Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Dried Cherries
I am very proud to say that I’ve converted numerous people who didn’t think they liked brussels sprouts to liking them after they tried this dish. these brussels sprouts with bacon & dried cherries were a top ordered thanksgiving side dish with my organic grab & go shop and meal delivery service. it’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, saucy and spicy paired with the season’s best roasted brussels sprouts.
the inspiration:
this dish was inspired by a brussels sprouts dish that I loved at a Fort Worth restaurant. they were fried brussels sprouts with shredded coconut, scallions and a spicy honey garlic sauce. my version uses a similar tasting spicy maple orange sauce with roasted brussels sprouts, sweet dried cherries and crispy crumbled bacon. it’s full of texture and you won’t be able to get enough…
brussels sprouts ingredients:
- brussels sprouts: the star of the show!
- bacon: crisp chopped bacon is so delicious with the sweet & spicy sauce. this is my favorite no sugar bacon that we also used at our grab & go shop.
- dried cherries: the perfect chewy bite of sweetness.
- sriracha: adds the perfect spice to the sauce.
- maple syrup: naturally sweetens the sauce.
- fresh orange: a nice pop of freshness.
- apple cider vinegar: this pop of acid makes the sauce pop.
- coconut aminos: adds umami to the sauce.
- seasonings: this complex sauce is simply seasoned with salt and granulated garlic.
how to make:
this dish has a few components but is very simply to make! begin by slicing, seasoning and roasting the brussels sprouts until they are lightly browned and tender. while the brussels are roasting, you will fry your sliced bacon until crispy and delicious. the sauce comes together quickly- just dump all the ingredients in a small saucepan and let it simmer away! when the brussels are finished, toss them well with the sauce then fold in the crisp bacon and dried cherries. serve immediately and enjoy!
menu planning ideas:
below are some family menu planning ideas to pair with the brussels sprouts:
- burger night: serve brussels sprouts alongside mushroom & swiss burgers.
- steak night: serve brussels sprouts grilled or seared steaks with roasted potatoes.
- light & fresh: serve brussels sprouts alongside my broiled honey orange salmon.
- grain bowl: add brussels sprouts in a bowl with quinoa, diced cucumber & avocado and pumpkin seeds.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Dried Cherries
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon
- 2 pounds brussels sprouts
- 1.5 Tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon mineral salt
- 20 grinds of freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
Spicy Maple Orange Sauce:
- juice/zest of 1 large orange
- 1 Tablespoon chile garlic paste or sriracha
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon coconut aminos
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves grated on a microplane
- Sprinkling of mineral salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sliced brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated and then spread into a single layer.
- Transfer to the oven to roast until tender and golden, about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Meanwhile, slice the bacon thinly and add to a medium saute pan, over medium low heat. Cook bacon until crisp and browned, stirring often. Transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- While bacon is crisping and brussels are cooking, prepare the sauce. To a small saucepan, add all of the Spicy Maple Orange Sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring often. Let simmer until thickened and reduced by 1/3, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside and stir in dried cherries.
- To assemble, add most of the bacon atop the sheet pan of brussels and pour atop the sauce. Toss with tongs or a spatula and pour in a serving bowl. Finish with reserved bacon and serve immediately.
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