Savory Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon and Toasted Pecans
Elevate your side dish game with this Savory Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon and Toasted Pecans recipe. Perfectly cooked fresh Brussels sprouts are enhanced with the rich, smoky flavor of crispy bacon and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. Drizzled with a slightly tangy bacon dressing made from pan drippings, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this dish is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet that pairs beautifully with any meal. Ideal for holiday dinners or everyday gatherings, this crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to be a hit. Serve warm and watch it disappear!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh Brussels sprouts
2 lbs (washed and trimmed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
bacon
6 slices (cooked until crisp)
all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (for thickening)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (for sweetness)
water
1 tablespoon
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (for acidity)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
chopped pecans
1/4 cup (for crunch)
Instructions
1
Preheat your kitchen by bringing a large saucepan of water to a boil. Prepare the Brussels sprouts by washing and trimming their ends, then carefully cut an X at the base of each sprout to help with even cooking.
2
Once the water is boiling, add the Brussels sprouts along with the salt. Reduce the heat and simmer them for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but still vibrant green.
3
While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, prepare the bacon. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet and allow it to cool slightly.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet. Return to medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is bubbly and golden, then remove from the heat.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, water, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Gradually stir this mixture into the bacon drippings, mixing until you have a smooth dressing.
6
Drain the Brussels sprouts and transfer them to a large serving bowl. Pour the hot bacon dressing over the sprouts and toss gently to coat them completely.
7
Crumble the crispy bacon over the top of the Brussels sprouts, followed by the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
8
For an extra touch, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Savory Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon and Toasted Pecans
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 10 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The primary ingredients are fresh Brussels sprouts, salt, bacon, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chopped pecans.
How much Brussels sprouts do I need?
You will need 2 lbs of fresh Brussels sprouts.
How should I prepare the Brussels sprouts?
Wash and trim the ends, then cut an X at the base of each sprout to ensure even cooking.
How long do I cook the Brussels sprouts?
Simmer them for 8 to 10 minutes until fork-tender but still vibrant green.
What is the purpose of the salt in the water?
Salt is used for seasoning the Brussels sprouts while they simmer.
How many slices of bacon are required?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of bacon.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until it is crispy.
What should I do with the bacon drippings?
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet to make the dressing.
How do I use the flour in this recipe?
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of all-purpose flour over the reserved bacon drippings and stir until bubbly and golden.
What ingredients make up the dressing liquid?
The dressing is made of brown sugar, water, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
Cider vinegar is used for acidity in the dressing.
What type of mustard should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
When do I add the bacon to the dish?
Crumble the crispy bacon over the top of the sprouts after they have been tossed in the dressing.
What do the pecans add to the dish?
The chopped pecans add crunch, texture, and flavor.
How much pecans are required?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped pecans.
How do I combine the sprouts and dressing?
Drain the sprouts, transfer to a serving bowl, and toss gently with the hot dressing.
Can I adjust the salt at the end?
Yes, you can taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if desired before serving.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
It should be served immediately while warm.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is ideal for holiday dinners and everyday gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of this side dish?
It is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet with smoky and tangy notes.
Does this recipe use water in the dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of water is whisked into the dressing mixture.
What is the cooking method for the sprouts?
The sprouts are simmered in a large saucepan of boiling water.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include brussels sprouts, bacon, pecans, vegetable side dish, and holiday recipes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What should I do with the bacon after cooking?
Remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain before crumbling.
Is this recipe considered a healthy vegetable dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy vegetable side dish.
What is the final texture of the dressing?
The dressing should be mixed until it is smooth.