Sweet And Sour Brussels Sprouts
Sweet and savory Brussels sprouts are sautéed with crispy bacon and glazed with a tangy vinegar and sugar sauce, perfect as a flavorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook Brussels sprouts in boiling salted water to cover for 10 minutes or until tender; drain.
- Meanwhile, sauté bacon until crisp in a large skillet.
- Remove bacon; drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- In the skillet with bacon drippings, add cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper; cook until the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Add drained Brussels sprouts back to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. You can also use balsamic vinegar in place of cider vinegar for a different taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sweet And Sour Brussels Sprouts alongside roasted meats or as a flavorful side to a hearty vegetarian dish. They pair beautifully with Kassie'S Chili for a comforting meal. Consider garnishing with toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Brussels Sprouts contains roughly 147 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 619mg per serving (27% 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 use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they may already be partially cooked.
What if I don't have cider vinegar?
If you don't have cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can serve as suitable substitutes. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they all add a nice acidity that complements the dish.
How can I make this dish more festive?
To make this dish more festive, consider adding toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or mixing in dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. These additions will elevate the dish and make it perfect for holiday gatherings.
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).