Brussels sprouts are a vegetable that’s often given a bad name. This topic came up over Thanksgiving dinner after I made this super easy and delicious recipe for my family. As much as I love seasonal eating and shopping local, this tasty veggie is regularly found on my plate or the plates of those I serve during colder seasons. Being a cool season crop, this is a great time of the year to enjoy them and try new Brussels recipes.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or make this dish for the holidays, I highly recommend cooking it up for you or your family. This recipe doesn’t compare to some of the soggy steamed Brussels dishes we were served as kids. I prefer to roast them in the oven and especially in a cast iron pan. I love the combination of flavors and the crisp brown appearance from the cast iron pan. If y’all are local, I highly recommend the Pepper Bacon from Hemp’s Meats in Jefferson, MD. Hemp’s Meats
This cruciferous veggie is starting to show up on menus around the country. Many restaurants are starting to serve them as a crowd pleasing appetizer or side. Not only are they delicious, but they’re healthy too! Brussels provide antioxidants, support healthy digestion, alkalizes the body and provide a powerful punch of nutrients.
farm fresh brussels with bacon
ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of fresh Brussels Sprouts
3 slices of bacon (I love farm fresh country bacon)
1 shallot, chopped
1 tablespoon avocado oil or ghee
Salt and Pepper to taste
directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut bacon into one-inch pieces and set aside. Clean and trim Brussels sprouts. If the outside leaves fall off, that’s fine. Add them into the dish before baking. Make sure the tough bottoms are carefully cut and removed. Depending on the size of the Brussels, cut into halves or quarters.
In a large cast iron skillet or baking dish, combine the shallot, oil (or ghee) and Brussels. Evenly lay out the Brussels in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Next, evenly sprinkle the bacon pieces throughout the dish.
Once your oven is preheated, roast your bussels in the oven for 20-30 minutes, turning throughout the cooking process. Cook until your desired texture and caramelization. Serve warm.
Note: This dish can be prepared two ways and both work well. Depending on preference and desired crispness of the bacon, either cook the raw bacon with the raw Brussels or cook the Brussels and bacon separately. If choosing the latter, add the cooked crumbled bacon to the dish after it’s done thoroughly cooking. Toss to combine the ingredients.
Enjoy!
As mentioned, this dish makes for a wonderful appetizer or side at your event or holiday party. Looking for more holiday recipe ideas?
Additional Holiday Health Tips: Eat Your Way Healthy Through the Holiday Season