Sweet and Smoky Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple Cider Glaze
Elevate your vegetable side dishes with these Sweet and Smoky Caramelized Brussels Sprouts. The vibrant green Brussels sprouts are expertly blanched and then caramelized with crispy smoked bacon and sweet onions, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Finished with a luxurious apple cider glaze, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply as a comforting side dish during Brussels sprout season, this recipe brings warmth and sophistication to any meal.
6
Servings
113
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
1 lb (cut in half, root ends trimmed)
Butter
2 tablespoons (divided)
Smoked bacon
4 slices (chopped)
Onion
1/2 small (peeled and finely chopped (or 1 shallot))
Apple cider
1 cup
Chicken broth
1 cup
Sugar
1 tablespoon (more or less to taste, depending on sweetness of cider)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, carefully add the halved Brussels sprouts and blanch for 2 minutes while covered. After blanching, drain sprouts and immediately rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
2
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chopped bacon and finely chopped onion. Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 5-8 minutes until the bacon is nearly crispy and the onions are soft and translucent.
3
Once the bacon and onions are cooked, push them to the edges of the pan to make space for the Brussels sprouts. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer with the cut side facing down. Allow them to brown undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
4
After the Brussels sprouts have caramelized nicely, pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and sugar. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until the liquid has reduced to a thick glaze and the sprouts are tender, about 10-15 minutes. If the liquid reduces too quickly before the sprouts are tender, add a bit more broth or water as needed.
5
Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more sugar.
6
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until it melts and is fully incorporated into the glaze, ensuring every sprout is coated.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
9g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Smoky Caramelized Brussels Sprouts?
This is a vegetable side dish where Brussels sprouts are blanched and then caramelized with crispy smoked bacon and onions, finished with an apple cider glaze.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of these Brussels sprouts?
There are 113 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving contains 4g of protein.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What is the main vegetable used?
The main vegetable is 1 lb of Brussels sprouts.
How should the Brussels sprouts be prepared?
They should be cut in half with the root ends trimmed.
What type of bacon is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of chopped smoked bacon.
Can I substitute the onion?
Yes, you can use 1 shallot instead of 1/2 a small onion.
How long should the Brussels sprouts be blanched?
Blanch them in boiling salted water for 2 minutes while covered.
Why should I rinse the sprouts in cold water after blanching?
Rinsing under cold water halts the cooking process immediately.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
A total of 2 tablespoons of butter is used, divided.
How long do you sauté the bacon and onions?
Sauté them for about 5-8 minutes until the bacon is nearly crispy and onions are soft.
How should I brown the Brussels sprouts in the pan?
Arrange them in a single layer with the cut side facing down.
How long should the sprouts brown undisturbed?
Allow them to brown undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
What liquids are used to create the glaze?
The glaze is made with 1 cup of apple cider and 1 cup of chicken broth.
How much sugar is added to the glaze?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar, adjusted to taste.
How long does it take for the liquid to reduce to a glaze?
It takes about 10-15 minutes until the liquid is thick and the sprouts are tender.
What should I do if the liquid reduces too quickly?
If the liquid reduces before the sprouts are tender, add a bit more broth or water.
What is the final step before serving?
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and coated.
What kind of flavor profile does this dish have?
It offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory notes.
Is this dish suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday feasts, or as a comforting autumn side dish.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include brussels sprouts, caramelized, bacon, apple cider, and thanksgiving.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
Yes, you can add more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of your cider and personal preference.
What size onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 of a small onion, finely chopped.
How much water is needed for blanching?
Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil.
What seasoning is used at the end?
The dish is finished with salt and pepper to preference.