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    Home » Recipes » Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Side Dishes

    Maple Candied Brussels Sprouts (No Bacon)

    Modified: Sep 26, 2025 · by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 71 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    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

    Crispy, salty-sweet, and roasted to perfection, these Maple Candied Brussel Sprouts skip the bacon but pack all the crave-worthy flavor. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, they’re the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight at any dinner table.

    Candied Brussels sprouts in a glass dish with more around it.

    "Even my kids love these! Great recipe 🙂" - Stacy

    A Quick Look At The Recipe

    • ⏲️Ready In: 50 Minutes
    • 👪Serves: 4
    • 🍽 Calories and Protein: 187 kcals and 13 grams of protein
    • 📋 Main Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, avocado oil, and pecans.
    • 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, and vegan.
    • ⭐ Why You'll Love It: They have a crisp, salty-sweet glaze that's approved by even kids.

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    Forget the trauma of soggy, boiled Brussels sprouts; these candied Brussels sprouts with pecans are crispy, caramelized, and totally crave-worthy. I swore I’d never serve my kids the mushy, smelly sprouts I grew up with… and now my 7-year-old actually requests these. They’re roasted in the oven to crispy perfection and have a salted maple glaze that’s naturally sweetened. Plus, no bacon!

    They pair beautifully with bigger meals like these maple cranberry chicken thighs alongside gluten-free sweet potato casserole. But they’re simple enough for a quick weeknight side, just like sesame roasted vegetables. These sprouts are holiday-worthy and kid-approved.

    Jump To
    • A Quick Look At The Recipe
    • 💭Why Candied Brussel Sprouts?
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Easy Flavor Variations
    • How to Make the Candied Brussels Sprouts Recipe
    • Expert Tips
    • How To Store Them
    • How To Serve Them
    • Candied Brussels Sprouts FAQ's
    • More Gluten-Free Recipes You'll Love
    • Candied Brussels Sprouts Recipe (Vegan)

    💭Why Candied Brussel Sprouts?

    Easy to make: With only 5 ingredients, these maple-coated Brussels are simple to whip up.

    Kid Approved: Their sweet flavor and crispy, crunchy texture make them a hit with kids.

    Healthy: The recipe is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and even vegan.

    Versatile: They work just as well for a weeknight dinner on the side of slow cooker BBQ chicken thighs) as they do a Holiday dinner.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, and other ingredients to make candied sprouts in bowls with text labels voer top.

    These maple candied Brussels 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.
    • Make them nut-free: If you need to skip the nuts, use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead. This way, you still get the added crunch.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Easy Flavor Variations

    Savory maple: For a more savory flavor, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and garlic powder into the maple syrup before tossing the sprouts. This makes the dish more like caramelized Brussels sprouts.

    Deliciously cheesy: Toss them in parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if you can't have dairy (check out more easy dairy-free swaps).

    Spicy: Add a bit of red pepper flakes to the Brussels either before or after cooking for a pop of heat.

    How to Make the Candied Brussels Sprouts Recipe

    Brussels sprouts on a cutting board being chopped.

    Step 1: Quarter the Brussels sprouts and measure the ingredients

    Maple syrup being poured over chopped brussel sprouts and nuts in a measuring cup.

    Step 2: Toss the Brussels sprouts in the maple syrup and chopped nuts.

    Raw brussels sprouts cooated with syrup and nuts on a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Step 3: Layer them on a baking tray in a single layer and bake for roughly 30 minutes until crispy.

    Expert Tips

    Make sure to spread the candied Brussels sprouts in just a single layer on the baking sheet. Too many piled on top of each other means that they won't crisp up and take forever to cook.

    To have the candied Brussels sprouts crisp up in the oven, you need to first de-stem them. Then, slice them in half and into quarters. You want them small. Some of the leaves should fall off, and that's exactly what you want!

    Keep an eye on them cooking in the last 3 minutes. You want them to start turning brown but not burn.

    Let them sit for 5 minutes on the pan before serving.

    How To Store Them

    Store leftover candied Brussels sprouts once cooled in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To reheat them, lay them on a lined baking tray and heat on top until they crisp up again.

    Then, enjoy them as-is or in a gluten-free salmon poke bowl or beet Buddha bowl. I do not recommend freezing the Brussels sprouts as they don't thaw well.

    How To Serve Them

    There are more ways to use these oven-roasted 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, convection oven Turkey, or a roasted oven turkey) and paired with keto cranberry sauce.
    • Use leftover sprouts in a chicken pasta (or leftover steak 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! And know that something like breaded mushrooms makes for a tasty appetizer.

