The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food! Growing up, my family always had a special way of bringing the festive spirit to our table, and one dish that never failed to steal the show was my Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Oh boy, the aroma of roasting Brussels sprouts combined with crispy bacon is like a warm hug in the kitchen! Trust me, this dish not only tastes amazing but also adds a vibrant touch to your holiday spread. It’s the perfect side to balance out all those rich and hearty main courses. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a cozy holiday gathering, these sprouts are sure to be a hit! So, let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will make your festive feasts even more memorable!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. As always, I recommend using fresh ingredients for the best flavor!
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Look for bright green sprouts that are firm to the touch. Trim the ends and slice them in half to ensure they roast evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Oh, the magic of bacon! I love using thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch. The savory goodness of the bacon complements the sprouts beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps to coat the Brussels sprouts and bacon, ensuring they roast to perfection. Plus, it adds a lovely richness to the dish. I always opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt, to taste: Just a pinch or two will help enhance all those wonderful flavors. You can adjust this depending on your dietary needs or preferences.
- Pepper, to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a little kick! I can’t resist a bit of pepper in my cooking; it brightens up the dish so nicely.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: This is the secret weapon in this recipe! A drizzle just before serving balances the flavors and adds a delightful tang that elevates the whole dish.
How to Prepare Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Getting these Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish that everyone will rave about.
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect roast. Trust me, starting with a hot oven gets those Brussels sprouts nice and crispy!
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well coated—the oil will help everything crisp up beautifully and bring out all those flavors. I love getting in there with my hands to really mix it up!
Spread on Baking Sheet
Next, spread the mixture out on a large baking sheet in a single layer. This is key! Giving each sprout and piece of bacon space allows them to roast evenly, so don’t overcrowd the pan.
Bake to Perfection
Now, pop that baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir the mixture halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly and the bacon gets that lovely crispiness. You’ll know it’s done when the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is beautifully crispy!
Final Touch
Just before serving, drizzle a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the roasted sprouts and bacon. This little splash adds a zing that ties everything together and makes the flavors pop! Wow, your guests are going to love it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips! First, pay attention to the size of your Brussels sprouts. If you have larger ones, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly; just keep an eye on them! Also, don’t hesitate to add minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the bacon and sprouts, adding a savory depth that’s simply irresistible. Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of baking for a delightful crunch! Your holiday table will be buzzing with compliments!
Nutritional Information Section
Knowing the nutritional content of your dishes can be super helpful, especially during the festive season when we indulge a bit more! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one serving of my Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
These Brussels sprouts make for a nutritious and delicious side that’s not only festive but also guilt-free! Pair them with your favorite holiday mains and enjoy this tasty addition to your celebration!
FAQ About Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Here are some of the most common questions I get about my Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon! I’m here to help you make this dish as fabulous as possible!
Can I make these Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep them a few hours in advance. Just combine the ingredients and cover them until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time on the big day!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven to keep that crispy texture intact!
Can I add other ingredients?
For sure! Feel free to experiment! Adding sliced almonds or walnuts during the last few minutes of baking adds a lovely crunch. You could also toss in some dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness and color—perfect for the holidays!
What main dishes pair well with these Brussels sprouts?
Oh, so many options! These sprouts are perfect alongside roasted meats like turkey, ham, or beef. They also shine with a cozy winter salad or even a creamy potato dish. Trust me, they’ll elevate any meal!
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh is best, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the bacon and other ingredients for the best results!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a festive side dish ready in under an hour!
- Deliciously crispy: The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering texture that everyone loves.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: This dish is sure to impress your guests and add a burst of flavor to your holiday spread.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber, these Brussels sprouts make for a healthy yet indulgent side.
- Versatile: Pair them with any main course, and they’ll shine as the star of your meal!
Serving Suggestions
Your Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are such a versatile side dish, and they pair beautifully with a variety of main courses! For a classic holiday feast, serve them alongside a juicy roasted turkey or a honey-glazed ham. The savory richness of the sprouts complements the sweetness of the meats perfectly. If you’re looking for something lighter, try them with a festive winter salad topped with cranberries and feta. They also work wonderfully alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a savory stuffing, adding a delightful crunch and flavor to your holiday table. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this combo!
For more delicious recipes, check out my blog for inspiration!
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Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon that Wow Your Guests
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious Brussels sprouts cooked with crispy bacon for a festive dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until the Brussels sprouts are well coated.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and bacon is crispy.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the Brussels sprouts.
- You can add garlic for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, holiday side dish, roasted Brussels sprouts