Bacon & Blue Brussels Sprouts: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Brussels sprouts, often unfairly maligned, are poised for a comeback. When cooked right, they transform from bitter, mushy spheres into crispy, flavorful delights. This recipe, featuring crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, is a game-changer. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Get ready to convert even the staunchest Brussels sprouts skeptics!

Why This Recipe Works

This Bacon & Blue Brussels Sprouts recipe works because it cleverly balances contrasting flavors and textures:

* **Bitterness of Brussels Sprouts:** The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts is tamed through roasting, which caramelizes their outer layers and brings out their sweetness.
* **Saltiness and Smokiness of Bacon:** Bacon adds a crucial layer of saltiness, smokiness, and richness, complementing the earthy flavor of the sprouts.
* **Tanginess and Creaminess of Blue Cheese:** Blue cheese provides a sharp, tangy, and creamy counterpoint, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Crispness and Softness:** Roasting ensures the Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the bacon adds another layer of delightful crunch.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Despite its sophisticated flavor, this dish is surprisingly easy to make with readily available ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this irresistible side dish:

* **1.5 pounds Brussels Sprouts:** Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and similar in size. This ensures even cooking. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing or have loose leaves.

* **6 ounces Bacon:** Opt for thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and texture. You can use any type of bacon you prefer, such as hickory-smoked, applewood-smoked, or maple-flavored. Center-cut bacon is a leaner option.

* **2 tablespoons Olive Oil:** Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps the Brussels sprouts roast evenly. You can substitute with avocado oil or another high-heat oil.

* **1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar:** Balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the bacon and blue cheese. Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for best results.

* **4 ounces Blue Cheese:** Crumbled blue cheese is the star of the show. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton are all excellent choices. Adjust the amount to your preference. If you’re not a fan of strong blue cheese, try a milder variety.

* **2 cloves Garlic:** Fresh garlic, minced, adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.

* **Salt and Black Pepper:** Season generously to taste. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.

* **(Optional) 1/4 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans:** Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly before adding for enhanced flavor.

* **(Optional) Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Bacon & Blue Brussels Sprouts:

**Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts**

1. **Wash and Trim:** Rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for ensuring the sprouts roast properly and don’t steam.
2. **Trim the Ends:** Using a sharp knife, trim off the tough stem end of each Brussels sprout. Discard any yellow or damaged outer leaves.
3. **Halve or Quarter:** Depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts, either halve them lengthwise or quarter them. This increases the surface area for browning and ensures even cooking.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**

1. **Dice the Bacon:** Cut the bacon into small pieces or lardons. This allows the bacon to render its fat evenly and become crispy.
2. **Cook in a Skillet:** Place the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to burn the bacon.
3. **Remove Bacon and Reserve Fat:** Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. Discard the remaining fat or save it for another use. Bacon fat is a fantastic flavor enhancer for many dishes!

**Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the Brussels sprouts for optimal roasting.
2. **Toss with Bacon Fat and Garlic:** Add the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Add the minced garlic. Toss well to coat the sprouts evenly with the fat and garlic. This ensures they become flavorful and crispy during roasting.
3. **Season:** Season the Brussels sprouts generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be afraid to season them well, as Brussels sprouts can handle a good amount of seasoning.
4. **Arrange on a Baking Sheet:** Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will cause the sprouts to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. **Roast:** Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the edges are browned and crispy. Flip the sprouts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

**Step 4: Assemble and Serve**

1. **Transfer to a Serving Bowl:** Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a large serving bowl.
2. **Add Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Balsamic Vinegar:** Add the crispy bacon, crumbled blue cheese, and balsamic vinegar to the bowl. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** If desired, garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Bacon & Blue Brussels Sprouts immediately while they are still warm and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts

* **Choose the Right Sprouts:** Select Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and similar in size. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing or have loose leaves.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the Brussels sprouts to steam instead of roast, resulting in mushy sprouts. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **Roast at High Heat:** Roasting at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) is essential for achieving crispy Brussels sprouts.
* **Flip Halfway Through:** Flipping the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time ensures even browning on all sides.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked Brussels sprouts can become bitter and mushy. Cook them until they are tender and the edges are browned and crispy.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the Brussels sprouts after roasting and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar to your liking.
* **Freshness is Key:** Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese:** If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, or crumbled feta cheese. Each cheese will impart a different flavor profile.
* **Bacon:** For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon altogether or substitute it with vegetarian bacon or smoked tofu. You can also use pancetta instead of bacon for a slightly different flavor.
* **Nuts:** Walnuts and pecans are great additions, but you can also use other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pine nuts. Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their flavor.
* **Vinegar:** If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.
* **Sweetness:** For a sweeter dish, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup along with the balsamic vinegar.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder to customize the flavor.
* **Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the roasting pan along with the Brussels sprouts, such as carrots, onions, or sweet potatoes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon & Blue Brussels Sprouts are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Meat:** Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or lamb.
* **Fish:** Pairs perfectly with baked salmon, pan-seared cod, or grilled tuna.
* **Vegetarian:** Serve as a side dish to vegetarian entrees like lentil loaf, stuffed bell peppers, or a hearty grain bowl.
* **Holiday Meal:** A fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spread.
* **Appetizer:** Serve as a warm appetizer at your next party or gathering.

Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prep the Brussels Sprouts:** You can wash, trim, and halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Cook the Bacon:** You can cook the bacon up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven or skillet before adding it to the Brussels sprouts.
* **Assemble the Dish (Partially):** You can roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss them together with the blue cheese and balsamic vinegar and reheat in the oven or skillet.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Bacon & Blue Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the Brussels sprouts can become mushy and the blue cheese can change texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Calories:** 250-350 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* **Fat:** 15-25g
* **Saturated Fat:** 8-12g
* **Cholesterol:** 40-60mg
* **Sodium:** 300-500mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 15-20g
* **Fiber:** 5-7g
* **Protein:** 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered
* 6 ounces bacon, diced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* (Optional) 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
* (Optional) Red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Add Brussels sprouts and garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned, flipping halfway through.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl. Add bacon, blue cheese, and balsamic vinegar. Toss gently.
8. Garnish with walnuts or pecans and red pepper flakes, if desired.
9. Serve immediately.

Enjoy Your Bacon & Blue Brussels Sprouts!

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts is simply irresistible. Give it a try and discover your new favorite side dish!