Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon: Easy, Flavorful Side!

Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon – two ingredients that, when combined with a touch of culinary magic, transform into an absolutely irresistible side dish or even a light main. I confess, there was a time when the mere mention of Brussels sprouts would send shivers down my spine, but this recipe, my friends, is a game-changer. Imagine crispy, smoky strips of beef bacon embracing perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, their outer leaves caramelized to a delightful crisp while the insides remain tender and sweet.

This isn’t just a side; it’s an experience that will convert even the most ardent sprout skeptics into lifelong fans.

While Brussels sprouts have a long European history, often maligned in the past, they’ve experienced a glorious renaissance in modern kitchens, celebrated for their versatility and earthy flavor. Pairing them with beef bacon, a delicious and often preferred alternative to traditional pork bacon for many, elevates this dish, making it universally appealing. People adore this combination for its incredible balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes, offering a delightful textural contrast that keeps you coming back for more. This recipe for Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about pure, unadulterated flavor that’s surprisingly easy to achieve, making it a perfect addition to any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday spread.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Brussels Sprouts:
  • 2 pounds (about 900g) fresh Brussels sprouts, preferably on the smaller side. When you’re selecting your Brussels sprouts, look for vibrant green, firm heads that feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with yellowed leaves or black spots, as these indicate they’re past their prime.
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. I always opt for a good quality olive oil here, as it contributes beautifully to the flavor of the roasted vegetables.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste. Salt is crucial for bringing out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic depth; fresh is always best!
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped. The earthy, slightly minty notes of thyme pair exquisitely with Brussels sprouts and rich beef bacon.
• For the Crispy Beef Bacon:
  • 8 ounces (about 225g) beef bacon, thinly sliced. This is the star alongside our Brussels sprouts, so pick a good quality, well-marbled beef bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness. Thin slices will render best.
• For the Maple-Balsamic Glaze:
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (grade A or B). Don’t skimp on this! Real maple syrup offers a complex sweetness that artificial syrups just can’t replicate.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Choose a good quality balsamic for a richer, more nuanced tang.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. This acts as an emulsifier and adds a subtle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat). I sometimes like to add this for a little kick!
• For Garnishing (Optional, but highly recommended!):
  • 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped. For a burst of freshness and color.

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts and Beef Bacon

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and prepare everything for this incredible dish featuring “Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon”! This initial prep work is absolutely crucial for ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab two large baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. Parchment paper is a fantastic trick for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. If you only have one large sheet, you can certainly roast in batches or use a slightly larger roasting pan, just be mindful not to overcrowd the sprouts, as they’ll steam instead of caramelize if they’re too close together.
2. Trim and Halve the Brussels Sprouts: Now for the star of our show, the Brussels sprouts! Begin by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Next, carefully trim off the tough, woody ends of each sprout. You want to remove just enough so that the stem is clean, but not so much that the leaves fall apart. Any outer leaves that look yellowed, bruised, or damaged should be peeled away and discarded. Once trimmed, cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise through the stem. If you have any particularly large sprouts, you might even quarter them to ensure they cook at the same rate as the smaller halves. This consistent sizing is key for achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture in every bite.
3. Season the Brussels Sprouts: Transfer your prepped Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them generously with the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add the 1 teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and your 2 minced garlic cloves. Finally, sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves. Now, using your clean hands, toss everything together really well. You want to make sure every single sprout half is beautifully coated in the oil and seasonings. Don’t be shy; get in there and give them a good massage! This ensures all those delicious flavors will infuse into the sprouts as they roast.
4. Arrange Brussels Sprouts for Roasting: Evenly spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets, cut-side down if possible. Arranging them cut-side down helps them to achieve a lovely caramelization and a slightly crispier texture on that exposed surface. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pans! If you have too many sprouts for your baking sheets, use a second sheet or roast them in two batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming, and we’re aiming for roasted perfection here, not soggy sprouts!
5. Prepare the Beef Bacon: While your Brussels sprouts are waiting their turn, let’s get the other main ingredient ready. Lay the slices of beef bacon flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the bacon crosswise into ½-inch to ¾-inch pieces. I find this size perfect because it creates small, crispy bits of bacon that are easy to distribute throughout the dish and blend wonderfully with the sprouts. Set the cut bacon aside for now; we’ll cook it just before combining.

