Crispy Bacon Apple Brussel Sprouts
"Bacon: Nature's candy," said my sister before she swore off most meat, especially pork. At the time, I was vegetarian and to this day, I rarely have any pork products, never red meat. But this dish makes me shun all of my impossible self-imposed standards and get back to the primal instinct of loving bacon.
Like any family in the northeast, I had more apples than I knew what to do with after going apple picking. We tried to remember what type of apples we plucked from each tree in every row, but by the time we got home all of the varieties were mixed up in the bag. So, this recipe uses a mix of tart and semi-tart apples.
I've made this recipe twice now for my family. Depending on the type of bacon you get, it might take a little longer to crisp up. Make sure to throw your oven on broil at the end. The bacon fat coats the Brussels and apples evenly as you mix it around. It's amazing!
There's little prep time, but leave enough time for cooking. Enjoy!
Tart apples, fresh brussel sprouts and smokey bacon
Diced and combined before putting into the oven
Dijon Mustard, apple cider vinegar and some spice
The perfect fall side dish
THE RECIPE: CRISPY BACON APPLE BRUSSEL SPROUTS
The smokey and crisp bacon pairs well with the tart apples and the hearty Brussel sprouts. This is an easy side dish to throw together any night of the week.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb Brussel Sprouts (halved or quartered depending on size)
4 Apples (semi-tart)
1 lb Bacon (smoked and thick is best)
1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
dash red pepper flakes
1 tsp Pure Maple Syrup
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
Time to chop! Dice apples into 1" cubes with the skin still on. Cut the Brussel sprouts into halves or quarters depending on how big they are. If they are big, cut them into quarters. Dice the bacon into 1" slices.
Put apples, bacon and Brussel Sprouts into a mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt and red pepper flakes. Whisk together.
Pour the dressing over the apples, sprouts and bacon. Mix well.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and put into the oven.
After 35 minutes of baking at 425, switch your oven to broil. Broil on high for about 10 minutes or until you see the bacon crisp and brown (to desired crisp).
Serve hot.
