Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Toasted Pecans
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to actually enjoy Brussels sprouts? Let's make some side dishes for christmas dinner that will blow your mind! This recipe combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors for a holiday win.
Brief Overview
This Brussels sprouts recipe isn't just any christmas dinner sides . It’s inspired by bistro flavors. This dish takes about 45- 50 minutes to make, it's easy, and serves 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with fiber and vitamins, a healthy christmas side dishes option. Serve it at your next christmas menu and watch it disappear! These are the best christmas side dish recipes and I want to share them with you.
Ingredients That Pop
Okay, so let’s talk ingredients. You'll need about 1.5 lbs (680g) of Brussels sprouts, because nobody wants to fight over the last sprout.
Then we're gonna need 6 oz (170g) of thick cut bacon, diced because what's life without a little bacon? Two tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, because, well, duh .
You’ll also need pecans! A half cup to be exact. These add a nice crunch. Don’t forget 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for that zing, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey for sweetness, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a little somethin' somethin', and a clove of minced garlic.
Let's Talk Equipment
We're keeping it simple, folks! You will need a large baking sheet for roasting. A large skillet or frying pan for the bacon and glaze.
Finally, you'll need a small saucepan to toast those pecans.
Why This Recipe Rocks
I remember the first time I made these, my family were very sceptical. They HATED Brussels sprouts! But, honestly , the balsamic glaze and bacon changed everything.
Now it's a traditional christmas side dishes request every year. Trust me, this is not your average, boring christmas vegetable side dishes .
You can even make-ahead christmas sides and have it ready for the oven later!
Alright, let's talk about what you actually need to make these amazing glazed Brussels sprouts. We're not going to be fancy here.
Just the essentials, yeah? Because who wants to spend Christmas Eve wrestling with a million ingredients?
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: The Lineup
- Brussels sprouts: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ), trimmed and halved. Look for firm, bright green sprouts. Avoid anything yellowing or wilted. Trust me.
- Thick cut bacon: 6 oz ( 170g ), diced. Good quality bacon makes all the difference.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons . This helps everything roast up nicely.
- Kosher salt: 1/4 teaspoon , plus more to taste. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , plus more to taste. Freshly ground is always best.
- Pecan halves: 1/2 cup ( 50g ). These add a lovely crunch.
- Balsamic vinegar: 2 tablespoons . A decent quality balsamic really elevates the glaze.
- Maple syrup (or honey): 1 tablespoon . For a touch of sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon . Adds a little tang to balance things out.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
This dish is one of the best christmas side dish recipes !
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Right!
For these christmas dinner sides , we are keeping it relatively simple. Salt and pepper are key, but don’t underestimate the power of good balsamic vinegar.
Honestly, the balsamic glaze is where the magic happens. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
For flavour enhancers and aromatics, consider adding thyme sprigs while roasting the Brussels sprouts. Not got maple syrup? Honey works a treat as a quick substitution.
The dish has become one of the unique christmas side dishes in our household!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large baking sheet. You'll need this to roast the Brussels sprouts.
- Large skillet or frying pan. For cooking the bacon and making the glaze.
- Small saucepan. Just for toasting the pecans.
Don't have a fancy baking sheet? A regular ol' baking tray will do just fine. For the pan, anything you usually fry bacon in is good.
No need to buy new stuff just for these christmas dinner sides ! Now, let's get cooking; This recipe is definitely one of those easy christmas side dishes
Alright, let's talk side dishes for Christmas dinner . It is a big deal, right? We need stellar sides that'll make everyone happy.
I will walk you through making Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Toasted Pecans: A Christmas Cracker!
Prep Steps for Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Okay, first things first. Mise en place is key, darling! Get everything chopped and measured before you even think about turning on the hob. It's like prepping for battle.
Trim and halve 1.5 lbs (680g) of Brussels sprouts. Dice up 6 oz (170g) of thick cut bacon . Get your 1/2 cup (50g) of pecans ready.
I hate running around like a headless chicken. It's a time saver and a lifesaver, trust me!
And please, don't be a silly sausage. Be careful with knives. We want delicious food, not a trip to A&E.
step-by-step: Brussels Sprouts Magic
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get those Brussels sprouts ready.
- Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy. Remove bacon , but keep the fat. That's liquid gold.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway. They should be tender and browned.
- Toast 1/2 cup (50g) of pecan halves in a pan. Cook over medium low heat for 5- 7 minutes . Stir often until fragrant. Don't burn them!
