Thanksgiving is right around the corner and while the turkey and the trimmings are the main event, we can’t forget about the side dishes. The side dishes are equally important and quintessential to making up an impeccable Thanksgiving feast. While holiday favorites like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie always make an appearance, brussels sprouts have quickly become popular choice for vegetable sides. This year, invite our effortless brussels sprouts with bacon to the dinner table. Some may have already already hopped onto the brussels sprouts bandwagon while others may shy away. Trust us when we say this recipe will turn anyone into a believer. Roasted in the oven to caramelized perfection, the brussels sprouts are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside with an unforgettable sweet and slightly bitter flavor. Add a few slices of crisp, thick-cut bacon to give the vegetables an intense savory and smokey twist and you’ll have yourself one exceptional holiday dish you’ll be adding to both your Thanksgiving and Christmas menus.
Don’t brussels sprouts look like mini cabbages? Despite their adorable, miniature appearance, brussels sprouts pack a punch in flavor and nutrients. They taste similar to cabbage with a hint of nuttiness and bitterness. Brussels sprouts can be roasted with salt, pepper and chile flakes to help bring out their sweetness, which can be quite delicious. Or if you’re looking for a healthy appetizer, you can always steam them with garlic and your favorite spices. We offer not only regular brussels sprouts, but also brussels sprouts stalks and baby brussels sprouts. Or if you’re looking for an easy and tasty side dish without the hassle, our Roasted Brussels Sprouts come already cooked with a dash of olive oil, salt and pepper!
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 lbs of brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground
1. First, cook the bacon in a pan over medium high heat. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan.
2. Place the bacon on a paper lined towel and pat off any excess fat. Then give the bacon a rough chop.
3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
4. In a large bowl, mix the brussels sprouts with the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, making sure everything is well coated.
5. Grease a cast iron pan and lay out your brussels sprouts in a single layer. Sprinkle on the salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast the brussels sprouts in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until some pieces have caramelized.
7. Remove from the heat and toss with the bacon pieces before serving.