Cooking the Brussels Sprouts

This is where the magic happens for our beautiful roasted Brussels sprouts. Achieving that perfect balance of tender inside and crispy, caramelized outside is what we’re after. This section will walk you through roasting them to perfection, setting the stage for an incredible “Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon” experience.

6. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Carefully slide your baking sheets with the seasoned Brussels sprouts into the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. We’re going to roast them for a total of 20-30 minutes, but it’s important to intervene halfway through.
7. First Check and Toss: After 10-15 minutes of roasting, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Using a sturdy spatula, give the Brussels sprouts a good stir and flip them around. This ensures even cooking and allows different sides to come into contact with the hot baking sheet, promoting that coveted caramelization on all surfaces. If you notice any pieces getting too dark too quickly, you can move them to a cooler spot on the tray or even remove them a little earlier if they’re small.
8. Continue Roasting: Return the baking sheets to the oven and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are beautifully tender on the inside and nicely browned and slightly crispy on the outside. You’re looking for those lovely charred edges that indicate deep flavor development. The exact time will depend on the size of your sprouts and the efficiency of your oven. Don’t be afraid to pull one out, let it cool for a second, and taste it to check for doneness. They should be fork-tender but still have a slight bite to them. Once they reach this stage, remove them from the oven and set them aside. They’ll be ready to mingle with our crispy beef bacon very soon!

Frying the Beef Bacon and Making the Glaze

Now that our Brussels sprouts are nearly done, let’s focus on crisping up that delicious beef bacon and whipping up a flavorful maple-balsamic glaze that will tie this “Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon” dish together beautifully. This step adds richness and a delightful counterpoint of sweet and savory.

9. Cook the Beef Bacon: Place a large skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully here if you have one) over medium-high heat. Add your cut beef bacon pieces to the dry, hot skillet. There’s no need to add any extra oil, as the beef bacon will render its own fat. Stir occasionally as it cooks, allowing the fat to render out and the bacon to become beautifully crispy. This typically takes about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and the heat of your stove. Keep a close eye on it, as bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly!
10. Remove Bacon and Save Fat (Optional, but Recommended): Once the beef bacon pieces are golden brown and wonderfully crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess grease, ensuring your bacon is perfectly crisp. Now, this is an important step: carefully pour off most of the rendered beef bacon fat from the skillet, leaving just about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan. Don’t discard all of it! That little bit of fat remaining in the pan is liquid gold and will form the delicious base for our glaze, infusing it with even more beefy flavor. If you wish to save the rest of the beef bacon fat for future cooking (it’s amazing for frying eggs or other vegetables!), strain it into a heatproof container and store it in the refrigerator.
11. Prepare the Maple-Balsamic Glaze: With that precious beef bacon fat still in the skillet (over medium heat), add the ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add a pinch now. Whisk all these ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and the mixture begins to simmer gently. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the glaze will start to thicken slightly as it reduces. It should be syrupy enough to coat the back of a spoon. This glaze is going to add an incredible sweet and tangy finish to our “Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon” dish.
12. Taste and Adjust Glaze: Before combining everything, give your glaze a quick taste. Does it need a little more sweetness? A touch more tang? This is your chance to adjust it to your liking. Sometimes a tiny pinch of salt can also really make the flavors pop.

Combining and Finishing the Dish

We’re in the home stretch! This is where we bring all the delicious components together to create a harmonious and unforgettable “Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon” dish. The textures and flavors are about to marry perfectly.

