Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Brussel Sprouts Apple Bacon recipe is a game-changer, transforming humble Brussel sprouts into a delicious and satisfying side that will impress even the pickiest eaters. It's the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky – a quick dinner idea that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe offers a simple way to enjoy homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), cored and diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, trim and halve the Brussel sprouts. Dice the bacon and apple, and thinly slice the red onion. This simple prep work ensures a smooth cooking process.
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Cook the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!), cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan. Set the bacon aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Add the red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the Brussel sprouts and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown slightly.
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Add Apple and Seasoning: Stir in the diced apple, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Roast to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the Brussel sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized, and the apple is softened. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
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Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the cooked bacon. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish with your favorite protein.
Tips for the Best Brussel Sprouts Apple Bacon:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure your Brussel sprouts have enough space to brown properly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more maple syrup. Conversely, for a more savory flavor, reduce the maple syrup or omit it entirely.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts would add a delicious crunch.
- Use different apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith apples would offer a nice tart contrast.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary would complement the flavors beautifully. Add them during the roasting stage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This easy recipe provides a healthy and delicious side dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout among healthy meal options. Enjoy!