If you’re trying to convert Brussels sprouts skeptics to Brussels sprouts lovers then you should HAVE to make these Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples. Bacon, with its salty smokiness, and the way it crisps up just makes everything better, doesn’t it?! The apples add some sweetness and texture making this a unique dish that you’ll be proud to serve to your loved ones.
Chloe and I just returned home from the most amazing trip to my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. There’s something about being back home with all of my cousins, my aunt and uncle, and old friends that truly feels magical if not perfect. Chloe and I arrived with a big list of things to do, but as soon as we walked out of the airport our plans didn’t seem as important anymore as we realized chilling out at my cousin’s house, cooking, and just being together was all we really needed…or wanted. Watching Chloe play nonstop with all of her cousins and a big blond Lab named Bowman (aka Bonsie) was like getting a glimpse of a much younger me in action.
Saturday night all of us got together to eat for our Family Night dinner tradition and everyone brought a dish. I had been emotionally craving this night for a long time and as the kids all ran around, the adults talked nonstop and got the feast ready. My cousin-in-law (who is more like a brother to me) made in his smoker some of the most mack daddy delicious ribs, chicken and salmon I’ve ever had; my aunt produced a gorgeous fall salad; my cousin Susan provided a abundance of appetizers and roast potatoes; cousins Tiffany and Gant brought a birthday cake for my little cousin Phillip; and of course I came to play with my Maple Roast Veggies.
I cut up a big variety of veggies — parsnips, bell peppers, red onions, butternut squash, carrots and brussels sprouts — placed them on four sheet trays (to make sure we would have plenty of leftovers for Sunday) and roasted everything up nice and golden. I was happy to watch the adults hovering them up, but to me the big surprise was hearing the kids actually requesting more brussels sprouts. That got the grown ups talking about kid food preferences. Cousin Susan has always given her young boys brussels sprouts and said that they are their favorite veggie. Brussies are way up there for my kids, too. My husband and I have always treated them like something delicious, so I guess that’s why our little ones never turn their noses up at them. Obviously there are many reasons why kids can dislike different kinds of veggies, but we all concluded that if parents focus on preparing vegetables in really tasty ways then kids tend to exhibit a lot less of the “I’m not eating that” type of behavior.
Getting ready for Thanksgiving I’m planning on making this simple yet delicious Brussels sprout with bacon side dish. It has only three ingredients but tons of flavor and it takes just minutes to prepare. Made with sweet apples and smokey bacon, I’m betting on this recipe will make a Brussie lover of kids of all ages!
Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, quartered
- 1 gala or fuji apple, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a sauté pan and cook over low heat for 4-5 minutes, until crisp.
- Remove the bacon to a paper towel and blot out the excess oil. Do not wipe the pan.
- Add the Brussels sprouts, apples and salt to the pan, raise the heat to medium high and cook for 1 minute. Cover the pan and cook another 5-7 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are fork tender.
- Stir the bacon pieces back into the Brussels sprouts and serve hot.
I use pancetta with my brussels sprouts. Similar idea.
I haven’t thought of adding apples, though! I am so excited to try this.
How far in advance can I make this dish? Does it have to be done right before serving?
[…] Credit: Weelicious […]
Isn’t it amazing how much you see yourself in your kids when you are with family? Cherish. Brussels sprouts + bacon = super delish.
Catherine:
It was such a pleasure to spend time with you, Chloe and the family.
You are correct, real conversation happens when preparing a meal in the kitchen. And what a feast it was!
Love,
Gant
Funny, I just posted a Roast Brussels Sprouts recipe yesterday! Great minds! 😉 This one looks delicious!
I usually add dried cranberries instead of or with the apples, delicious!
Wow! We make a similar dish with pine nuts instead of apples – but I can’t wait to try it with apples next time.
Love this trio of goodness, And roasted? Sign me up.
I totally agree – my daughter thinks vegetables are delicious! My son, on the other hand…well, we’re still working on that. 🙂 He will at least try everything, and he actually likes leafy greens, so that’s a start! We all eat Brussels!