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Home » 400 Calorie Recipes » Candied Brussels Sprouts (Maple Roasted, No Bacon) - Gluten-Free & Vegan

Candied Brussels Sprouts (Maple Roasted, No Bacon) - Gluten-Free & Vegan

03/19/2019 by fitasamamabear

Jump to Recipe

A tasty side dish that will please everyone! These candied Brussels sprouts are bacon-free and are even a hit with kids! The maple Brussels sprouts contain only 5 ingredients, are simple to make, and come out indulgent, slightly crispy, and far more like candy than a cruciferous vegetable. The perfect addition to your dinner table.

Glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it.

Stop putting yourself through the torture of boiled brussels sprouts and ENJOY these candied ones instead!

This candied Brussels sprouts recipe is a serious game changer of crispy perfection.

Use them as a weeknight side dish or on the table for bigger meals like convection oven Turkey during times of the year like Easter and Thanksgiving. They'll become a staple in no time.

As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love them because:

  • makes kids love Brussela sprouts
  • They're simple to make (only five ingredients)
  • They pair well with anything (like slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs)
  • They're crispy and sweet, almost indulgent
  • It's another cruciferous veggie we're taking in
  • Gluten-free and vegan

Ingredients You'll Need

These brussel sprouts contain minimal ingredients (and no bacon!) which makes them an easy, healthy side dish to whip up!

Brussels Sprouts: you'll want about 40 sprouts and make sure you de-stem and quarter them for maximum crispiness.

Nuts: any nut will work but I find that pecans give the dish the best flavor.

Maple syrup: the sugar in the maple syrup helps candy the Brussels sprouts while keeping this dish vegan.

Olive oil: you can use avocado oil instead as it has a higher heat point but olive oil is the staple!

Sea salt: All you need is a pinch but it makes all the difference!

How To Make Them

  1. Quarter the Brussels sprouts and measure the ingredients
  2. Toss the Brussels sprouts in the maple syrup and chopped nuts
  3. Bake at 350F for roughly 30 minutes (you want them crispy).
  4. Serve.

Step By Step Photos

Brussel sprouts in a measuring cup with a cup of maple syrup and oil in a glass cup and a teaspoon of salt on a wooden cutting board. this …
Maple syrup being poured over chopped brussel sprouts and nuts in a measuring cup.
Raw brussels sprouts cooated with syrup and nuts on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it.

How To Make The Vegan Brussels Sprouts Crispy

This is a trick that actually took me a bit to figure out. Being that part of the reason people don't like Brussels sprouts is the thick texture that needed to be fixed- flavor aside.

To have the candied Brussels sprouts crisp up in the oven, you need to first de-stem them. To do this, simply cut the bottom off the Brussels sprouts (when raw) but take more than you need to.

Some of the leaves should fall off and that's exactly what you want!

Then, slice them in half and into quarters. You want them small.

Finally, when they're in the bowl, toss them a bit with your hands. The more leaves that fall off and the smaller the actual sprouts, the crispier the maple-roasted Brussels sprouts will come out.

Choice Of Nuts

The majority of candied Brussels Sprouts opt for bacon to pair with them. Though I love bacon, it just didn't work for me flavor-wise. Likewise, I wanted some crunch.

Adding in some nuts gives the sprouts some texture (and keeps them vegan). As well as a dose of healthy fats too.

Plus, you end up with candied nuts- yum!

You can use any nut you want to but our favorite is pecans. Candied pecans are always a hit around the Holidays.

Moreover, they turn this Candied Brussels Sprouts dish from simple to elegant.

Pinterest image with text: roasted candied brussels sprouts without bacon in a glass bowl with brussels around it and more behind it on a baking sheet.

How To Use The Maple Roast Brussels Sprouts

Though you would think this is pretty obvious, there are more ways to use these vegan Brussels Sprouts than just setting them on the table!

