Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Mushrooms

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Mushrooms is a dish that combines Brussels sprouts, bacon, and mushrooms. Brussels sprouts are small green vegetables with a nutty flavor. Bacon provides a smoky taste, and mushrooms add an earthy, umami element. In the recipe, bacon is cooked until crispy, then set aside. Onions and mushrooms are sautéed in the bacon grease, followed by butter and sliced Brussels sprouts. Seasoned with a house blend, they’re cooked until tender and slightly browned. The cooked bacon, onions, and mushrooms are then mixed in. The result is a flavorful side dish that balances these complementary flavors. It’s a popular choice, especially in colder seasons.

Basic Brussels Sprouts Cooking Guide:

1. Preparation:

• Trim ends and remove outer leaves. Optionally, halve them.

1. Boiling (Blanching):

• Boil for 3-5 minutes until bright green. Shock in ice water.

1. Roasting:

• Toss with oil, salt, and seasonings. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

1. Sautéing:

• Cook in oil/butter with salt for 5-7 minutes until tender and seared.

1. Steaming:

• Steam for 5-7 minutes until tender and vibrant green.

Remember to adjust times based on size and preference. Enjoy!

Certainly! Here are some tips for achieving the best Brussels sprouts:

1. Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts:

• Look for sprouts that are firm, bright green, and compact. Avoid ones with browning or yellowing leaves.

1. Trim and Clean Thoroughly:

• Trim the tough ends and remove any damaged or discolored outer leaves. Rinse them well under cold water.

1. Consider Halving or Quartering:

• Cutting them in half or quarters can help with even cooking and create more surface area for flavorings.

1. Don’t Overcook:

• Overcooked Brussels sprouts can become mushy and lose their flavor. They should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

1. Blanch Before Roasting:

• If you’re roasting, blanching (quickly boiling then plunging into ice water) before roasting can help lock in color and reduce cooking time.

1. Season Generously:

• Brussels sprouts benefit from bold flavors. Consider using olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, or grated Parmesan cheese to enhance their taste.

Roast at High Temperature:

• Roasting at a high temperature (around 400°F) helps achieve a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

1. Sauté Over High Heat:

• When sautéing, use a hot skillet and cook over high heat. This will give them a nice sear without making them mushy.

1. Balance with Sweetness or Acid:

• Consider balancing the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts with a touch of sweetness (like honey or maple syrup) or a splash of acid (like balsamic vinegar).

1. Experiment with Flavors:
   • Brussels sprouts are versatile and can pair well with various seasonings like thyme, rosemary, cumin, or nutmeg.
2. Add Texture:
   • Incorporate texture by adding toasted nuts (like pecans or almonds) or crispy bacon bits.
3. Serve Promptly:
   • Brussels sprouts are best served hot and immediately after cooking to preserve their texture and flavor.

Remember, personal preference plays a big role in cooking, so don’t be afraid to adjust techniques and flavors to suit your taste!

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Mushrooms

Recipe by 50KrecipesCourse: Salads, SidesCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

“Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Mushrooms” is a dish combining Brussels sprouts, bacon, and mushrooms. Bacon is crisped up and set aside. Onions and mushrooms are sautéed in the bacon fat, then Brussels sprouts are added with seasoning. After cooking until tender and slightly browned, the bacon is returned to the pan. It’s a popular, flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

• Ingredients:

• 3 strips of bacon, finely chopped

• 1/3 cup of diced onion

• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms

• 1 tablespoon of butter

• 12 ounces of frozen Brussels sprouts, thawed and halved

• 1/2 teaspoon of my signature seasoning blend (a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, combined and stored in an airtight container)

• Salt to taste

Directions

• In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon, allowing excess grease to drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the bacon grease in the skillet.
• Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Transfer them to a separate plate.
• Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Toss in the sliced Brussels sprouts and reduce the heat to medium. Season with the house seasoning and add salt to your taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sprouts become tender and develop a slight browning, approximately 7-8 minutes.
• Reintroduce the bacon, onions, and mushrooms to the skillet, stirring to combine and allowing them to warm through, just before serving.
• Enjoy your flavorful Brussels sprouts dish with bacon and mushrooms!