Maple Brussels sprouts

Maple Brussels sprouts

30 min
Our revamped recipe for maple Brussels sprouts takes the humble vegetable and pairs it with the rich, sweet flavour of syrup. To add more texture and flavour, we include crunchy pecans, tangy cranberries, and smooth white cheese. The dish is garnished with crisp sage leaves, adding an aromatic and refined finish.
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Instructions

  • Place a steaming pan over medium heat.
  • Trim the roots of the sprouts and discard any tired outer leaves.
  • Halve the sprouts through the root and place them in the steaming basket.
  • Steam for 4–5 minutes until the sprouts are bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
  • To prepare the sage leaves, heat vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium heat.
  • Add sage leaves and cook gently until translucent. Slide them onto a dinner plate lined with kitchen paper and set aside until needed.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan.
  • Add the sprouts and cook on both sides for 3–4 minutes until tinged and golden.
  • Add the butter, allow it to foam and coat the sprouts.
  • Season with salt and pepper; add the pecans, cranberries, and maple syrup.
  • Gently crumble the white cheese through the sprouts. You should have irregular shapes and pieces that will give you a creamy, salty pop in your mouth.
  • Tip into a serving dish. Scatter the sage leaves over the top and serve as an accompaniment to your main meal.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about maple Brussels sprouts

Find out more about maple Brussels sprouts by reading our FAQ below.

Can I prepare maple Brussels sprouts in advance?
Yes, you can prepare maple Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Steam the sprouts and cook the sage leaves up to one day before you need them. Keep them chilled in the fridge. When serving, roast them before adding the pecans, cranberries, maple syrup, and white cheese to finish the dish.
How should I store maple Brussels sprouts?
To properly store the maple Brussels sprouts, allow them to cool to room temperature first. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the sprouts soggy. Transfer the cooled Brussels sprouts into an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for 3 to 5 days.
How should I reheat maple Brussels sprouts?
When you are ready to reheat the sprouts, you can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. Preheat your oven to 175 °C, spread the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer, and optionally drizzle a little olive oil or add a splash of water to prevent them from drying out. Heat them for 5 to 10 minutes or until they are thoroughly warmed and regain some crispness. If you are using the microwave, place the sprouts in a dish, cover them with a moist paper towel to add moisture, and reheat on high for 1–2 minutes. For those who prefer using the stovetop, start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a small amount of olive oil or butter. Add the Brussels sprouts and stir occasionally, allowing them to reheat for about 5 minutes or until they are thoroughly warmed through.

Ingredients

Brussels sprouts
500 g
Pecan nuts, roughly chopped
3 tbsp
Dried cranberries
300 ml
Fresh sage leaves
15
Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine
200 g
Butter
2 tbsp
Vegetable oil
4 tbsp
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Maple syrup
2 tbsp
Salt
Pepper
Other recipes
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Tips: Perfecting maple Brussels sprouts

Improve your maple Brussels sprouts with these helpful tips.

Choose fresh Brussels sprouts

Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm to the touch, indicating that they are fresh and not past their prime. They should have a vibrant green colour without any yellowing leaves. The leaves should be tightly packed, which shows they are still moist and fresh, and the stem end should look freshly cut without excessive dryness. It is also helpful to choose sprouts that are similar in size, as they will cook more evenly and should be done cooking at the same time.

Go for a high-grade maple syrup

When selecting maple syrup, consider the grade and flavour, which are related to the harvest time. For most cooking purposes, a Grade A amber colour with a rich taste is an excellent choice as it provides a balanced, sweet flavour that complements the Brussels sprouts without overpowering them. If you prefer a deeper maple flavour that can stand out amidst the savoury and nutty components of the dish, opt for a Grade A dark colour with a robust taste.

Discover our sweet maple Brussels sprouts

Green Brussels sprouts take on a whole new character with our recipe for sweet maple Brussels sprouts. This maple-glazed version combines the earthy greens with a mix of maple syrup, oil, and butter to create a simple yet irresistible side dish. Whether as an indulgent side for a weeknight meal or as part of an extravagant family dinner, these sweet sprouts will surely draw attention.

Cooked in a mix of butter, oil, and sweet maple syrup

To make the Brussels sprouts truly shine, we use a combination of butter and maple syrup. The rich and sweet flavours of these ingredients complement the earthy notes from the sprouts, while the high heat gives them a nice, caramelised glaze. The result is a crispy, golden-brown crust that surrounds the tender interior. Because of this sweet, almost candied touch, it is only natural to want to make an extra batch or two of these bite-sized delights.

Topped with crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and creamy white cheese

What makes our Brussels sprouts really stand out is a delicious topping. The simple addition of chopped pecans introduces a satisfying crunch opposite the crisp but tender Brussels sprouts. While the pecans also bring a slightly sweet and buttery flavour, the dried cranberries cut through the richness with their sharp, tangy sweetness. Crumble creamy white cheese on top for a wonderful contrast in texture while giving the dish a welcome savoury note.

Serve with roasted meats, potatoes, or fresh grain salads

If you are looking to put together a larger meal, our recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. They are especially good with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, where their sweetness complements the savoury depth. Couple that with an easy new potato salad or a spinach potato salad with greens to serve for friends and family. Maple Brussels sprouts also go well with fresh grain salads like our pearl couscous salad or couscous tabbouleh with white cheese.

Tailor the dish to your liking

You can make quite a few tweaks to the recipe to tailor it to your liking. Before adding the sprouts, introduce a hint of apple cider vinegar to the maple syrup. The vinegar brings a subtle acidity that counters the syrup’s sweetness and enhances the sprouts’ natural flavour. Additionally, adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of paprika will give the sprouts a lovely warmth that pairs well with the syrupy sweetness.

If you want to try different nuts, consider almonds or cashews for added crunch. Lightly toasting the nuts before adding them releases their oils and gives them a more prominent nutty flavour. Hazelnuts and walnuts are also excellent alternatives if you want to add a sweeter or earthier taste to your maple Brussels sprouts.

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