Name: Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds Brussels Sprouts, cleaned, trimmed, and halved; 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt; ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 pound thick-cut Bacon; 2 large Yellow Onions, finely chopped; 2 large Shallots, diced; 2 teaspoons minced Garlic; ½ cup packed Light Brown Sugar; ¼ cup Maple Syrup; ⅓ cup Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (optional)

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The aroma of Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts fills your kitchen, a welcoming scent that hits you with a blend of savory, sweet, and smoky notes. As those little Brussels sprouts roast, their edges caramelizing to a perfect golden brown, you can practically taste the excitement in the air. When you finally get to dive into this dish, you’re treated to crispy edges giving way to tender interiors, all cloaked in luscious bacon jam. It invites you back to cozy gatherings with loved ones, where meals were savored alongside laughter and shared stories. This dish, perfect for those crisp autumn evenings or festive get-togethers, is sure to become a cherished favorite. I’m thrilled for you to try this delightful and fun twist on a classic vegetable!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts

What makes this side so special? You’ll find that Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts are not only a feast for the senses but also perfect for any occasion. Excited yet? Let’s jump into why you’ll love making this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch in just about an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Sweet and savory collide in every bite, thanks to the bacon jam that packs a punch.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These colorful sprouts look stunning on any table, turning heads at potlucks or family dinners.
Flexible Serving: Fantastic as a snack, side dish, or even breakfast alongside eggs—these sprouts fit in anywhere!
Diet-Friendly Options: Customize to your needs—try using turkey bacon for a lighter alternative!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brussels Sprouts: About 1 ½ pounds of fresh sprouts, cleaned, trimmed, and halved. Look for firm, bright green sprouts for the best flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use 2 tablespoons to add richness and help the sprouts caramelize beautifully. Avocado oil works as an alternative.
Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon enhances the natural sweetness of the sprouts and balances the flavors.
Black Pepper: A ¼ teaspoon adds a bit of warmth; freshly cracked pepper offers more flavor.
Bacon: 1 pound of thick-cut bacon gives a satisfying crunch and Umami depth. Experiment with pancetta to mix things up!
Yellow Onions: 2 large onions, finely chopped, offer sweetness and depth as they caramelize.
Shallots: 2 large (or 6 small) shallots, diced, provide a lovely subtle flavor that complements the onions.
Garlic: 2 teaspoons minced garlic add a fragrant layer that melds beautifully in the jam.
Light Brown Sugar: ½ cup packed creates that sweet note that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon.
Maple Syrup: ¼ cup adds complexity and a hint of natural sweetness—try honey for a different take!
Apple Cider Vinegar: ⅓ cup brightens the flavors, balancing the richness with a touch of acidity.
Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon for a bit of heat, if that’s your thing; otherwise, feel free to skip it!

How to Make Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F. While it warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this will help with cleanup and keep your Brussels sprouts from sticking.

Toss and Arrange: Spread the cleaned and halved Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the sprouts, tossing them gently to ensure all are well-coated. Lay them out in a single layer with the cut sides facing down for maximum caramelization.

Roast Until Golden: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for them becoming tender and developing that golden brown, crispy edge—this is where the magic happens!

Cook the Bacon: While the sprouts roast, cook your diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, usually 8-10 minutes. Line a plate with a paper towel to drain excess grease, then remove the bacon and set it aside.

Prepare the Aromatics: Carefully leave around 4 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet (this adds flavor!), draining the rest. Add the finely chopped onions and diced shallots to the pan, reducing the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deeply caramelized and fragrant.

Add the Goodies: Mix in the minced garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder (if using), and your cooked bacon. Stir this concoction and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, occasionally stirring, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Toss and Warm: Gently add the roasted Brussels sprouts to your skillet, tossing them to coat with the bacon jam. Give them an extra 2 minutes on the heat just to warm them through, letting all those flavors marry together.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the scrumptious mixture to a serving bowl while it’s warm. The little bursts of flavor and the delightful combination of textures will have everyone lining up for seconds!

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers (though they may not last long!), cool the Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts to room temperature before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for about 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to refresh their crispy goodness. Note that the texture may soften slightly upon reheating, but you can always add a dash more of the warm bacon jam to give them life again!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding your baking sheet; this ensures each Brussels sprout roasts evenly rather than steaming.
For extra flavor, consider using a mix of bacon and pancetta or add a splash of bourbon to the bacon jam.
If your Brussels sprouts taste a bit bitter, ensure you roast them until they’re just tender and golden to enhance their natural sweetness.
Want a spicy twist? Increase the chili powder, or topped with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
This dish can be prepped ahead of time; simply roast the sprouts and prepare the bacon jam, then combine just before serving.

It’s hard not to fall in love with the combo of crispy Brussels sprouts enveloped in the irresistible flavor of bacon jam. The balance of savory and sweet, along with the crispy textures, makes this dish a standout at any meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative—switch your toppings or spices! Each attempt will bring your personality to this recipe. Enjoy it as a snack, serve it alongside dinner, or even treat it as brunch heaven—it’s your celebration!

Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and make the bacon jam just a few hours ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, and toss them together right before serving. This lets those flavors shine just as they should!

What if I want to make this dish vegetarian?

That’s simple! Opt for a vegetarian bacon alternative, or skip the bacon altogether and sauté the onions and shallots in olive oil. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika to mimic that beloved smoky essence!

How can I cut down on the sweetness?

If you prefer a less sweet flavor profile, you can reduce the brown sugar and maple syrup by half or simply omit the maple syrup altogether. The dish will still be delicious!

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your bacon doesn’t have any gluten-containing additives, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just check the labels before cooking!