Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries

Description

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries is the perfect recipe for those who want to discover new flavors and prove that healthy dishes can be absolutely delicious. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a classic that combines sweetness, saltiness, and crispiness in one dish, making it a perfect side for meats, especially poultry, or a standalone meal for any occasion. In this article, I’ll show you how easy it is to prepare this dish, what to pay attention to, and how to customize it to your taste. The article is for both beginners and advanced cooks looking for inspiration for a quick and impressive meal. Discover the secrets to making perfect roasted brussel sprouts with bacon and see for yourself that cooking is a pure pleasure!

Beautifully arranged, fresh ingredients waiting for a culinary adventure. On a wooden table lie fresh Brussels sprouts, bacon slices, dried cranberries, and other additions that will make the dish unique. See how little you need to create something delicious!

Introduction

Hey there, food lovers! ❤️ I know that for many of you, cooking seems like a cosmic mission—complicated, time-consuming, and prone to disaster. But what if I told you the opposite is true? That the kitchen is your new playground, and a recipe is just a map to a treasure? You might think you need special talents, expensive equipment, and hours of free time. Nothing could be further from the truth! As someone who has spent years in the kitchen, I want to prove that cooking is a source of joy, relaxation, and the simplest way to bring happiness to yourself and your loved ones.

I want to share with you not just recipes, but my entire philosophy: the kitchen is for everyone. Whether you’re a professional chef looking for inspiration or a total novice afraid to turn on the stove, this article is for you. Today, we’re diving into a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that traditionally graces tables in the United States during Thanksgiving. I’m talking about Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries. This dish proves that you can create something spectacular from the most humble ingredients. I guarantee your perspective on Brussels sprouts will change by 180 degrees after this recipe! Ready for a culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking! 🧑‍🍳

My thoughts before starting

Before we begin, I have a few words for you straight from the heart. Remember that cooking is a process, not a race. Don’t stress if something doesn’t go right the first time. We all make mistakes, and the kitchen is a place for experiments. Instead of perfection, aim for enjoyment. Everyone has their own pace and preferences. My first piece of advice: always read the recipe from start to finish before you begin. This will help you avoid unnecessary rush and surprises. Pay attention to preparing your ingredients, or “mise en place”—it’s the key to success. This is all you need to cook without a hitch, whether it’s roasted brussel sprouts with bacon or anything else. A good knife and cutting board, the right pots and pans, and most importantly, peace of mind.

Another point is the quality of the ingredients. Of course, we don’t always have access to products from local farmers, but try to choose the freshest and highest quality ones you can afford. In this recipe, fresh Brussels sprouts are key. Proper preparation of the sprouts, including washing and drying them thoroughly and removing the outer leaves, has a huge impact on the final result. Remember that you don’t need expensive spices or exotic ingredients to create something special. Often the simplest flavor combinations are the best. Brussels sprouts with bacon is a perfect example of this. It’s often found on tables in the US during Thanksgiving as a side dish for roasted turkey. Air fry brussels sprouts is also a great option if you want to save some time. But always remember one thing: cooking is an intuitive process. Don’t be afraid to change proportions, add your favorite spices, or even completely swap ingredients to create your own unique version of the dish. For example, if you don’t eat meat, bacon can be replaced with smoked tofu or mushrooms. The important thing is that you feel comfortable in your kitchen and enjoy every stage. Now, let’s get down to business.

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A moment of magic in the kitchen! We see hands passionately tossing Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and cranberries in a hot skillet. The moment when flavors and aromas start to combine is absolutely unique!

Ingredients

• Brussels Sprouts (approx. 500g, fresh)
• Bacon (150-200g, smoked, in strips or cubed)
• Dried cranberries (1/4 cup)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Maple syrup (1-2 tablespoons, to taste)
• Garlic (2 cloves, finely chopped)
• Sea salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup, optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon, optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Step-by-step instructions

1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim the tough ends and remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Cut larger sprouts in half and leave small ones whole. Make sure they are well-dried, which is crucial for achieving crispiness.
2. Prepare the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden. This is the moment the kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma!
3. Sauté the Brussels sprouts: Add the prepared Brussels sprouts to the pan with the bacon. Increase the heat and sauté the sprouts for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The sprouts should get a beautiful, golden color and soften slightly. Cooking them for too long will make them too soft.
4. Add flavor: Reduce the heat to low. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the dried cranberries, maple syrup (or honey), and nuts (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors combine.
5. Final seasoning: Remove the pan from the heat. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. At this point, you can optionally add a touch of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor. Mix well.
6. Serving: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. You can sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add color and freshness. Serve immediately while the dish is still warm and crispy. This is a perfect side dish for roasted chicken, turkey, or simply as a delicious and healthy snack.

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The finished dish! Golden Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and sweet cranberries, served in a simple bowl, are waiting to be tasted. Each bite is a perfect combination of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning gourmets. This is the result we were waiting for!

My Tips

1. Crispiness above all: To ensure your Brussels sprouts are perfectly crispy, it’s crucial to dry them after washing. You can use paper towels or a salad spinner. The less water, the better the sautéing results. If you’re using frozen Brussels sprouts, remember to thaw and dry them thoroughly.
2. Ingredient substitutions: Instead of bacon, you can use smoked tofu, pancetta, or chorizo if you prefer a spicier flavor. Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or molasses. Instead of dried cranberries, other dried fruits work great, such as chopped apricots, figs, or even raisins.
3. Experiment with spices: Don’t be afraid to add other spices! Smoked paprika, a pinch of chili for heat, or fresh thyme or rosemary will add a new dimension to the dish. Try adding a little grated cheese, like Parmesan, at the end of cooking for an extra salty flavor.
4. Oven instead of a pan: If you prefer roasted dishes, you can use the oven. Preheat it to 200°C (400°F). Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes. Cook the bacon separately, then add it to the Brussels sprouts along with the cranberries and maple syrup. The result? Roasted brussel sprouts with bacon in a roasted version that is just as delicious.

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Summary

I hope this recipe for Brussels sprouts with bacon and cranberries makes your heart beat faster. Remember that the kitchen is there to have fun with. Don’t treat it as a place where you have to be perfect. Treat it as a space where you can create and enjoy the moment. With every meal you cook, you become better, braver, and more confident. And you know what? There’s nothing more beautiful than the joy of sharing food with loved ones. The next time you think about cooking, think of it as your time—time for relaxation, creativity, and taste. Thank you for being with me! Be sure to let me know how it went and share your photos! Tag me on Instagram (@YourUsername) and use the hashtag #EasyBrusselsSprouts so I can see your creations. I’m waiting for your culinary stories!

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FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Yes, but remember to thaw them first and then dry them very thoroughly, preferably with a paper towel. Frozen Brussels sprouts contain more water, which can make the dish less crispy.

Q2: How do I store leftovers? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat them, it’s best to use a pan or the oven to restore the crispiness of the sprouts. Reheating in the microwave will make the dish soft.

Q3: Can I omit the bacon to make the dish vegetarian? Of course! Instead of bacon, you can use smoked tofu cut into cubes, shiitake mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms. They will be just as delicious and add umami to the dish.

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