If you’re on the lookout for a salad that feels both hearty and fresh, with that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, then I think you’re going to absolutely love this Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that makes you want to linger at the table, savoring every bite. When I first tried this combo, I wasn’t sure how brussels sprouts and pear would play together, but trust me — it’s magic. The crispy bacon and rich blue cheese add that incredible depth you won’t soon forget.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: You’ll have this salad ready in about 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The mix of maple syrup, bacon, and blue cheese hits all the right notes: sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Pear and Brussels are in their prime during fall and winter, making this recipe ideal for chilly months.
- Impressively Versatile: It works as a side dish, light lunch, or even a starter to wow your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The unique combination of smoky bacon, slightly caramelized brussels, juicy pear, and pungent blue cheese is what really makes this salad stand out. Selecting ripe but firm pears ensures you get just the right crunch and sweetness to balance the dish.
- Thick-cut bacon: Using thick-cut gives you more chew and flavor—plus, it crisps up beautifully without burning.
- Brussels sprouts stems removed and sliced: Removing stems and slicing thin helps them cook evenly and absorb the maple syrup glaze.
- Maple syrup: Real maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that elevates the savory bacon and sprouts.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds just enough bite without overpowering.
- Salt: A pinch balances the flavors perfectly.
- Ripe pear, thinly sliced: Choose pears that give a little under gentle pressure — Bartlett or Anjou are my favorites.
- Blue cheese, crumbled: Strong, creamy blue cheese melts into the greens and highlights the salad’s tang.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe, and honestly, it’s super forgiving. You can swap ingredients easily depending on what you have or your preferences. Here are some of my favorite twists to keep things exciting.
- Add toasted nuts: Sprinkle in pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a toasty flavor — that’s a trick I discovered after a few tries and now always do.
- Use goat cheese instead of blue cheese: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese’s boldness, creamy goat cheese is a fantastic milder alternative.
- Make it vegan: Swap bacon for smoked tempeh or coconut bacon and use a dairy-free cheese to keep all those smoky and creamy vibes.
- Seasonal switch-ups: In warmer months, try ripe peaches or nectarines instead of pears to add summery freshness.
How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
Step 1: Get that bacon crisping
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat and add your chopped thick-cut bacon. Cooking it slow and steady renders out the fat, giving you perfectly crispy bacon bits without burning. Stir occasionally — this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon and lay it on a paper towel to soak up any excess grease. This bacon fat will be your cooking base for the Brussels sprouts, so don’t clean out the skillet just yet!
Step 2: Sauté brussels in bacon goodness
Add your sliced Brussels sprouts into the same skillet with the warm bacon grease. Stir well so the sprouts soak up that smoky flavor. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften but still have a nice bite. Then, pour in the maple syrup and stir to coat evenly. Let this cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so that sticky-sweet glaze caramelizes slightly — that’s the flavor jackpot right there!
Step 3: Season and bring it all together
Now, sprinkle the salt and black pepper over your sprouts and maple mixture. Toss them back with the crispy bacon bits and half of your crumbled blue cheese right in the skillet. Give everything a good stir until the cheese starts to soften and mingle with the warm ingredients. This is when the salad really starts smelling irresistible!
Step 4: Assemble with pears and final touches
Transfer your warm Brussels mixture to a serving plate or bowl. Artfully arrange thin slices of ripe pear on top to add that fresh, juicy contrast. If you like a bit of extra zing, give the salad a light sprinkle of black pepper. Finish by crumbling the remaining blue cheese over the top — the cool creaminess is just divine against the warm sprouts and bacon.
Pro Tips for Making Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Bacon: Let the bacon render slowly over medium-low heat for maximum crispiness and flavor without burning.
- Use Fresh Pears: I learned that underripe or overly soft pears just don’t give the same bite, so pick pears that are just ripe.
- Reserve Bacon Fat: Using the bacon fat for cooking the Brussels adds depth — don’t toss it out!
- Timing is Key: Add the maple syrup once the Brussels are just softened to get that perfect glaze without burning the sweet syrup.
How to Serve Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I usually add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a little extra crumble of blue cheese on top for presentation and flavor boost. Sometimes, a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans makes a lovely garnish that adds a nutty crunch I can’t resist.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or pork chops, but it also shines as a stand-alone light lunch. For a cozy meal, I often serve it alongside warm, crusty bread and a cup of soup — it’s perfect comfort food without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I love plating this salad in individual clear bowls so all the colors show through. You can also serve it atop arugula or mixed greens to add more freshness and a pop of color. If you want to get fancy, try arranging pear slices in a fan shape and drizzling a touch more maple syrup on top just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, usually for up to 2 days. The best part? The flavors actually get better as they meld together overnight. Just keep the pear slices separate or add them fresh before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the pears and blue cheese can lose their texture and flavor when frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I gently warm them in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to keep the Brussels tender and avoid melting the cheese too much. Add fresh pear slices or extra cheese after reheating to revive some brightness.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
You can, but fresh Brussels sprouts work best here since you want that crisp texture after cooking. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture which can make the salad soggy.
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What other cheeses can I substitute for blue cheese?
Goat cheese or feta are fantastic substitutes if you want a milder flavor, or even creamy ricotta for a softer touch. Just remember that blue cheese adds a distinct tangy punch that’s hard to replicate exactly.
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How do I keep the pears from turning brown in the salad?
To delay browning, toss the sliced pear with a little lemon juice right after slicing if you’re prepping ahead. Or, add the pears right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
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Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether. The maple syrup and Brussels sprouts will still shine.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick but utterly satisfying. It’s that perfect mix of cozy and fresh, simple but impressive. The first time I made it for my family, they went crazy for how all the flavors come together so effortlessly. I genuinely can’t recommend it enough if you want to add a little gourmet flair to your weeknight meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out — I’m betting it’ll become a favorite for you, too!
Print
Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and savory Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad combining crispy bacon, tender maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, sweet pear slices, and tangy blue cheese for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, stems removed and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Salad Toppings
- 1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- Sauté the Brussels sprouts: Add the sliced Brussels sprouts to the bacon grease in the skillet and stir to coat. Cook until the sprouts start to soften, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the maple syrup and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season and combine: Season the Brussels sprouts with salt and black pepper. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet along with half of the crumbled blue cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Assemble the salad: Transfer the Brussels sprouts mixture to a plate or bowl. Arrange the thinly sliced pear on top. Optionally, add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor. Finally, crumble the remaining blue cheese over the salad as a finishing touch.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey if desired.
- For a milder cheese flavor, reduce the amount of blue cheese or replace with feta.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
- Brussels sprouts can be steamed slightly before sautéing if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/3 of recipe)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
