The Cheesecake Factory Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The Official Copycat Recipe & The Secret Maple-Butter Glaze Revealed

The Cheesecake Factory’s Crispy Brussels Sprouts appetizer has quietly become a culinary phenomenon, transcending the typical side dish to become one of the restaurant’s most requested items. As of December 2025, this dish remains a fan-favorite, celebrated for its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and unbelievably crispy texture.

The secret to this dish isn't just the maple-butter glaze; it’s a specific cooking technique and a crucial ingredient that most home cooks overlook. This guide breaks down the exact steps, ingredients, and the simple formula for the irresistible glaze so you can recreate the iconic small plate at home.

The Essential Ingredients and The Crispy Secret

The success of this copycat recipe hinges on two critical components: the preparation of the sprouts and the simple, yet potent, Maple-Butter Glaze. The restaurant has shared its basic list of ingredients, confirming the core components that create the famous flavor profile.

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Official Cheesecake Factory Crispy Brussels Sprouts Ingredients

• Brussels Sprouts (halved or quartered)
• Brussels Sprout Leaves (the secret to extra crispiness)
• Coarse Salt
• Bacon (cooked crisp and chopped)
• Maple-Butter Glaze

The Crispy Technique: Deep-Frying vs. Roasting

The authentic texture of the Cheesecake Factory's version is achieved through deep-frying. The high heat ensures a quick cook time, resulting in sprouts that are tender on the inside and shatteringly crisp on the outside.

The Key Step: Frying the Leaves. The recipe calls for carefully peeling off a few of the whole outer leaves from the sprouts before quartering the rest. These loose leaves are fried separately for just a few seconds until ultra-crispy, then sprinkled with coarse salt. This element adds a unique, delicate crunch that distinguishes the restaurant's dish from standard roasted Brussels sprouts.

Copycat Maple-Butter Glaze Recipe (The Sweet & Savory Finish)

The Maple-Butter Glaze is what ties the bacon and the sprouts together, providing that signature sweet and savory finish. While the restaurant uses a proprietary blend, a perfect homemade version is easy to achieve with just two or three ingredients. Many successful copycat recipes follow a 2:1 ratio of maple syrup to butter.

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Homemade Maple-Butter Glaze

Ingredients:

• 4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup) Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A Dark or Very Dark for best flavor)
• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• (Optional) 1/2 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar (for depth and a slight tang)
• (Optional) Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (for a subtle heat)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup and butter.
2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is well-combined.
3. If using, stir in the balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes.
4. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer for about 1 minute, then immediately remove from the heat. The glaze should be warm and syrupy, ready to drizzle.

The Ultimate Cheesecake Factory Crispy Brussels Sprouts Copycat Recipe

This recipe combines the official ingredient list and technique with the homemade Maple-Butter Glaze for an authentic recreation.

Yields: 2-3 Servings | Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Fresh Brussels Sprouts (washed and well-dried)
• 2-3 cups Neutral Frying Oil (Canola, Vegetable, or Peanut)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Cooked Bacon (about 3-4 strips, cooked crisp)
• Coarse Salt (to taste)
• Maple-Butter Glaze (prepared as above)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sprouts: Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts. Carefully peel off a small handful of the loose outer leaves and set them aside. Cut the remaining sprouts into quarters. Ensure all sprouts and leaves are completely dry—moisture causes oil to splatter.
2. Heat the Oil: Pour 2-3 inches of frying oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
3. Fry the Sprouts: Working in batches, carefully add the quartered Brussels sprouts to the hot oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown, tender, and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Fry the Leaves: Increase the oil temperature slightly to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the reserved loose leaves to the oil. They will crisp up almost instantly (in about 30-45 seconds). Remove them quickly and drain on the same paper towel-lined plate. Immediately sprinkle the leaves with coarse salt.
5. Assemble and Glaze: Place the fried quartered sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped crispy bacon. Drizzle the warm Maple-Butter Glaze evenly over the mixture. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients.
6. Serve: Transfer the glazed sprouts to a serving dish. Top the entire plate with the ultra-crispy fried leaves and serve immediately.

The Healthier Hack: Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts

If you prefer to skip the deep-fryer, the air fryer is your best friend for achieving a great texture with minimal oil. This method is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavor of the Cheesecake Factory’s dish with a fraction of the fat content.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Prep: Trim and quarter the Brussels sprouts as in the main recipe (you can skip peeling off the loose leaves, as they tend to blow around in the air fryer).
2. Season: Toss the sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of garlic powder.
3. Air Fry: Place the seasoned sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be deeply golden and fork-tender.
4. Glaze: Toss the air-fried sprouts with the chopped bacon and the Maple-Butter Glaze.

Nutritional Reality and Why It’s Worth It

It is important to note that the Cheesecake Factory's Crispy Brussels Sprouts, while a vegetable, are an appetizer and not a low-calorie side dish. The deep-frying method and the maple-butter glaze contribute significantly to the total count.

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• Calories: The official Cheesecake Factory data lists the Crispy Brussels Sprouts at approximately 570 calories per serving.
• Macros: The dish is notably high in fat (around 45g) due to the frying and the butter in the glaze, with moderate carbohydrates (around 30g) from the maple syrup.

Knowing this, the air fryer method is a smart alternative for those watching their intake, as it drastically reduces the fat and calorie count while still delivering on that crucial crispiness.

Topical Authority: The Best of The Cheesecake Factory Appetizers

The Crispy Brussels Sprouts are part of a legendary appetizer menu that often rivals the main courses. If you’re a fan of this dish, you’ll likely enjoy these other top-tier small plates from The Cheesecake Factory, which all share a similar focus on rich, indulgent flavors:

• Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls: A creamy, crispy, and comforting classic.
• Roadside Sliders: Mini burgers served on small buns, often considered a perfect bite of classic American comfort food.
• Factory Nachos: A massive, shareable plate loaded with toppings.
• Thai Lettuce Wraps: A lighter option that allows guests to build their own wraps with satay chicken, carrots, and a peanut sauce.

The Crispy Brussels Sprouts earned their spot among these heavy hitters by perfecting the "sweet and savory" vegetable. By mastering the Maple-Butter Glaze and the deep-fry technique—or using the air fryer hack—you can now enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home, any time you crave it.