Brussels sprouts have earned a reputation for being a healthy, but often overlooked, vegetable. However, when paired with crispy bacon and roasted to perfection, Brussels sprouts can become the star of any meal. This recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner. With a combination of savory bacon and the slightly sweet, nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
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Why You’ll Love Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts have a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with bacon. When roasted, these little cabbages become crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. The addition of crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty element that complements the sprouts perfectly. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family dinner, this side dish will disappear from the table in no time!
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
To make this delicious Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional, for a tangy finish)
These simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering side dish that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.
How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roasting Brussels sprouts at a high temperature ensures that they get crispy on the outside while maintaining their natural sweetness and tenderness inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
As the oven preheats, get the Brussels sprouts ready, then slice them in half. If some of the outer leaves fall off, that’s perfectly fine—those crispy leaves will add extra flavor when roasted.
After cutting them, rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Drying them thoroughly is important to ensure they roast properly and get crispy.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Next, cook the bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Chop the bacon into small pieces once it has cooled slightly.
Step 4: Season the Brussels Sprouts
Now it’s time to season the Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, and toss to coat. Make sure the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. The garlic will infuse the Brussels sprouts with flavor while they roast, and the salt and pepper will enhance their natural taste.
Step 5: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Place the seasoned Brussels sprouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded on the sheet. Crowding the Brussels sprouts will cause them to steam rather than roast, which can prevent them from getting crispy.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The Brussels sprouts are ready when they’re golden brown with crispy edges.
Step 6: Add the Bacon
After roasting, take the Brussels sprouts out of the oven. Toss the crispy bacon pieces with the Brussels sprouts, mixing them gently to distribute the bacon throughout the sprouts.
Step 7: Optional Balsamic Vinegar
For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon with a bit of balsamic vinegar. The tangy vinegar complements the rich, salty bacon and adds a hint of sweetness to the dish. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Brussels Sprouts with Bacon hot, straight from the oven, as a side dish for your holiday meal. The crispy bacon and roasted Brussels sprouts make for a mouthwatering combination that pairs well with everything from turkey to mashed potatoes.
Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: As mentioned earlier, spreading the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer is key to getting them crispy. If you crowd them too much, they will steam and become soggy rather than crispy.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon tends to crisp up better and holds its texture during cooking. It also adds more flavor to the dish.
- Add Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts and bacon during the last few minutes of roasting. The cheese will melt into the Brussels sprouts and add a delicious savory finish.
- Try Different Seasonings: If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Drying: Be sure to dry the Brussels sprouts thoroughly after rinsing them. If they’re too wet, they won’t crisp up properly when roasted.
Why Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is Perfect for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for delicious food, and Brussels sprouts with bacon is the perfect side dish to add to your holiday table. Not only does this dish add a burst of flavor, but it also provides a balance of textures—crispy, tender Brussels sprouts and crispy, salty bacon. The combination of these two ingredients is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your gathering.
Plus, Brussels sprouts are a nutritious choice. They are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your holiday feast. Pairing them with bacon helps to elevate their flavor, making this side dish both tasty and nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
While Brussels Sprouts with Bacon make a fantastic side dish on their own, they pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few suggestions for what to serve them with:
- Roast Turkey: The salty, crispy bacon complements the rich flavor of roast turkey, making it a perfect pairing for Thanksgiving dinner.
- Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the honey-glazed ham and the savory Brussels sprouts with bacon create a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve the Brussels sprouts alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Stuffing: The crispy Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch to contrast the soft texture of homemade stuffing.
- Gravy: Don’t forget the gravy! The Brussels sprouts with bacon are a great vehicle for soaking up some of that rich, flavorful gravy.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Aside from being delicious, Brussels sprouts are incredibly healthy. They are low in calories but high in nutrients, including:
- Fiber: Brussels sprouts are a great source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Vitamin C: These little vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps with skin health.
- Antioxidants: Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants that can help protect your body from free radical damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Vitamin K: Brussels sprouts are also an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health.
Conclusion
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The crispy bacon adds a savory touch that enhances the flavor of the Brussels sprouts, making this dish irresistible. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create a tasty, healthy side that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or just making a quick weeknight dinner, Brussels sprouts with bacon are sure to be a hit.
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