  • they make a great side dish on a busy weeknight as well as a family gathering and Holiday dinners (especially on the side of something like a smoked Thanksgiving Turkey, or a roster oven turkey) and paired with keto cranberry sauce).
  • they add some extra crunch when added to a Buddha Bowl (learn how to make these bowls in just seven steps!)
  • use leftover sprouts in a chicken pasta the next night and just add oil and chili flakes for the sauce
  • whip up a batch and just let kiddos munch on them- mine eat them like chips!

If you're making these for Thanksgiving, make sure to use this Thanksgiving scavenger hunt to keep the kiddos busy while you cook!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Candied Brussel Sprouts

How do you make Brussels sprouts taste like candy?

Tossing them in maple syrup and baking gives the Brussels sprouts a candied flavor. As the sugar absorbs from the maple syrup and cystalizes the sprouts themselves get crispy and candy-like.

Can you make these Brussels ahead of time?

These Brussels sprouts taste best when made fresh. Making them and reheating them will cause them to lose some of their flavor.

glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it.

Other Gluten-Free Recipes You'll Love

  • Dairy-free macaroni salad
  • Sheet pan steak fajitas
  • Easy venison chili
  • Dairy-free chicken alfredo
  • Baked teriyaki chicken thighs
  • One pot sausage and tomato pasta
  • 30 minute teriyaki meatballs
  • Slow cooker teriyaki chicken
  • Chicken fajita bowls
  • Creamy slow cooker Tuscan chicken
  • Thai quinoa stir fry
  • 30-minute meals

Glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it.

Candied Brussels Sprouts-Gluten-free & Vegan

Fit as a Mama Bear
Sticky, crunchy and utterly addictive these maple roasted Brussels Sprouts will convince any kid that they love vegetables.
5 from 24 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
10 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 449 kcal

Equipment

  • Large baking tray

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Brussels Sprouts about 40 sprouts, de-stemmed & quartered
  • 1 cup nuts chopped
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. If you haven’t already, remove the stem from the sprouts and slice them in quarters. Whisk together the syrup, olive oil, and sea salt. Toss everything in a bowl and mix until all sprouts are coated.
    Maple syrup being poured over chopped brussel sprouts and nuts in a measuring cup
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the sprouts on top in one even layer.
    Raw brussels sprouts coated with syrup and nuts on a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Bake for 18 minutes. Remove pan and stir/flip the sprouts moving the middle ones to the outer layer and vice versa.
  • Bake for another 15 minutes. Turn the oven off and let cook/cool for 5-10 more minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

How to cut them to make sure they come out crispy:
  • First de-stem them. To do this, simply cut the bottom off the Brussels sprouts (when raw) but take more than you need to.
  • Some of the leaves should fall off and that's exactly what you want!
  • Then, slice them in half and into quarters. You want them small.
  • Finally, when they're in the bowl, toss them a bit with your hands. The more leaves that fall off and the smaller the actual sprouts, the crispier the maple-roasted Brussels sprouts will come out.
Any nuts will work for the Brussels.
Disclaimer:

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 11gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 330mgPotassium: 774mgFiber: 8gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 995IUVitamin C: 112mgCalcium: 103mgIron: 3mg
Keyword brussels sprouts, candied brussels
Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

These gluten-free, vegan, maple syrup-roasted Brussels sprouts are perfect for picky kids (and husbands!) who won’t eat their vegetables.

Made without bacon, these vegan sprouts come out slightly sticky, crunchy, and sweet- you just can’t stop eating them. Thus, make a big batch and munch on them or use them as a topper for a buddha bowl or salad- either way, make them!

Shelby aka Mama Bear

fitasamamabear

Meet Shelby – a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Nutrition Coach (PN1) who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

A previous smoker and fast-food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3, her website, Fitasamamabear.com is a crucial resource for busy moms who need help making fitness and healthy living practical.

See author's posts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stacey

    September 30, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    5 stars
    Even my kids love these! Great recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      September 30, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      Haha it's such a win when kids devour them!

      Reply
    • Rose

      April 12, 2023 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      These candied brussels tasted so good! My whole family enjoyed them..

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        April 14, 2023 at 1:32 pm

        So happy to hear it!

