Brussels Sprouts Bacon Recipe

Brussels sprouts: These are small, leafy green vegetables that resemble mini cabbages. They have a slightly bitter taste that mellows when cooked.

Bacon: This is cured pork that adds a smoky, savory flavor and a crispy texture to the dish.

Olive oil: A rich, smooth oil that helps to cook the brussels sprouts and adds a subtle flavor.

Salt: A basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish.

To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, start by placing it in a cold skillet and gradually increase the heat. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in evenly cooked, crispy pieces. When cooking the brussels sprouts, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This ensures they get a nice golden brown sear and don't steam. If needed, cook them in batches.

• brussels sprouts - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli has a similar texture and can be roasted to achieve a comparable flavor profile.

• brussels sprouts - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be roasted and seasoned similarly, providing a mild and slightly nutty flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a smoky flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta offers a similar fatty, salty taste but with a slightly different texture.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for roasting.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and also has a high smoke point, suitable for roasting.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and can be easier to control when seasoning.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a bit of spiciness, though use it sparingly as it is much hotter.

• Allow the brussels sprouts and bacon mixture to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled brussels sprouts and bacon into an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in or out.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This will keep the brussels sprouts crisp and the bacon flavorful.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Place the brussels sprouts and bacon in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When ready to eat, thaw the brussels sprouts and bacon in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little olive oil if necessary to prevent sticking. Cook until heated through, ensuring the bacon remains crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the brussels sprouts and bacon on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until hot and crispy.

• Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can make the brussels sprouts soggy and the bacon chewy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover brussels sprouts and bacon evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
  5. For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover brussels sprouts and bacon to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover brussels sprouts and bacon in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check if heated through; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover brussels sprouts and bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for desired crispiness and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if necessary.

• Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the bacon and brussels sprouts evenly.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the brussels sprouts and bacon, ensuring even cooking and mixing.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the brussels sprouts to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the bacon and trimming the brussels sprouts.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the bacon and halving the brussels sprouts.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Paper towels: Useful for draining the cooked bacon to remove excess grease before adding it back to the skillet.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the brussels sprouts when needed.

Use pre-trimmed brussels sprouts: Buy pre-trimmed and halved brussels sprouts from the store to save time on preparation.

One-pan method: Cook the bacon and brussels sprouts in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.

High heat cooking: Use a higher heat setting to cook the brussels sprouts faster, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.