13. Combine Brussels Sprouts and Beef Bacon: Gently add your roasted Brussels sprouts back into the skillet with the maple-balsamic glaze. Then, add the crispy beef bacon pieces right into the pan as well.
14. Toss to Coat: Using a spatula or tongs, carefully toss all the ingredients together. You want to ensure that every single roasted Brussels sprout and every piece of crispy beef bacon is thoroughly coated in that gorgeous, sticky maple-balsamic glaze. Keep the pan over low heat for just a minute or so as you toss, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to adhere beautifully. This also ensures that the Brussels sprouts warm through again if they’ve cooled down slightly.
15. Final Seasoning Check: Before serving, always give the dish a quick taste test. Does it need a little more salt? A dash more pepper? Sometimes, the combination of flavors will reveal a need for a final seasoning adjustment. Trust your palate here!
16. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glorious “Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon” mixture to a serving platter. For that extra touch of texture and freshness, sprinkle generously with the optional chopped toasted pecans or walnuts and a handful of fresh, finely chopped parsley. The nuts provide a fantastic crunch, and the parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the bacon and glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Serving Suggestions and Enjoying Your Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon

This “Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon” dish is so versatile and utterly delicious, it can easily stand alone as a fantastic side dish or even a light main course. It’s truly one of my go-to recipes when I want something satisfying and full of flavor.

It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Imagine it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken or turkey, a pan-seared steak, or even a simple grilled salmon. The richness of the beef bacon and the sweetness of the glaze make it an ideal counterpoint to leaner proteins. For a more casual meal, I sometimes serve it with a hearty grain like quinoa or farro for a complete and balanced vegetarian (if you omit the bacon, of course!) or meat-inclusive meal. The combination of textures—the tender yet slightly crisp Brussels sprouts, the crunchy beef bacon, and the optional toasted nuts—creates a truly engaging eating experience.

Don’t be surprised if this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite. The savory depth of the beef bacon, the earthy sweetness of the caramelized Brussels sprouts, and the tangy-sweet glaze are a match made in culinary heaven. Enjoy creating and savoring this delightful dish!

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the end of our culinary journey for today, but truly, it’s just the beginning of your delicious adventure. I sincerely hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to get into your kitchen, because this isn’t just another recipe; it’s an absolute game-changer. What makes this dish an undeniable must-try, you ask? It’s the impeccable harmony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Imagine the subtle bitterness of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized to a sweet, nutty perfection, meeting the irresistible salty, smoky crunch of crispy beef bacon. It’s a combination that manages to be both incredibly comforting and surprisingly sophisticated, proving that simple ingredients, when treated with a little love and the right technique, can yield truly extraordinary results.

I can’t stress enough how this particular dish elevates any meal. It’s the kind of side that often steals the show, making people wonder what secret ingredient you’ve added. But the secret, as you now know, lies in the quality of the main components and the straightforward roasting method that brings out their very best. This recipe truly shines, delivering a depth of flavor that belies its simplicity. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a complicated ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to create something memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary exploration, you’ll find this dish incredibly rewarding to prepare. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce even the most skeptical eaters to the joy of Brussels sprouts – the beef bacon acts as a delicious, smoky ambassador!

Now, let’s talk about making this dish even more uniquely yours or adapting it for different occasions. While the core “Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon” combination is stellar on its own, its versatility is one of its greatest assets. For a lighter main course, consider serving a generous portion alongside a fluffy quinoa salad or a hearty wild rice blend. It also pairs beautifully as an indulgent side dish with a perfectly seared steak, a tender roasted chicken, or even some pan-fried salmon. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving smaller portions as a delightful appetizer, perhaps with toothpicks for easy grabbing – they disappear remarkably fast!

Want to get creative with variations? The possibilities are endless. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully, adding a zesty counterpoint to the richness. For those who enjoy a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes tossed in with the Brussels sprouts during roasting can add a lovely kick. If you lean towards a sweeter profile, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a touch of maple syrup during the last few minutes of roasting will create a magnificent candied exterior, perfectly complementing the savory bacon. You could also experiment with fresh herbs; a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary would infuse the dish with an aromatic earthiness. And for the cheese lovers among us, a light grating of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the hot dish would add another layer of salty, umami goodness. Don’t be afraid to experiment and truly make this recipe your own signature creation.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to carve out some time this week to give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it, I promise. There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from creating something so simple yet so profoundly delicious. Once you’ve experienced the magic of these Brussels Sprouts And Beef Bacon, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Please, share your culinary triumphs, your personal twists, and any serving suggestions you discover. Your feedback and creativity inspire me, and I’m always thrilled to see how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!