How to Make Braised Bacon Brussel Sprouts with Lemon and Thyme

I don’t like Brussels sprouts. Or Brussel sprouts, is how I actually say it in real life. haha. Flashbacks to childhood. Dinner table stand offs. Overcooked cabbage patch looking heads untouched on my plate. I’m not unreasonable. I don’t think I was an unreasonable child. But one bite of those layered leaves left me traumatized for years. So much so I didn’t even introduce them to my kids! It wasn’t until I was married and at a super fancy steakhouse that I decided to give it one more try. To my surprise. I loved it. So I’ve learned that with the right ingredients you can turn Brussels sprouts into a side dish that you’ll actually want to eat! This bacon Brussel sprout recipe has a lot of flavor with the help of lemon, thyme and of course bacon! I think you’ll also love the surprise of the diced sweet potatoes.

Also great for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter!

Choosing the Best Brussel Sprouts

These days you can get prepackaged brussel sprouts already picked out for you to help make selection 10x easier. But if you are at an open market or in a grocery store then this guide should help you with selecting the best Brussels sprouts: 

Look for Bright Green Color: Fresh Brussels sprouts should have a vibrant green color. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing or have brown spots, as these are signs of aging or poor quality.

Check for Firmness: Gently squeeze the Brussels sprouts to check for firmness. They should feel solid and compact, indicating that they are fresh and have not started to spoil.

Uniform Size: Choose Brussels sprouts that are similar in size. This ensures that they cook evenly and all have the same tender texture. If you have a mix of large and small sprouts, consider cutting the larger ones into quarters to match the size of the smaller ones.

Inspect the Leaves: The outer leaves of Brussels sprouts should be tight and intact. Loose or damaged leaves can be a sign of poor handling or aging. Remove any damaged leaves before cooking.

Buy on the Stalk: If possible, purchase Brussels sprouts on the stalk. They tend to stay fresher longer when attached to the stalk. Simply cut them off the stalk before preparing your dish.

Seasonality: Brussels sprouts are typically in season from late fall to early spring. Buying them during their peak season ensures the best flavor and freshness. However, they are available year-round in most grocery store

How to Make Braised Bacon Brussel Sprouts

According to some experts there are three great ways to cook Brussels sprouts. You can braise them, roast them or saute them and depending on your method you should chop, slice or shred them! Who knew?

So for this recipe I decided on a braising technique. The ones I had at the restaurant were either sautéed or braised. But because there was a liquid with them I think braising is the perfect technique.

Prepping Brussels Sprouts for Braising

For braising you’ll want to ruffly chop the sprouts. Remove the ends of the sprouts and chop them up using a chefs knife.

Ingredients to make Braised Bacon Brussel Sprouts

• 1/2 cup bacon diced (about ½ cup)
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1/2 cup diced potato
• 1/2 cup diced green pepper
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 12 oz. Brussels sprouts, sliced and trimmed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 14-oz. can chicken broth
• 1 bushy 3-inch sprig fresh cilantro, thyme or oregano
• 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Yummy Braised Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Step One: Prep the Bacon

In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon in the olive oil, stirring frequently, until the bacon is browned.

Step Two: Add Potatoes and Veggies

Increase the heat to medium-high, stir in the diced potatoes, onions, green peppers, and garlic, and cook until softened.

Step Three: Add the Sprouts

Add the Brussels sprouts, season lightly with salt and pepper, stir to coat with the fat, and cook, stirring, until the sprouts wilt and brown lightly (2 to 5 minutes).

Step Four: Simmer with Broth

Add the broth, cilantro, and lemon zest. Cover with the lid and adjust the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sprouts are just barely tender, about 4 to 6 minutes.

Step Five: Finish Cooking

Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently, until all the liquid has evaporated and the sprouts are tender but not mushy, about 3 minutes.

Step Six: Final Seasoning

Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

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Avoid these Mistakes When Braising your Sprouts

Braising Brussels sprouts with bacon is a relatively simple process, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

Overcrowding the Pan: When braising, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. If the Brussels sprouts are too close together, they will steam rather than brown. Make sure there is enough space for them to caramelize properly, which enhances their flavor.

Using Too Much Liquid: Adding too much broth can result in soggy Brussels sprouts. Use just enough liquid to cover the bottom of the pan and allow the sprouts to braise. If there is too much liquid, the sprouts may not develop the desired texture and flavor.

Not Cooking the Bacon Properly: Bacon should be cooked until it is crispy but not burnt. If the bacon is undercooked, it will be chewy and lack the desired texture. If overcooked, it can become bitter. Cook the bacon until it is golden and crispy, then remove it from the pan to drain excess grease.

Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the Brussels sprouts before braising is crucial for developing flavor. Make sure to cook them cut side down until they achieve a golden brown color. This step enhances the taste and texture of the final dish.

Overcooking the Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts should be tender but still have a slight crunch. Overcooking can make them mushy and unappealing. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness by piercing them with a fork. They should be easily pierced but still hold their shape.

 

A Few Variations and Additions: Elevating Your Recipe

While the classic combination of bacon and Brussels sprouts is undeniably delicious, there are several ways to elevate this dish with creative variations and additions. Here are some ideas that could be inspiring and give you some courage to try something new:

Add a Sweet Element: Balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. Consider adding dried cranberries, raisins, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. These sweet additions complement the earthy Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon beautifully.

Add Nuts: If you are lucky enough to have nuts as apart of you diet, adding nuts is great for added texture and flavor. You can toss in some toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. The nuts provide crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish. The spiciness will contrast with the rich bacon and earthy Brussels sprouts, creating a more complex and exciting flavor profile.

Herbs and Citrus: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a burst of freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten the flavors and add a zesty note.

Leftover Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts are easy to keep as leftovers. Just store them in an air type container and store up to 3 days in the fridge.

These also would be great over a salad the next day as well. The flavors siting in the fridge overnight will definitely intensifies (sort of like lasagna the next day) so it’s great to add on to lunch or dinner.