        Reply
  2. linda

    October 01, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    I love roasted brussels, in fact it's the only way I will eat them!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      October 02, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      Me too! I never liked them until I tried them roasted.

      Reply
  3. Kelly

    October 02, 2020 at 3:12 am

    5 stars
    Everybody in the family is going to love these!! That delicious roast flavor and that yummy maple!! So good!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      October 02, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      Honestly, the roasted maple just makes them delicious- so much more indulgent! Great for fall 🙂

      Reply
  4. Megan

    October 04, 2020 at 12:02 am

    5 stars
    Gosh, these look INCREDIBLE!! I can't wait to make them!! 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      October 05, 2020 at 10:42 am

      They're such a yummy twist on a veggie!

      Reply
  5. Donny

    October 05, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    This is so genius! Loved every bite.

    Reply
  6. Susan

    November 01, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    5 stars
    Every ingredient is a favorite, so this has to be a win. Can't wait to try it!!!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 03, 2021 at 12:32 am

      Haha yes! They come out so crispy and tasty, you'll love em!

      Reply
  7. Elizabeth S

    April 12, 2023 at 12:05 pm

    5 stars
    These are amazing! I love the crispy, sweet, earthy flavor of these. Will be making at least once a week.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      April 14, 2023 at 1:31 pm

      The crispiness is the best part!

      Reply
  8. Giangi Townsend

    April 12, 2023 at 12:17 pm

    5 stars
    An amazing side dish that we all crave. Easy to make and packed with flavor. It has become a staple at our house. Thank you.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      April 14, 2023 at 1:32 pm

      Nice twist on a classic eh?

      Reply
  9. Nicole

    April 12, 2023 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    This made brussles sprouts haters turn into HUGE fans in our house. Amazing!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      April 14, 2023 at 1:32 pm

      Haha my girls too, it's the best!

      Reply
  10. Ksenia

    April 12, 2023 at 3:15 pm

    5 stars
    These were so yummy and enjoyable! The sweet flavor was perfect without being overwhelming. And so quick and easy to make!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      April 14, 2023 at 1:32 pm

      So happy you lived them!

      Reply
  11. Jenn

    July 12, 2023 at 12:25 pm

    I love these! They take all of my favrioute parts of maple syrup sprouts, and make them crispy! Im thinking of packing them as a snack for work, as they are not messy, and so fun to eat!

    Reply
  12. Angela

    July 12, 2023 at 12:25 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe to make brussels sprouts is one of my favorites, I love the sweetness and crunchiness! I make them very often when with my family we watch TV, for a healthy snack!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 13, 2023 at 9:06 am

      They're so easy to munch on!

      Reply
  13. Jessica

    July 12, 2023 at 1:40 pm

    5 stars
    I know this is supposed to help kids like brussels sprouts, but honestly it has helped me (nearly 40!) enjoy them too. I actually look forward to digging in rather than struggling through them to set a good example for my children.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 13, 2023 at 9:06 am

      Haha same goes for my hubby, he likes them now too!

      Reply
  14. Ali

    July 12, 2023 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    We loved these so much - from how quick and easy they're to make to how delicious they tasted. Thank you!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 13, 2023 at 9:06 am

      Glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  15. Claire

    July 14, 2023 at 3:53 am

    5 stars
    I love Brussels but my kids have never been big fans. But they loved this recipe. I thought it would have been the sweetness that they loved (which was amazing), but my youngest said it was the texture. He said they weren't all solid. That is thanks to your tip about cutting off the end and cutting them in half. Before I found your recipe I always just use to put a cross in the bottom like my mom always did. Cutting them small and removing the stalky bit is a game changer. THANK YOU

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      July 18, 2023 at 8:37 pm

      Thank you for this- you made my day! Honestly the crunch on them makes my kids think they're chips haha it's such a freaking win. Happy to hear your son loved them!

      Reply
  16. Faye

    November 14, 2023 at 3:15 pm

    5 stars
    Sticky, crunchy, and addictive, these maple-roasted delights is a winner for both kids and adults. Healthy and delicious!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:51 pm

      Haha the best combo!

