Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite, you’re going to absolutely love this Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of crispy bacon, tender yet slightly caramelized Brussels sprouts, sweet pear slices, and tangy blue cheese crumbles that come together to create a fan-freaking-tastic dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, I’ve made this for casual dinners and parties alike, and it never fails to impress!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe, I recommend focusing on fresh, quality ingredients. Fresh Brussels sprouts that aren’t too mature give the best texture and flavor, and a ripe pear adds just the right touch of sweetness. Don’t forget thick-cut bacon for that perfect crispy bite!

• Thick-cut bacon: Choose good quality, thick slices for crispy texture and rich flavor; it makes all the difference.
• Brussels sprouts: Look for bright green, firm sprouts with tight leaves; fresh ones won’t be bitter.
• Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness that complements the savory ingredients beautifully.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best to give this salad a subtle kick.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors, especially the Brussels and bacon.
• Ripe pear: Bartlett or Anjou work wonderfully and add juicy sweetness.
• Blue cheese: Crumbled blue cheese with bold flavor adds a creamy, tangy contrast that’s essential to this salad.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can easily customize it to your taste or dietary preferences!

• Vegetarian version: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or roasted nuts for crunch—still delicious and smoky.
• Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor I particularly enjoy in the fall.
• Swap cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, try goat cheese or feta for a milder tang.
• Seasonal fruits: In the summer, fresh figs or apples work beautifully instead of pears.

How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Crispy Bacon Perfection

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat and adding your chopped thick-cut bacon. Cook it slowly while stirring occasionally—this renders the fat and ensures your bacon crisps up without burning. This usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once it looks perfectly crispy, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside on paper towels to drain excess grease. This step is crucial because crisp bacon adds that irresistible crunch and salty punch to your salad.

Step 2: Sauté Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Maple

Don’t clean out the skillet just yet—you’ve got bacon grease in there, which is liquid gold. Toss the trimmed and sliced Brussels sprouts into the hot bacon fat and stir well to coat. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the sprouts become tender but still have a slight bite. Next, stir in the maple syrup, letting it caramelize the sprouts over 1 to 2 minutes—you’ll smell that gorgeous aroma right away! Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is where the magic happens to balance savory and sweet flavors perfectly.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet along with half of the crumbled blue cheese, mixing everything to combine while the cheese slightly melts into the warm Brussels mixture. Plate the Brussels sprouts, bacon, and cheese on a serving dish, then elegantly layer your thinly sliced ripe pear on top. Finish by crumbling the remaining blue cheese over the salad and sprinkling an extra crack of black pepper if you like a little extra bite.

How to Serve Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top whenever I want a little extra crunch and nuttiness. A drizzle of a good extra-virgin olive oil or a few fresh herbs like thyme also brighten the salad and enhance its flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even as a side to a light pasta dish. I often serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up any leftover bacon syrup and blue cheese goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged this salad on individual plates, layering the Brussels mixture in the center, fanning pear slices beautifully around the edge, and topping it with chunks of blue cheese and bacon bits. It makes for a rustic yet elegant presentation that guests always admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I found that the Brussels and bacon taste just as good when reheated gently, but hold off adding the pear slices and extra blue cheese until serving to keep them fresh.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this salad because the fresh pear and blue cheese texture change after thawing. But if you want to freeze, separate components like cooked Brussels and bacon first, then thaw and add fresh ingredients when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave just until warm—avoid overheating to keep Brussels sprouts tender but not mushy. Add fresh pear slices and blue cheese just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s easy, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you put in a lot of effort, even though it comes together quickly. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how the textures and tastes compliment perfectly, and your family or guests will keep asking for it. Cooking should be joyful and delicious, and this salad nails both!

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