Crispy Chipotle Maple Brussels Sprouts Recipe – Easy Roasted Sides

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Chipotle Maple Brussels Sprouts Recipe – Easy Roasted Sides

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. Honestly, I used to be so skeptical of Brussels sprouts. But then I discovered roasting, and everything changed! These Crispy Chipotle Maple Brussels Sprouts are seriously addictive – a little sweet, a little smoky, and unbelievably crispy. They’ve become a staple side dish in my kitchen, and I think they’ll become one in yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, roasted Brussels sprouts are a game-changer. This recipe takes it up a notch with a fantastic chipotle kick balanced by the sweetness of maple syrup. It’s incredibly easy to make, ready in under 40 minutes, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing sprouts:

• 2 pounds (approximately 900g) Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) chipotle powder
• 0.25 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Brussels Sprouts: Selecting the Best

Look for Brussels sprouts that are bright green and firm, with tightly packed leaves. Smaller to medium-sized sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender. Avoid any that are yellowing or have black spots.

Avocado Oil: Benefits and Substitutes

I love avocado oil for roasting because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. But if you don’t have it, olive oil or grapeseed oil will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the temperature to prevent burning.

Chipotle Powder: Heat Level and Regional Variations

Chipotle powder is made from smoked, dried jalapeño peppers. It adds a wonderful smoky heat. The heat level can vary depending on the brand, so start with 0.5 teaspoon and add more to taste. You can find it in most supermarkets, or online.

Maple Syrup: Pure vs. Imitation & Flavor Profile

Please, please use real maple syrup! It makes a huge difference in flavor. Imitation maple syrup just doesn’t have the same depth and complexity. I prefer a darker grade of maple syrup for a richer flavor, but any pure maple syrup will work beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Give those Brussels sprouts a good wash and trim the ends. Then, halve them – this helps them get nice and crispy.
3. In a large bowl, toss the halved sprouts with avocado oil, salt, garlic powder, chipotle powder, and black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread the sprouts cut-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. The foil makes cleanup a breeze!
5. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully caramelized and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
6. Once they’re roasted, transfer the sprouts back to the bowl. Drizzle with maple syrup and gently toss to coat.

And that’s it! Seriously, so easy, right?

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make these sprouts perfect.

Achieving Maximum Crispiness

The key to crispy Brussels sprouts is to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Give them space so they can roast, not steam. Also, cut-side down is crucial!

Preventing Burning

Keep a close eye on them during the last 10 minutes of roasting. Every oven is different, so adjust the cooking time as needed. If they start to get too dark, lower the oven temperature slightly.

Adjusting Spice Levels

Don’t be afraid to play with the chipotle powder! Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat, and add more if you like a bigger kick.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your maple syrup is 100% pure.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: Absolutely gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce chipotle powder to ¼ teaspoon (1.25g).
  • Medium: Stick with the ½ teaspoon (2.5g) as written.
  • Hot: Add an extra ¼ – ½ teaspoon (1.25-2.5g) of chipotle powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Holiday/Festival Adaptation: For Thanksgiving or Christmas, add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or cranberries after roasting. My family loves that!

Serving Suggestions

These sprouts are amazing as a side dish with just about anything! They pair perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty vegetarian main course. I also love them with a simple lentil loaf.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They won’t be quite as crispy when reheated, but still delicious! You can reheat them in the oven or in a skillet to try and crisp them up again.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What’s the best way to prepare Brussels sprouts?

Roasting is by far the best way, in my opinion! It brings out their natural sweetness and gets them wonderfully crispy.

Can I use another oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, olive oil or grapeseed oil are good substitutes.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?

Adjust the amount of chipotle powder to your liking.

Can these be made ahead of time?

You can prep the sprouts (wash, trim, and halve) ahead of time and store them in the fridge. But I recommend roasting them right before serving for maximum crispiness.

What if I don’t have maple syrup? What can I substitute?

Honey or agave nectar can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted?

They should be tender-crisp and nicely browned with some caramelized edges.