- Make the balsamic glaze in the same skillet. Whisk together 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar , 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 clove minced garlic. Simmer for 3- 5 minutes until thick.
- Add the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon to the glaze. Toss to coat and sprinkle with pecans . Serve immediately. It's pure deliciousness!
Pro Tips for the Best Brussels Sprouts
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. This is super important for crispy sprouts. Speaking of crispy, cooking in bacon fat is everything.
Also, use good quality balsamic vinegar . It makes a huge difference. I like to make the glaze ahead of time.
One of the easy christmas side dishes ! Then it's ready when you are. It will also help to create more unique christmas side dishes .
This one is a keeper! This recipe will be one of your next best christmas side dish recipes . You can use it as one of your traditional christmas side dishes to impress your family at your christmas menu .
Recipe Notes for Your Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Alright, let's chat about some extra tips for our Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Toasted Pecans . This ain't just some random dish; it's your secret weapon for amazing side dishes for christmas dinner .
Honestly, it's one of the best christmas side dish recipes out there.
Presentation Perfection
Okay, so you've nailed the recipe. Now, how do you make it look amazing ? I love using a nice serving bowl.
A white ceramic bowl always looks classy. Arrange the sprouts nicely, making sure the bacon bits and pecans are evenly sprinkled.
Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze on top for that 'wow' factor. A sprig of fresh rosemary adds a festive touch.
Boom. Insta worthy!
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? No worries. Pop those sprouts into an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days.
Freezing isn't ideal, as the sprouts can get a bit soggy. But if you must , freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
Reheating? Best in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crispy.
Remixing the Recipe
Want to shake things up? Easy peasy. For a vegan christmas side dish , ditch the bacon and use smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Add more pecans or even some toasted walnuts. Need it gluten-free christmas side dishes ? Make sure your bacon is gluten-free (some brands add wheat).
For a seasonal swap, try adding roasted butternut squash chunks to the Brussels sprouts. Christmas vegetable side dishes never tasted so good!
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, so nutrition. Each serving is about 250 calories . You get 10g of protein , 18g of fat , and 15g of carbs .
Plus, you're getting a decent dose of fiber (about 5g ) from those sprouts. Let’s be real, this is a relatively healthy christmas side dishes because it's packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
The balsamic vinegar even has some health benefits. Winner winner, sprout dinner.
Right, there you have it. With these notes, you're all set to whip up some stellar christmas dinner sides . Don’t stress too much, have fun, and remember, even if it's not perfect , it'll still be delicious.
Now, go get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! I'm new to this. Are these Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Toasted Pecans really easy to make for Christmas dinner?
Absolutely! Think of this recipe like building a LEGO set - easy to follow and impressive results. The recipe is designed to be very straightforward. You're mainly roasting, frying bacon and making a quick glaze. Even if you've never roasted vegetables before, you can totally nail this!
My family is divided about Brussels sprouts. How can I convince the haters that these are worth trying as one of my side dishes for christmas dinner?
Ah, the Brussels sprout dilemma! The key is the cooking method. Roasting them until they're slightly crispy and then balancing the bitterness with the salty bacon, sweet balsamic glaze and crunchy pecans completely transforms them. Think of it as a flavour bomb, a culinary masterpiece that even the skeptics will enjoy.
The balsamic glaze really elevates it, like adding a posh accent to a classic tune!
Can I make these glazed brussel sprouts ahead of time to save time on Christmas Day?
You can definitely prep some of the components in advance to streamline things on the big day. Roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Then, just before serving, reheat them in the skillet with the balsamic glaze.
However, add the toasted pecans right before serving to maintain their crunch nobody likes soggy nuts!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier this Christmas. Any tips for lightening up these side dishes for christmas dinner without sacrificing flavor?
Great question! You can definitely make some smart swaps. Reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon, and swap the maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener in the balsamic glaze. You could also use a lighter olive oil spray to roast the sprouts.
Remember, moderation is key it's Christmas, after all, a few tweaks can make it a bit healthier!
What's the best way to store leftover Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Toasted Pecans?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, a quick toss in a skillet is best to re-crisp them. Microwaving is an option for convenience, but they might lose some of their texture and the pecans could get a little soft.
I'm allergic to Pecans, what could i use instead for a nutty crunch?
Walnuts and Almonds make a great substitute to pecans. Simply follow the same method for toasting the pecans, and they should be great to use instead.
Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Toasted Pecan
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