    Candied Brussels Sprouts FAQ's

    How do you make Brussels sprouts taste like candy?

    You make Brussels sprouts taste like candy by tossing them in maple syrup, and baking gives the Brussels sprouts a candied flavor. As the sugar absorbs from the maple syrup and crystallizes, the sprouts themselves get crispy and candy-like.

    Can you make these Brussels ahead of time?

    Candied Brussels sprouts taste best when made fresh. Making them and reheating them will cause them to lose some of their flavor. However, you can prep the Brussels sprouts in advance by de-stemming them and slicing them into quarters.

    Why won't my Brussels sprouts get crispy?

    If you're struggling to get crispy Brussels, it's normally due to two reasons. The first is that you're not separating the leaves. Make sure to quarter the sprouts and let some of the leaves fall off; this is what crisps up. Second, ensure you're roasting the sprouts in just a single layer on the baking tray. Over-stuffing means that they won't crisp up.

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

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    If you tried this No Bacon Candied Brussels Sprouts Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!

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

    Candied Brussels Sprouts Recipe (Vegan)

    Shelby Stover
    Sweetened with maple syrup, these candied Brussels sprouts are a crispy, delicious side dish no one can refuse!
    5 from 77 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

    Video

    Equipment

    • Large baking tray
    • Measuring Cups and Spoons

    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 Burssels 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.
    • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the sprouts on top in one even layer.
    • 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.

    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 the Brussels sprouts are 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.
    Make sure to spread the candied Brussels sprouts in just a single layer on the baking sheet. Too many piled on top of each other means that they won't crisp up and take forever to cook.
    Keep an eye on them cooking in the last 3 minutes. You want them to start turning brown but not burn.
    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
    Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

    More Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Side Dishes

    • Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping in a glass baking dish with a spoon in the dish.
      Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
    • White plate with zucchini carrot salad in it with cherry tomatoes.
      Raw Carrot Zucchini Salad
    • Pinterest image with text: Spinach salad with pecans in a white bowl with another bowl of salad behind it and pecans on the table
      Gluten-Free Spinach Salad
    • Glass bowl with macaroni salad in it with celery and red peppers and apple slices and an orange linen behind it
      Easy Dairy-Free Macaroni Salad

    Comments

    1. Jocelyn says

      December 29, 2023 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      Glad I came across this recipe. It was a great way to trick my kids into eating veggies. It was crunchy, sweet, and delicious and pairs really well with the roasted chicken I made. I think this is my new side dish for family dinners.`

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 03, 2024 at 1:19 pm

        Haha isn't it the best?!

        Reply
    2. Hanna says

      December 29, 2023 at 2:33 pm

      5 stars
      Sprouts are my son's favorite vegetable at the Christmas table. I wanted to try something new this year and this recipe came at the perfect time! Never though of putting nuts with sprouts. They were delicious!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 03, 2024 at 1:18 pm

        It makes them so yummy!

        Reply
    3. Lily says

      December 28, 2023 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      The maple syrup was definitely a surprising twist. The kids loved them and didnt mind at all. Very easy to make with a few simple ingredients. This is a new favorite at my house.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        January 03, 2024 at 1:18 pm

        Maple syrup is a life saver!

        Reply
    4. Gabby says

      December 28, 2023 at 11:35 am

      5 stars
      Made these for Christmas as a side and they were quick to disappear! Maple syrup for the win!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 28, 2023 at 12:18 pm

        Yay!!!

        Reply
    5. Eunice says

      December 28, 2023 at 6:03 am

      5 stars
      Wow, this Brussels sprouts recipe tastes great! The fact that I could make this recipe using only 5 ingredients is the best thing about it 🙂

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear says

        December 28, 2023 at 12:18 pm

        So happy you loved them!

        Reply
    6. Ana says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

        Glad you love them!

        Reply
    7. Bea says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

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

        Reply
    8. Davi says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

        Ahh best win of the day yet!

        Reply
    9. Lea says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

        Haha total parent win!

        Reply
    10. Kat says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:53 pm

        Maple syrup is a life staple in my house lol

        Reply
    11. Leigh says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm

        Yay! Glad you have a new favorite!

        Reply
    12. LIsa says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm

        Happy it was a good twist for you!

        Reply
    13. Remy says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm

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

        Reply
    14. Janna says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:52 pm

        Always a huge parent win!

        Reply
    15. Faye says

      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 says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:51 pm

        Haha the best combo!

        Reply
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    Blond haired woman in a black sweater outside smiling at the camera

    Welcome!

    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

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