Bacon Tossed Brussel Sprouts
Bacon Tossed Brussels Sprouts offer a perfect balance of crispy, smoky bacon and tender, flavorful Brussels sprouts, enhanced with a tangy vinegar finish. This dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings, delivering a savory, slightly acidic flavor profile that appeals to vegetable lovers and meat enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a 6-quart Dutch oven with water, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts and cook for 12 minutes until crisp and tender.
- Drain and rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips for about 5 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Pour off the bacon fat.
- Add chopped onion to the bacon in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Add the cooked Brussels sprouts, remaining salt, and pepper to the skillet and heat thoroughly.
- Stir in white wine vinegar and butter until the butter melts, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using smoked bacon for a richer taste. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for umami. When cooking the Brussels sprouts, ensure not to overcook them to maintain their vibrant color and crunch. For a touch of sweetness, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bacon Tossed Brussels Sprouts as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted poultry. They pair beautifully with Gold Coast Pork Chops for a delicious meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving them with a simple salad or alongside roasted potatoes for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating at high temperatures to prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Tossed Brussel Sprouts contains roughly 870 calories, with 8g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (340% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1641mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the bacon and sprouts together in a skillet for a few minutes to warm through.
What can I substitute for white wine vinegar?
If you don’t have white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. Both will provide a nice acidity and complement the flavors of the dish well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the onions. This will give the dish an extra kick that contrasts beautifully with the smoky bacon flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).