Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: A Healthy and Flavorful Side Dish in 30 Minutes
Short introduction
Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a delightful side dish that combines the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider. This recipe brings a fresh twist to traditional vegetable dishes, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to impress your guests. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a dish that’s not only beautiful but also incredibly tasty.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll fall in love with Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts for several reasons. First, they’re healthy and packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to any meal. Brussels sprouts are high in vitamins C and K, and the apples add natural sweetness and fiber. The addition of crispy bacon gives it a savory crunch, making every bite enjoyable. Plus, this dish is quick to prepare; you can have it ready in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts
- Apples
- Shallots
- Bacon
- Cider
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can easily substitute:
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- Cider: Apple juice or a mix of vinegar and water can work in a pinch.
- Shallots: Regular onions or sweet onions can be a good alternative.
- Brussels sprouts: Broccoli or green beans can replace Brussels if you prefer.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps achieve a nice roast on the Brussels sprouts.
Step 2
Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Make sure to remove any yellow leaves as they can taste bitter.
Step 3
Dice the apples and shallots. This helps them cook evenly and blend nicely with the Brussels sprouts.
Step 4
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Once cooked, remove and set it aside but leave some grease in the pan for flavor.
Step 5
Add the Brussels sprouts and shallots to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to brown. This step gives them a nice caramelization.
Step 6
Stir in the diced apples and continue cooking until they are tender, usually about another 3-4 minutes.
Step 7
Add the cider to the pan and let it simmer until slightly thickened, around 2-3 minutes. This caramelizes the natural sugars.
Step 8
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
Step 9
Serve warm, garnished with crispy bacon. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors!
Success tips
- Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to brown the Brussels sprouts but not so hot that they burn.
- Texture: You want the Brussels sprouts to be tender-crisp; avoid overcooking them to maintain their bite.
- Common mistakes: Don’t skip the step of leaving bacon grease in the pan. It adds a lot of flavors to the dish.
How to serve
Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts can be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or fish. They also work great on a holiday table or as part of a vegetarian spread. If you’re feeling creative, try them as a topping for a hearty grain bowl!
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and apple mixture ahead and reheat before serving.
Q: Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes, if you omit the bacon, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version.
Q: Can I substitute different vegetables?
A: Absolutely! You can replace Brussels sprouts with broccoli, green beans, or even zucchini.
Q: How can I enhance the flavor?
A: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can give the dish a bit of warmth and earthiness.
Q: What if I don’t like Brussels sprouts?
A: You can try using other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, which will offer a similar texture with a different taste.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Brussels sprouts are low in calories but high in nutrients. A one-cup serving has about 38 calories, is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber, and folate. Apples add additional fiber and natural sweetness without added sugars.
Conclusion + CTA
Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts are not only a nutritious side dish but also a delicious way to bring some seasonal charm to your table. The combination of flavors is sure to satisfy everyone. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite veggie dish!
Links to related recipes
- Roasted Vegetable Medley
- Maple-Glazed Carrots
- Sweet Potato Casserole
Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts Trimmed and halved
- 2 medium apples Diced
- 1 medium shallot Diced
- 4 slices bacon Cooked until crispy
- ½ cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, removing any yellow leaves.
- Dice the apples and shallots.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside, leaving some grease in the pan.
Cooking
- Add the Brussels sprouts and shallots to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to brown.
- Stir in the diced apples and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the cider to the pan and let it simmer until slightly thickened for about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with crispy bacon.