Devilish Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash: #1 Fav

Oh, honey, let me tell you about this spicy maple roasted butternut squash & Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a game-changer! I stumbled upon this combo one chilly autumn evening when I was trying to use up some leftover squash and Brussels sprouts. I thought, “Why not add a little kick and some crispy bacon?” And WOW, it was like fireworks in my mouth! I swear, even my picky-eater nephews ask for seconds. This recipe is special because it takes everyday veggies and turns them into something totally crave-able. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky, and it’s so darn easy to make! And I know what I’m talking about – folks call me Max and I’ve been serving up recipes like this at my supper club in Asheville for years now.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Okay, so why should you make this, right? Trust me, you’re gonna LOVE it. Here’s why:

• **Flavor Explosion:** Sweet maple, spicy sriracha, and salty bacon…need I say more?
• **Super Easy:** Seriously, it’s mostly just chopping and roasting. Even *I* can’t mess it up, and that’s saying something!
• **Veggies, Elevated:** Finally, a way to make Brussels sprouts irresistible. My kids actually cheer when they see these!
• **Crowd-Pleaser:** It’s always a hit at potlucks and holiday dinners. Prepare for the compliments!

Gather Your Ingredients for Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Alright, let’s gather what we need! Here’s the lineup for this flavor party: You’ll want 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 2 pounds, give or take). Grab 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved – the smaller ones are sweeter, just sayin’! Don’t forget 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces. Then, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup (the good stuff!), 1 tablespoon of sriracha (more if you’re feeling brave!), ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Got it all? Good, let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Okay, let’s get down to business! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time. And if you want even more Brussels sprouts inspiration, check out this guide to roasting Brussels sprouts – it’s got some great tips!

1. First things first, **preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)**. Get that baby nice and hot!
2. Next, in a large bowl, **toss the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper**. Make sure everything’s coated evenly – nobody wants a bland squash!
3. **Spread the veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet.** Don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of roast. We want those crispy edges!
4. **Roast for 20 minutes.** Set a timer!
5. While the veggies are roasting, **cook the 6 slices of bacon** (cut into 1-inch pieces, remember?) **in a skillet over medium heat until they’re nice and crispy**. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel, but **don’t you DARE throw away that bacon fat!** We might need it later… *wink wink*.
6. In a small bowl, **whisk together 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of sriracha** for that sweet and spicy kick. Mmm!
7. After 20 minutes, **remove the vegetables from the oven and drizzle with the maple syrup mixture**. Then, **sprinkle that crispy bacon all over** and gently toss to combine.
8. **Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes**, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Keep an eye on them – you want them nice and golden, not burnt!
9. **Serve immediately** and prepare for the rave reviews!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Okay, so maybe you don’t have everything in the fridge – no sweat! This recipe’s super flexible. Don’t have butternut squash? Sweet potatoes roast up beautifully too—they’ll give you a similar sweetness. Acorn squash would also be amazing! If maple syrup’s not your thing (gasp!), try honey or even brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness. And for my vegan friends, you can totally skip the bacon (though, let’s be honest, it adds SO much flavor!). A sprinkle of smoked paprika will give you some of that smokiness instead. Oh! And if you’re watching your sugar, use a sugar-free maple syrup substitute. Boom! Problem solved.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Want to take this dish from “yum” to “OMG?” Here are a few tricks up my sleeve:

• **Don’t skimp on the space!** Make sure those veggies have room to breathe on the baking sheet. Overcrowding = soggy sprouts, and nobody wants that. Use two baking sheets if ya gotta.
• **Bacon Perfection:** For *extra* crispy bacon, try baking it on a separate rack in the oven alongside the veggies for the last 10 minutes. Game changer!
• **Glaze it Good:** Don’t drown those veggies in the maple-sriracha mix. A light drizzle is all you need for that perfect balance of sweet and heat. Speaking of heat, if you’re looking for a quicker option, check out this air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe for a speedy, spicy alternative!
• **Flip it, flip it good!** About halfway through the roasting time, give everything a good toss. This ensures even cooking and maximum caramelized goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing dish…what do you serve it with? Well, this is where you can get creative! This spicy maple roasted butternut squash & Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon is a *perfect* side for so many things. I love it with a simple roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. It’s also fantastic alongside my honey mustard chicken– the sweetness of the honey mustard really complements the spicy maple glaze. And for a vegetarian option? Try it with a hearty grain bowl or a lentil loaf! Honestly, it’s so versatile, it goes with just about anything!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Leftover Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Alright, so you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to keep them tasting their best. First, let everything cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep great for up to 3 days, maybe 4 if you’re feeling adventurous. To reheat, I like to spread it out on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. This helps keep things crispy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the bacon might get a little sad. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask about this recipe. Don’t worry, there are no silly questions here!

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Okay, so technically, *can* you? Yes. *Should* you? Well, fresh is always best for flavor and texture in my opinion. But if you’re in a pinch, frozen butternut squash and Brussels sprouts will work. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting, or they’ll end up soggy. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead! Chop the squash and Brussels sprouts, cook the bacon…you can even mix the maple-sriracha glaze. Keep everything separate and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to roast, just toss everything together and follow the recipe. Easy peasy!

How spicy is it?

That’s the beauty of this recipe – you can totally control the spice level! One tablespoon of sriracha gives it a nice kick, but if you’re a spice fiend, feel free to add more. Or, if you’re spice-averse, start with half a tablespoon and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

What can I use instead of bacon?

Alright, bacon-less buddies, I’ve got you covered! As I mentioned before, smoked paprika will give you that smoky flavor we’re missing. You could also try a vegan bacon substitute, but honestly, the roasted veggies are pretty darn delicious on their own. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a savory, cheesy-like depth, too!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey, just a heads up! The nutrition info here is an estimate. It can vary depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, don’t take it as gospel, okay?

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