Description
Savory brussels sprouts dance with crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans in this delightful holiday side dish. Hearty flavors and textural contrasts make this simple yet elegant recipe a perfect complement to your festive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 500 g (1 lb) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- ⅓ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Flavor Enhancers:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Render the bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat, transforming it into crispy, golden morsels. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving approximately one tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Introduce olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, heating over medium-high temperature. Arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for 5-7 minutes without disruption.
- Gently rotate the sprouts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they reach a tender yet slightly crunchy consistency.
- While the sprouts are cooking, activate the pecans in a dry skillet. Toast them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until their aroma becomes pronounced and nutty.
- Incorporate the crispy bacon and tart cranberries into the Brussels sprouts, stirring to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey over the mixture, tossing to ensure each ingredient is luxuriously coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Transfer the vibrant medley to a serving dish, generously garnishing with the toasted pecans. Present immediately while the dish remains warmly inviting.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and robust flavor that complements the Brussels sprouts perfectly.
- Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry before cooking to ensure maximum caramelization and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of your Brussels sprouts, smaller ones will cook faster and can burn quickly.
- Swap bacon for smoked tempeh or coconut bacon to create a vegetarian version that maintains a similar smoky essence.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan alternative that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
- Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely during the short cooking process.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture of the sprouts and bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg