Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Brussels sprouts: These small, leafy green vegetables are part of the cabbage family and have a slightly bitter taste that mellows when cooked.

Bacon: A cured meat from pork belly, bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor and a crispy texture to the dish.

Olive oil: A healthy fat used for cooking, it helps to brown and tenderize the brussels sprouts.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the dish.

To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, start by placing it in a cold skillet and then gradually increase the heat. This allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in evenly cooked, crispy pieces. When cooking the brussels sprouts, make sure they are cut side down in the skillet to maximize browning and caramelization. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful texture contrast.

• brussels sprouts - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli has a similar texture and can be roasted to achieve a comparable flavor profile.

• brussels sprouts - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be roasted and seasoned similarly, providing a different but equally delicious taste.

• bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian cured meat that offers a similar salty and savory flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a smoky flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for roasting.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and also has a high smoke point, suitable for roasting.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of moisture.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to achieve a similar spiciness.

• black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different kind of spiciness to the dish.

• Allow the brussels sprouts with bacon to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container. For best results, use a shallow container to ensure even cooling and reheating.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the dish, place the brussels sprouts and bacon in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the brussels sprouts with bacon in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but reheating in a skillet helps maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
• For added freshness, consider adding a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh black pepper before serving.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover brussels sprouts with bacon on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispy texture of the bacon and the brussels sprouts.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add the leftover brussels sprouts with bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. This method ensures the brussels sprouts remain tender and the bacon stays crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be cautious as this method may make the bacon less crispy and the brussels sprouts slightly soggy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the brussels sprouts with bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the crispiness of both the bacon and the brussels sprouts.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers on a toaster oven tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is convenient and helps keep the brussels sprouts and bacon crispy.

• Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for frying and browning the brussels sprouts and bacon.

• Tongs: Useful for turning and stirring the brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking.

• Cutting board: A surface for safely trimming and halving the brussels sprouts.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the brussels sprouts and dicing the bacon.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Paper towels: Handy for draining the cooked bacon to remove excess grease.

• Serving dish: A dish to present the finished brussels sprouts with bacon.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the brussels sprouts when needed.

Use pre-trimmed sprouts: Buy pre-trimmed and halved brussels sprouts from the store to save time on preparation.

One-pan method: Use a large skillet to cook both the bacon and brussels sprouts together, reducing the number of dishes to clean.

High heat sear: Cook the brussels sprouts on high heat for a quicker, caramelized finish.