Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze: A Flavor Explosion!
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when cooked right, they can be an incredibly delicious and versatile vegetable. This recipe for crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze is a game-changer. The salty bacon, the slightly bitter sprouts, and the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is perfect as a side for a weeknight dinner, a stunning addition to a holiday spread, or even a flavorful snack. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish.
Why This Recipe Works
There are several reasons why this recipe is a guaranteed hit:
* **Crispy Texture:** Roasting the Brussels sprouts at high heat ensures they become beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Avoiding overcrowding the pan is key to achieving maximum crispness.
* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of salty bacon, slightly bitter Brussels sprouts, and sweet and tangy balsamic glaze is simply irresistible. These flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a well-balanced and delicious dish.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and impressive side dish.
* **Versatile:** This dish can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal. It pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these crispy Brussels sprouts:
* **Brussels Sprouts:** 1.5 pounds, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large).
* **Bacon:** 6-8 slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** 2-3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade – recipe follows).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, toasted pecans, shaved Parmesan cheese.
Ingredient Notes
* **Brussels Sprouts:** Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and tightly packed. Avoid sprouts that are yellowed or have loose leaves.
* **Bacon:** Use your favorite type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon will add more texture and flavor.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** You can buy balsamic glaze at most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens (recipe follows).
* **Olive Oil:** Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can also use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen:
**Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving crispy Brussels sprouts.
* Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves.
* Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts. This helps to remove any tough or woody parts.
* Halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts, depending on their size. If they are small, halving them is sufficient. If they are larger, quartering them will ensure they cook evenly.
**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**
* Place the bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Cook the bacon until it is crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
* Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet. This will add extra flavor to the Brussels sprouts.
**Step 3: Sauté the Garlic**
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease.
* Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about 30 seconds, or until it is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
**Step 4: Roast the Brussels Sprouts**
* In a large bowl, toss the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This ensures they will roast properly and develop a delicious flavor.
* Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the garlic-infused bacon grease. Toss to coat them evenly. Alternatively, you can use a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using a baking sheet, spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly and become crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the Brussels sprouts to steam instead of roast.
* Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy, turning them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they are evenly browned and cooked through.
**Step 5: Add the Bacon and Balsamic Glaze**
* Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them back to the large bowl.
* Add the cooked bacon to the bowl with the Brussels sprouts.
* Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts and bacon.
* Toss everything together gently to coat the Brussels sprouts and bacon evenly with the balsamic glaze. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
* Transfer the crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze to a serving dish.
* Garnish with optional toppings such as red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, toasted pecans, or shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
Homemade Balsamic Glaze Recipe
While you can easily purchase balsamic glaze at the store, making your own is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the sweetness and thickness. Here’s how to make it:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup balsamic vinegar
**Instructions:**
* Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
* Bring the vinegar to a simmer over medium heat.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, or until the vinegar has reduced by about half and has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.
* Store the balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
**Tips for Perfect Balsamic Glaze:**
* Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
* Be patient and let the vinegar simmer gently. Don’t try to rush the process by turning up the heat, as this could burn the vinegar.
* The glaze will thicken as it cools, so don’t over-reduce it in the saucepan.
* If the glaze becomes too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crispy Brussels Sprouts
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** This is the most important tip for achieving crispy Brussels sprouts. If the pan is too crowded, the Brussels sprouts will steam instead of roast. Use a large baking sheet or skillet and spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer.
* **Use high heat:** Roasting the Brussels sprouts at 400°F (200°C) ensures they will become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
* **Toss with oil and seasonings:** Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with oil and seasonings before roasting. This will help them to brown properly and develop a delicious flavor.
* **Turn halfway through cooking:** Turning the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time ensures they are evenly browned on all sides.
* **Don’t overcook:** Overcooked Brussels sprouts will become mushy and bitter. Roast them until they are tender and slightly browned, but still have a bit of a bite.
* **Add the bacon at the end:** Adding the bacon at the end of the cooking process ensures it remains crispy. If you add it at the beginning, it may become soggy.
* **Use a mandoline for even slices:** If you prefer evenly sliced Brussels sprouts, use a mandoline to slice them thinly. This will also help them to cook more quickly and evenly.
* **Experiment with different seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize this recipe to your liking. Some other great options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder.
Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and adaptations to try:
* **Add some sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey along with the balsamic glaze.
* **Make it spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use different vegetables:** This recipe works well with other vegetables as well, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add nuts or seeds:** Toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of bacon grease to sauté the garlic. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
* **Add cheese:** Shaved Parmesan cheese, crumbled goat cheese, or feta cheese add a delicious salty and tangy flavor.
* **Lemon juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty touch.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Side Dish:** Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or fish.
* **Appetizer:** Serve as an appetizer for a dinner party or gathering.
* **Salad Topping:** Add to a salad for a flavorful and crunchy topping.
* **Pizza Topping:** Use as a topping for homemade pizza.
* **Pasta Dish:** Toss with cooked pasta for a simple and delicious meal.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Add to tacos or wraps for a unique and flavorful filling.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Brussels sprouts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook them, as they may become mushy.
Nutritional Information
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Per serving (approximate):
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 8-10g
Conclusion
Crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. The combination of salty bacon, slightly bitter Brussels sprouts, and sweet and tangy balsamic glaze is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, a flavorful appetizer, or a light meal, this recipe is a perfect choice. So, give it a try and discover the magic of perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts!