted Butternut Squash: This dish adds a touch of earthy sweetness that complements the maple glaze, creating a well-rounded, autumn-inspired feast.
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Maple-Glazed Carrots: Continuing the maple theme, these carrots enhance the flavor profile while adding an appealing color contrast to your table.
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Herbed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a lightness to your meal, balancing the rich flavors of your Thanksgiving spread.
Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without yellowing or dark spots. Freshness is key to achieving that crisp-tender texture and vibrant flavor I love in this dish.
What’s the best way to store leftover Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate to preserve the crispiness of the sprouts. Add the glaze fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts?
Absolutely! Freeze the roasted sprouts without the glaze. Spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. Add glaze after warming to keep pecans crunchy.
Why do my Brussels sprouts sometimes turn mushy or bitter?
Mushy sprouts often mean overcrowding the roasting pan, causing steaming instead of roasting. Bitter sprouts might be overcooked or too old with dark spots all over. To fix this, roast in a single layer and watch cooking time closely to get golden edges and tender centers.
Are Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts safe for pets?
While Brussels sprouts can be healthy for pets in small amounts, maple syrup and pecans are best avoided. Maple syrup is high in sugar, and pecans can be hard to digest or cause allergic reactions. Always check with your vet before sharing human foods with pets.
Easy Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts That Impress Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F to ensure a hot, even roast for crisp-tender Brussels sprouts.
- Cut off stems, remove loose leaves, and slice each sprout in half.
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until foamy.
- Stir in pure maple syrup and apple cider vinegar, simmering gently for one minute until the glaze thickens.
- Fold in pecans off heat, stirring gently to maintain crunch, then let mixture cool for a minute.
- Drizzle glaze over roasted sprouts, gently toss until evenly coated, then transfer to a warmed serving platter.
