Zesty Michael Symon’s Brussel Sprouts Bacon Recipe Magic

Michael Symon’s brussels sprouts with bacon elevate a humble vegetable into a culinary sensation.

Crispy, golden-edged sprouts dance with smoky bacon cracklings, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Professional kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Every forkful delivers a perfect harmony of earthiness and richness that tantalizes taste buds.

The sizzling pan releases aromas that beckon dinner guests closer, promising a memorable side dish.

Salt and pepper work their subtle alchemy, coaxing out deep, nuanced tastes.

This recipe turns an often-overlooked vegetable into a showstopping accompaniment that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 285 kcal

Servings: 4

Michael Symon’s Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Ingredients

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut, high-quality bacon for maximum crispiness and rich flavor.

• Brussels Sprouts: Select fresh, firm sprouts with tight, bright green leaves and minimal blemishes.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for enhanced taste and depth of flavor.

Tools for Cooking Sprouts and Bacon

• Large skillet: Perfect for crispy bacon and sautéing Brussels sprouts.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess bacon grease.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and tossing ingredients evenly.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing Brussels sprouts if needed.
• Sharp knife: For trimming Brussels sprouts ends if necessary.
• Serving dish: To present the final delicious side dish.

Instructions for Brussel Sprouts and Bacon

Bacon-Infused Brussels Sprouts Extravaganza

• Sizzle Bacon to Perfection

Start with a cold pan and place bacon strips inside. Gradually heat the pan, allowing the bacon to render its rich fat and transform into crispy golden delights. Pat the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.

• Dance Brussels Sprouts in Bacon Magic

Keep the luscious bacon drippings in the pan, creating a flavor-packed stage for Brussels sprouts. Toss the sprouts in the sizzling fat, ensuring they’re coated with savory goodness. Cook slowly, letting them develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender interior.

• Create a Flavor Symphony

Crumble the crispy bacon back into the pan with the Brussels sprouts. Stir gently, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify their combined flavors. The sprouts should look glossy and slightly charred, promising a mouthwatering experience.

• Final Flourish

Season with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give a quick toss to distribute the seasonings evenly. Transfer to a warm serving plate, letting the aroma tantalize everyone’s senses. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Tips for Crispy Michael Symon Bacon Sprouts

Experiment with different bacon varieties like maple, peppered, or applewood-smoked to add unique flavor profiles to your dish.

Toss in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and protein, creating a more complex and satisfying side dish.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle red pepper flakes to introduce a tangy or spicy kick that elevates the basic recipe.

Replace bacon with smoked paprika and coconut aminos for a similar depth of flavor that keeps the dish deliciously savory without meat.

Serving Michael Symon’s Brussel Sprouts Dish

• Elevate Your Side Dish: Serve this bacon-infused Brussels sprouts as a stunning side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or holiday turkey.
• Make it a Complete Meal: Transform the dish into a hearty main course by adding crispy fried eggs on top or mixing in cooked quinoa for extra protein.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add extra flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
• Prep Ahead Tip: Cook the bacon and Brussels sprouts earlier in the day, then quickly reheat and season just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Store and Prep Tips for Symon’s Brussel Sprouts

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The bacon will help maintain moisture and prevent sprouts from drying out.
• Reheat with Care: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispy texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the bacon soggy and sprouts mushy.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Wash and trim Brussels sprouts up to 2 days before cooking. Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge to save time during meal preparation.
• Freeze for Future Meals: For longer storage, freeze cooled Brussels sprouts in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a skillet.

Crispy Michael Symon Brussel Sprouts Bacon Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s brussels sprouts with bacon bring bold flavors to your table. Crispy bacon and caramelized sprouts create a delicious side dish you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (226 g) bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 dozen (24) brussels sprouts, trimmed & halved
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bacon Rendering: Place bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cooking until golden and crisp for 4-5 minutes while stirring occasionally to ensure uniform browning.
2. Sprout Preparation: Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, maintaining the rendered bacon fat in the skillet, then reduce heat to medium-low and add trimmed Brussels sprouts, coating them thoroughly in the fragrant bacon drippings.
3. Cooking Process: Cover the skillet and let Brussels sprouts simmer for 5-6 minutes, periodically shaking the pan to promote even cooking and prevent adherence to the surface.
4. Final Integration: Reintroduce the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet, gently stirring to distribute and warm them with the Brussels sprouts, then continue cooking uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes to develop a caramelized exterior while preserving a tender interior.
5. Seasoning and Serving: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed, and serve immediately while hot to showcase the rich bacon flavor and perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts.

Notes

• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Use thick-cut bacon for a more robust, crispy texture that infuses deeper flavor into the Brussels sprouts.
• Control Cooking Heat: Medium-low heat prevents burning and ensures even caramelization of Brussels sprouts while maintaining their tender interior.
• Prevent Soggy Sprouts: Shake the skillet occasionally during cooking to promote even heat distribution and prevent sticking or uneven browning.
• Perfect Seasoning Technique: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the ideal balance of savory bacon and vegetable flavors.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg