When it comes to holiday dinners, we always enjoy switching things up when it comes to our green side dishes. And among the recipes we’ve tried, this brussel sprout recipe has quickly become a family favorite! What we particularly love about it is the delightful balance of flavors – the sweetness from the cranberries and apples pairs perfectly with the robust taste of the Brussels sprouts and bacon. It’s a simple yet satisfying addition to our holiday table that never fails to impress.
As designers, we can’t help but appreciate how visually appealing this recipe is. The blend of colors in this dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect fit for the holiday season.
The vibrant green of the Brussels sprouts, the deep red of the cranberries, and the fresh, crisp white of the apples – it all comes together beautifully on the plate. It’s like a natural holiday decoration that adds a touch of festive charm to our table. So not only does it taste great, but it also adds a dash of holiday spirit to our gatherings.
Ingredients:
Yields: About 4 servings (Double the recipe for more servings)
- 6 oz Brussels sprouts (1 small bag)
- 1/2 cup Pecans
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
- 2 slices of preferred bacon (I made it with vegan)
- 1 small Apple
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Salt, and more to taste
Let’s make this delicious brussel sprout recipe!
Don’t let the steps and the process of putting the Brussels sprouts back into the oven intimidate you. Trust us, it’s a lot simpler than it may seem, especially once you’ve got all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. In fact, I’ve found that the time the Brussels sprouts spend in the oven is the perfect window to get the next steps in line. So, it’s not a rush at all – just a smooth, easy flow in the cooking process. You’ll be surprised at how smoothly it all comes together, and the end result is totally worth it!
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the Brussels sprouts, trim the stems, and cut them in half.
- In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, cut side down, and bake for about 20 minutes.
- While the Brussels sprouts are baking, line up the pecans on a separate baking sheet.
- Cut the apple into small chunks.
- Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and reduce the oven heat to 375°F (190°C).
- Flip the Brussels sprouts over and return them to the oven along with the pecans. Bake for an additional 5-8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a pan over medium-low heat. Once cooked, blot excess grease with paper towels and then chop it into small pieces.
- When the Brussels sprouts and pecans are done, toss them in a bowl with balsamic vinegar, bacon, dried cranberries, apples, and add more salt to taste if desired.
- Serve this delightful roasted Brussels sprouts salad as a side dish with your favorite main course!
brussel sprout recipe Tips:
- Bacon Options: You can use either vegan or regular bacon based on your preferences or dietary needs. Both work great in this recipe.
- Easy Bacon Cleanup: When cooking bacon, use a paper towel to blot away excess grease. It makes cleanup a breeze!
- Adjust Salt: Be cautious with the salt – you can always add more later, but you can’t take it away once it’s in the dish. Start with a little and add more if needed.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Check on your Brussels sprouts and pecans during their last few minutes in the oven to make sure they don’t overcook. You want them to be perfectly roasted.
- Serve Promptly: This dish is best enjoyed right after it’s prepared, while it’s still warm and the flavors are at their peak.
One more thing about this recipe that’s worth mentioning: it’s versatile. While we often enjoy it during holiday dinners, it’s not limited to your everyday dinners. You can make this recipe any time you’re in the mood for a tasty and green side dish. It’s a great way to sneak some greens into your meal without compromising on flavor. So, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this brussel sprouts recipe is a great way to incorporate different nutrients in a delicious way!
The images you see in this blog post feature the Brussels sprout recipe made with vegan bacon. Now, don’t get me wrong – I often lean toward vegetarian or vegan options, and the vegan bacon did taste quite good. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a plant-based alternative. However, I have to admit that when I made this dish with turkey bacon, I found it to be even more to my liking. The turkey bacon added a slightly different dimension of flavor that I personally enjoyed a bit more.
With the vegan bacon, I did find it necessary to adjust the salt level slightly to get the seasoning just right. It’s all about personal taste, so feel free to experiment with both options and find what suits your palate best. Whether you go with vegan or turkey bacon, this Brussels sprout recipe remains a delicious and satisfying addition to your meal.
In the end, this Brussels sprouts recipe is a simple yet tasty addition to any meal, especially during the holiday season. With its balanced flavors and eye-catching colors, it’s a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Don’t be discouraged by the steps – once you’ve got your ingredients prepped, it’s a straightforward process. Plus, the oven time allows you to get other things ready, making it quite hassle-free. So, give it a try, and you’ll have a wonderful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite holiday entrees. Enjoy!
We genuinely appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to explore this Brussels sprout recipe with us. Your presence here means a lot! Now, if you’ve had the chance to give this recipe a go, we’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did it turn out just as you hoped? Did you make any personal tweaks or discoveries along the way? We’re all ears!
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Thanks once again for joining us on this culinary adventure. We can’t wait to hear from you and hope you continue to explore more delicious recipes with us in the future!
