You’ll Never Eat Brussel Sprouts The Old Way Again!
**A Delicious Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe**
The key to this recipe is using bacon fat to cook the brussels sprouts, which results in a deliciously caramelized and tender dish. To start, we need to set aside the bacon and let it drain. We'll then place the brussels sprouts face down into the bacon fat and cook them over medium heat until they're golden brown.
**The Flavor Profile**
As we cook the brussels sprouts, they develop a beautiful golden brown color. This is exactly what we're looking for - a deep, rich flavor that comes from cooking in a flavorful fat like bacon. If you don't eat pork, you can always use beef bacon or duck fat as a substitute. The key is to find a fat that adds depth and richness to the dish.
**Adding Flavor with Duck Fat**
One of the pro tips I mentioned earlier is to add some duck fat to the recipe. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the brussels sprouts, making them absolutely delicious. You can find duck fat in most grocery stores, so don't be afraid to give it a try.
**Seasoning with Seasonings**
To add even more flavor to the dish, we'll season the brussels sprouts with my ap seasoning - a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder along with some smoked paprika. This adds a smoky depth that plays off the bacon perfectly. We'll also add a half packet of sasone, which is a type of flavor enhancer. If you don't like msg or are trying to avoid it for any reason, there are non-msg versions available.
**Balancing Flavors with Balsamic Vinegar**
To balance out the richness of the bacon fat and the savory flavors from the seasonings, we'll add a teaspoon or two of balsamic vinegar. This adds a tangy acidity that cuts through all the flavor and brings everything together beautifully.
**Adding Onions and Garlic**
Once the brussels sprouts are cooking nicely, we'll add some onions and garlic to sauté until they're soft and fragrant. The house will be smelling absolutely amazing at this point! Trust me, you're going to thank me later for sharing this recipe with you.
**Finishing with Bacon**
Now it's time to add the bacon back into the dish. This adds a smoky flavor that ties everything together perfectly. We'll mix all the ingredients together and adjust the seasoning as needed until everything is just right.
**Elevating the Recipe**
If you want to take this recipe to the next level, follow these additional steps. First, set aside your shavings - now's the time to add them back in. As we cook down the brussels sprouts, they turn a little bit dark green, and we like to add them towards the end because they cook quickly and add a nice vibrant color to the dish.
**Adding Dried Cranberries, Almonds, and Blue Cheese**
Once everything is mixed together, we'll add dried cranberries, shaved almonds, and blue cheese crumbles. The cranberries add sweetness, while the almonds provide crunch and a touch of salt. The blue cheese adds a tangy, creamy element that takes this dish to the next level.
**Finishing with Honey and Fresh Herbs**
Finally, we'll add a tablespoon or so of honey to round out the flavors and balance everything together. Get in there with your hands and mix everything together - it's time to taste-test our recipe! I think we have a winner on our hands.
**The Final Touches**
To finish off this dish, we'll plate it up with some additional shaved almonds and parmesan cheese. Why not? It adds a nice textural element and takes the dish from great to amazing. Now that we've reached the final step, it's time to sit back and enjoy our delicious bacon Brussels sprouts recipe.
**Recipe Summary**
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a relatively healthy dinner option that still packs plenty of flavor. The key ingredients include brussels sprouts, bacon fat, onions, garlic, seasonings, duck fat, balsamic vinegar, dried cranberries, almonds, blue cheese crumbles, and honey. By following this simple recipe, you'll be able to create a dish that's sure to impress your friends and family.
**Conclusion**
I hope you've enjoyed this recipe for bacon Brussels sprouts as much as I have. With its combination of smoky bacon fat, tangy balsamic vinegar, and sweet dried cranberries, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!