01 -
First things first, let's get those Brussels sprouts ready! Trim off the tough ends, and peel away any sad-looking outer leaves. Then, halve them right down the middle. If you have any super big ones, quarter them so they cook evenly. Honestly, this is where I sometimes get a little messy with stray leaves flying, but it’s all part of the process, right? The smell of fresh sprouts, a little earthy and green, always makes me feel like I’m about to make something wholesome.
02 -
Grab a large skillet, something with a good, heavy bottom, and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your chopped turkey ham and let it get beautifully browned and slightly crispy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. I always have to resist the urge to nibble on the crispy bits right out of the pan, but trust me, it’s worth waiting for the full Maple Turkey Ham Brussels Sprouts experience. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it won't crisp up—do it in batches if you need to.
03 -
Once the ham is looking good, toss in your prepped Brussels sprouts. Stir them around with the ham, letting them get a little color. We’re aiming for some nice caramelization here, that sweet, nutty flavor that develops when they hit the hot pan. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible, a mix of savory ham and that distinct, comforting sprout aroma!
04 -
While the sprouts are doing their thing, quickly whisk together your pure maple syrup, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, a good grind of black pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This is the secret sauce for our Maple Turkey Ham Brussels Sprouts! I always give it a little taste test here, making sure it’s just the right balance of sweet and savory. Sometimes I add an extra dash of maple, sometimes a bit more pepper—it just depends on my mood!
05 -
Pour that glorious maple mixture over the ham and Brussels sprouts in the skillet. Give everything a good stir to coat it evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for letting the sprouts get tender-crisp and for the flavors to really meld together. I've definitely peeked too early sometimes and let all the steam escape, but try to resist! You want those sprouts to steam perfectly.
06 -
Once the sprouts are tender but still have a slight bite (we don't want mushy sprouts, ever!), remove the lid. If there's still a lot of liquid, crank the heat up slightly for a minute or two to reduce the glaze until it's nice and sticky. Stir in your fresh thyme sprigs if you're using them. What you'll see is a beautiful medley of glistening sprouts, crispy ham, all coated in a gorgeous maple glaze. It should smell sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible. Serve it up hot, and enjoy your delicious Maple Turkey Ham Brussels Sprouts!