Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic Roasted Brussels sprouts are a popular side dish in contemporary cooking because of their unique flavor & versatility. When these veggies are cooked with bacon & balsamic glaze, a dish with a variety of flavors & textures is produced. Brussels sprouts’ inherent qualities are enhanced by this preparation technique, which also adds complementary ingredients that suit a variety of palates. To achieve the best flavor and presentation, the following guide explains how to choose, prepare, and cook Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze. In addition to being delicious, Brussels sprouts have a high nutritional content. These cruciferous vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, several antioxidants, & vitamins C and K.
Key Takeaways
- Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook bacon separately until crispy to add a savory crunch.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze before roasting.
- Roast until sprouts are tender and caramelized for optimal taste.
- Store leftovers properly and reheat to maintain flavor and texture.
Bacon adds protein and savory components, and balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity to balance the flavor profile. This combination yields a dish that is both nutritious and tasty, making it appropriate for both special occasions and everyday meal preparation. For your dish to have the best flavor and texture, you must select the right Brussels sprouts. Look for firm, compact, bright green sprouts when you go grocery shopping for these vegetables.
Steer clear of any that seem yellowing or have wilted leaves, as these are indicators of aging and could taste bitter. The size of the sprouts can also have an impact on how long they take to cook; smaller sprouts are typically sweeter and more tender, while larger ones might need more roasting time to reach the right doneness. Whenever feasible, look for Brussels sprouts from nearby farmers’ markets or organic vendors in addition to visual inspection. The flavor of freshly harvested sprouts is frequently stronger than that of sprouts that have been kept in storage for a long time. This is a great choice since it shows freshness if you can find them still attached to the stalk.
The sprouts will remain fresh longer if they are left on the plant, & the stalks are easily chopped down at home. Preparation comes next after you have chosen your Brussels sprouts. To start, rinse them in cold water to get rid of any dirt or debris. After washing, use a sharp knife to trim each sprout’s stem end. Take care not to cut off too much, as this could cause the leaves to separate while cooking.
Gently remove any outer leaves that are damaged or discolored. To guarantee even cooking, the Brussels sprouts must be cut in half after trimming. By halving them, more surface area is exposed to heat, which improves caramelization while roasting. You might want to quarter larger sprouts in order to keep their size consistent. In addition to improving the texture, this step lets the flavors of the bacon and balsamic glaze seep deeper into each sprout.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) | Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts | 1 lb (about 450g) | 190 | Trimmed and halved |
| Bacon | 4 slices | 180 | Chopped |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | 240 | For tossing Brussels sprouts |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1 tbsp | 14 | Drizzled after roasting |
| Salt | To taste | 0 | For seasoning |
| Black Pepper | To taste | 0 | For seasoning |
| Total Calories (approx.) | 624 | ||
An important component of this recipe is bacon, which gives the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts a savory counterpoint. For a meatier bite and deeper flavor, use thick-cut bacon when choosing. To help the bacon render its fat more efficiently while cooking, start by slicing it into small pieces. Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat, & cook until golden brown and crispy.
Usually, this procedure takes five to seven minutes. The fat that the bacon releases during cooking will be used to improve the Brussels sprouts’ flavor. After cooking, use a slotted spoon to move the bacon to a plate covered with paper towels to drain extra grease while keeping some of the rendered fat in the skillet to sauté the sprouts. Now that you’ve prepared your Brussels sprouts and cooked the bacon, it’s time to roast them together.
Add the halved Brussels sprouts straight into the rendered fat in the same skillet that was used to cook the bacon. This process gives them flavor from the beginning. To evenly coat them with bacon fat, gently toss them in the skillet. Then, return the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet along with the Brussels sprouts.
An even distribution of flavors throughout the dish is made possible by this combination. If you’d like, you can also add minced shallots or garlic at this point. As they roast with the sprouts, these aromatics will improve the overall flavor profile. What really transforms roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon from a straightforward side dish into a remarkable culinary experience is the balsamic glaze.
The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts is counterbalanced by the sweet acidity of balsamic vinegar, which also enhances the savory notes of bacon. Before roasting, pour balsamic glaze over the mixture of bacon and Brussels sprouts to properly incorporate this ingredient. Simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens and reduces by half is a simple way to make balsamic reduction if you’d rather make your own. Its sweetness and flavor are enhanced by this process.
When your glaze is ready, pour it liberally over the mixture in the skillet, making sure to coat each sprout equally. Even though the bacon and balsamic glaze have a lot of flavor on their own, adding more seasoning can make your roasted Brussels sprouts even more delicious. To bring out the inherent flavors of the bacon & vegetables, add a little salt and freshly cracked black pepper. For an additional depth, think about incorporating additional spices like onion or garlic powder.
Red pepper flakes can also be added at this point for people who prefer a little heat. The balsamic glaze’s sweetness and a hint of spice will create a more complex flavor profile. Before roasting, toss everything again to make sure all the ingredients are thoroughly seasoned.
For best roasting results, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To make cleanup easier, move your mixture of Brussels sprouts, bacon, and seasonings onto a large baking sheet covered with aluminum foil or parchment paper. In order to achieve the desired caramelization, spread them out in a single layer.
If they are too close together, they may steam instead of roast. For 20 to 25 minutes, roast in a preheated oven, stirring halfway through to guarantee uniform cooking. A golden-brown exterior with a tender interior is the aim. The Brussels sprouts and bacon will both caramelize thanks to the high heat, producing a delicious contrast between crispy edges & soft centers. Keep an eye on your Brussels sprouts’ doneness as they roast in the oven. Check for visual cues after about 20 minutes: they should still be tender when pierced with a fork or knife, but they should have a nicely browned exterior with some crispy edges.
If they require more time, roast them for a further five to ten minutes, keeping a close eye out to avoid burning. Another useful method for determining doneness is taste testing; just remove one sprout from the baking sheet & let it cool slightly before tasting. It should be tender inside and slightly crunchy on the outside, with a rich flavor. If they’re not quite done, bake them for a longer period of time until you’re satisfied.
It’s time to serve your perfectly cooked roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon! A dish’s presentation greatly influences its appeal. While still warm, move them from the baking sheet into a serving bowl or platter so that guests can enjoy their vivid color and alluring scent. Before serving, think about garnishing with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for an extra touch of refinement. A light drizzle of extra balsamic glaze can strengthen flavor and improve appearance.
Their rich flavors make them a great accompaniment to a variety of main courses, so serve them right away as a side dish with roasted meats or as part of a festive holiday spread. Given their popularity, it’s not uncommon to have leftover roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. However, there are a number of ways to repurpose them without compromising flavor or texture. Any leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.
If at all possible, reheat in an oven or skillet to preserve their crispness rather than in a microwave. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are reheated through and crispy once more. As an alternative, you can quickly sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until they are thoroughly heated, adding a little olive oil if necessary to restore their texture. Also, leftover roasted Brussels sprouts can be inventively used to make salads or grain bowls, among other recipes.
For a hearty salad, chop them up & add them to mixed greens with cheese and nuts. You can also add them to rice or quinoa dishes for extra taste and nutrition. This dish is so versatile that no bite is wasted!
If you’re looking to elevate your culinary skills beyond just roasted Brussels sprouts, you might find it helpful to explore other cooking techniques. For instance, check out this article on how to stream FuboTV, which can provide you with access to a variety of cooking shows and tutorials that can inspire your next meal.
