Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
A savory side dish featuring tender Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon and a splash of tangy red wine vinegar. This flavorful combination offers a delightful balance of bitterness, saltiness, and acidity, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim the bottoms of the Brussels sprouts and remove any withered leaves.
- Cook the Brussels sprouts in boiling salted water until tender, about 10 minutes; drain.
- Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces and fry until crisp.
- Drain the bacon on paper towels.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan.
- Add the red wine vinegar to the pan and cook for 1 minute over medium-high heat, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the cooked Brussels sprouts to the pan and toss until warm.
- Sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with the crispy bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal results, choose Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Additionally, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. These Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with American recipes, making them versatile for various meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Brussels sprouts as a side dish to roasted meats or grilled fish. They also make a great compliment to dishes like Double Quick Baked Beans for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider pairing with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful bacon drippings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, which helps retain their texture. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, though this may soften the Brussels sprouts slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brussels Sprouts With Bacon contains roughly 105 calories, with 5g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. When ready, simply reheat the sprouts and toss them with the bacon and vinegar mixture for a quick and easy dish.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar can be a great substitute, adding a slightly sweet flavor. Apple cider vinegar is another alternative that will work well, providing a similar acidity while giving a different depth of flavor.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to enhance the dish by adding nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch, or include sautéed garlic for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with adding cheese, like Parmesan, for a richer 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).