Orange Maple Glazed Brussels

There's something magical about the transformation of humble Brussels sprouts when they're roasted to golden perfection and glazed with a sweet-savory mixture. These Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts showcase the vegetable in its most irresistible form—crispy on the outside, tender within, and coated in a glossy orange-infused maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven's heat. The combination of bright citrus, rich maple sweetness, and the earthy, slightly bitter notes of the sprouts creates a side dish that converts even the most dedicated Brussels sprout skeptics.

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Brussels sprouts have come a long way from their reputation as the dreaded vegetable of childhood dinners. When roasted properly, they develop a wonderful nuttiness and crispy edges that pair beautifully with the sweet-tart glaze in this recipe. The combination of pure maple syrup and fresh orange creates a bright, complex sauce that reduces to a sticky glaze in the oven, clinging to every nook and cranny of the sprouts and creating the perfect caramelization.

• 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quarter any large sprouts)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (grade A recommended)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (about half a large orange)
• 1 tsp orange zest (preferably freshly grated)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free/soy-free)
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Rinse and thoroughly dry Brussels sprouts. Trim stem ends and halve each sprout (quarter if very large) for even roasting.

Step 3: Season

In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange for Roasting

Arrange sprouts cut-side down in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.

Step 5: Initial Roast

Roast in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove, stir or flip sprouts, and roast for another 10 minutes until golden and just tender.

Step 6: Prepare Glaze

Meanwhile, whisk together maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust: add a splash more soy sauce for saltiness or orange juice for brightness as needed.

Step 7: Apply Glaze

Remove roasted sprouts from the oven. Drizzle glaze evenly over the sprouts and toss gently to coat.

Step 8: Final Roast

Return to oven for 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes but does not burn.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra orange zest or toasted sesame seeds if desired.

For the best caramelization, make sure your Brussels sprouts are completely dry before roasting. Excess moisture prevents proper browning. Don't rush the roasting process—those golden, crispy edges are essential to the dish's flavor profile. When making the glaze, fresh orange juice and zest make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to bottled juice. The glaze thickens as it cools, so serve the sprouts immediately after their final roast for the perfect texture.

This versatile recipe can be easily modified to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce. If you don't have maple syrup on hand, honey makes a good substitute (use 3 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup since it's sweeter). Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick, or incorporate a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for additional depth. For a heartier dish, toss the finished sprouts with toasted pecans or walnuts before serving.

These Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts make an outstanding side dish for holiday meals alongside roasted turkey or ham. They also complement weeknight dinners beautifully, pairing well with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or seared salmon. For a vegetarian meal, serve them atop a warm grain bowl with quinoa or farro and add a protein like crispy tofu or a fried egg. The sweet-savory profile of these sprouts works particularly well with foods that have a hint of smokiness or spice.

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There's something deeply satisfying about transforming a once-maligned vegetable into the star of the dinner table. These Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts do exactly that—elevating a humble ingredient through thoughtful preparation and complementary flavors. As the sprouts roast and caramelize, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table. Whether served as part of an elaborate holiday spread or alongside a simple weeknight dinner, this dish proves that with the right technique and a few quality ingredients, Brussels sprouts can truly shine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I get crispy Brussels sprouts?

Trim and halve Brussels sprouts, then roast cut-side down at high heat without overcrowding. This helps achieve caramelized, crispy edges.

→ Can I substitute maple syrup in the glaze?

Yes, honey can be used but reduce quantity to 3 tablespoons as it's sweeter than maple syrup.

→ Is this glaze gluten-free?

Using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce keeps the glaze gluten-free and safe for sensitive diets.

→ What can I serve this side with?

This flavorful dish pairs well with roasted poultry, pork, or grain bowls for a balanced meal.

→ How important is fresh orange zest?

Freshly grated orange zest is essential to brighten the glaze with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.

→ Can leftovers be reheated without losing texture?

Leftovers reheat best in a skillet to restore some crispiness, or enjoy cold in salads.