      Reply
  17. Janna

    November 14, 2023 at 7:42 pm

    5 stars
    They were a hit with my picky kiddos! I never thought Brussels sprouts could be so delicious! I'm thinking of serving them as an appetizer for our family gathering next time.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      Always a huge parent win!

      Reply
  18. Remy

    November 14, 2023 at 10:35 pm

    5 stars
    If you'd asked me as a child if I would voluntarily make brussels sprouts for dinner I'd have thought you were crazy. But there's something about that savory flavor of the browned edges of brussels sprouts mixed with the sweet and crunchy in this recipe. It's so good! I enjoy this side just as much as my main.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      Haha same! But when they taste like candy I'm all over it.

      Reply
  19. LIsa

    November 15, 2023 at 12:26 am

    5 stars
    I was a bit skeptical at first about candied Brussels sprouts, but wow, what a pleasant surprise! They turned out crispy and the sweet glaze was a perfect contrast. Even my kids, who are usually not fans of veggies, asked for seconds. Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      Happy it was a good twist for you!

      Reply
  20. Leigh

    November 15, 2023 at 1:10 am

    5 stars
    This was delicious! So sweet and crispy. It pairs really well with my oven-baked turkey. Will be making this again this Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      Yay! Glad you have a new favorite!

      Reply
  21. Kat

    November 15, 2023 at 3:13 pm

    5 stars
    I think the sweet maple glaze is the secret weapon that turns even the pickiest eaters into veggie lovers. Love this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      Maple syrup is a life staple in my house lol

      Reply
  22. Lea

    November 15, 2023 at 7:53 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for my family and they devoured it in minutes. The maple syrup added a nice sweetness and caramelization that balanced the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts. I guess that's why my kid didn't even mind it was a vegetable. I'm glad to see him enjoying his food. Thanks for this great recipe!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      Haha total parent win!

      Reply
  23. Davi

    November 15, 2023 at 8:44 pm

    5 stars
    My 2 year old gobbled these right down. The were even a hit with my mother in law who insisted she didn't like brussels sprouts.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      Ahh best win of the day yet!

      Reply
  24. Bea

    November 15, 2023 at 9:08 pm

    5 stars
    These maple-roasted Brussels sprouts are a family favorite in our house now! The crunchiness and hint of sweetness from the maple syrup make them irresistible.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      It's so nice when they're crunchy right?1

      Reply
  25. Ana

    November 16, 2023 at 1:17 am

    5 stars
    Roasted brussels... ahhhh! They really are yummy! I really like the simplicity of the ingredients, but awesome flavors <3. A really perfect dish for a busy weeknight 🙂

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      Glad you love them!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 1 Month Of Simple Dinners – Real Food Based - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    04/29/2019 at 5:01 am

    […] Grilled chicken & Roasted Brussels […]

    Reply
  2. How To Make A Buddha Bowl- 7 Steps - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    09/17/2019 at 12:55 am

    […] Sometimes I think we live off roasted veggies so often I use whatever we have in the fridge: roasted broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots or our new favorite: candied Brussels Sprouts. […]

    Reply
  3. A Mom’s Guide To Raising Healthy Kids - Fit as a Mama Bear says:
    01/29/2020 at 4:39 pm

    […] something to dip into (hummus, bean dip, guac), roasting them (we love sheet pan roasted veggies or candied brussels sprouts), or generally making them not […]

    Reply

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Pinterest image with text: roasted brussels sprouts without bacon in a glass bowl with brussels around it and more behind it on a baking sheet
Pinterest image with text: two images of candied brussels sprouts the bottom image of brussels sprouts on a baking pan with walnuts before cooking and the top a glass bowl of roasted brussel sprouts
Pinterest image with text: roasted brussels sprouts without bacon in a glass bowl with brussels around it and more behind it on a baking sheet
Pinterest image with text: two images of candied brussels sprouts the top image of brussels sprouts on a baking pan with walnuts before cooking and the second a glass bowl of roasted brussel sprouts
Pin image with text: two images of brussels sprouts the top image raw on a baking tray and the bottom candied in a glass bowl
Pin image with text: glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it