Tender seared brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, soft and sweet dates, and crunchy chopped apples topped with a sweet balsamic glaze. Looking for more healthy side dishes? Check these out!
I want to tell you a story. A love story…of sorts. You see, I used to hate brussels sprouts. People all over the internet go crazy for them, and I never got it. I legit thought they were gross.
Then I tasted them in a big dish of roasted veggies, and decided I could tolerate them. They weren’t terrible, but I would still find a couple lingering on my plate after I had devoured every other vegetable on there. I’m a girl who loves my veggies–I eat them first, and I almost always finish them. I would be a great example for your children.
One day, I ordered a dish at True Foods that included brussels sprouts. I took a bite and immediately went back in for more thinking it must be a fluke. They were incredible! I find myself digging around on my plate searching, trying to find every last one. I usually only do that with goat cheese! 😉
Ever since that day, there has been a new veggie love in my life and I have never looked back. These quickly became my new favorite snack, and I began the process of convincing Steve that brussels sprouts really weren’t gross (he was not convinced). I figured out what made them work for me–they had to be well cooked. Soft, but not mushy. Definitely not hard and crunchy. They also had to have a beautiful browned sear for the most possible flavor. And they are always better with bacon.
In New Orleans I had them with bacon and dates–they came with this sweet sauce, and they were literally to die for. I gave Steve a bite and he changed his mind right then and there. He told me he would only ever eat them if they tasted like that. Challenge accepted. And I added some apples because, well, it’s fall and they just make it even better.
Funny story, when I made these the first time (for testing, photographing and…dinner), I chopped up the apples to throw in at the last second. You must throw them in at the last second. I despise mushy apples. Anyway, I also sliced some up for the photo. I plated everything, took the pictures, and then after I was finished Steve asks me “Are you doing anything with all these chopped apples in the kitchen?” *face-palm* I had them all chopped and ready to go and never actually put them in. So I added them right then–at the very, very last second. I do things like that all the time–get something ready for a photo then completely forget about it. Please tell me it’s not just me.
For this second fall episode of Drink & Dish, I wanted to share something savory with you. I always forget about fall veggies and get caught up on pumpkin desserts. Brussels sprouts (and apples!) are fall all-stars as well, and I figured it was time for them to take the front seat! This dish pairs perfectly with Nicole’s delicious apple cider cocktail! Make sure you check it out, and of course subscribe to D&D on YouTube!
A delicious, healthy, sweet and savory side dish perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brussels sprouts, halved and stems removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 2 slices center cut bacon, chopped
- 4 dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 apple (honeycrisp, gala, whatever you like)
- 1/2-1 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Begin with the balsamic glaze by pouring balsamic vinegar into a small sauce pan over high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to medium-medium high to simmer. Stir occasionally until sauce has reached desired thickness. This took me about 30 minutes for a very syrupy glaze. 20-30 minutes should be all you need. Once desired consistency is reached, remove from heat immediately.
- Fill a medium sauce pan half way with water. Bring to a boil. Add brussels sprouts and cook for just 2-3 minutes. Strain and remove. This step helps soften the brussels sprouts--if you like them crunchier, feel free to skip it.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Set aside any extra leaves that fall off your brussels sprouts--you'll use those later (they cook faster). Add brussels sprouts flat side down. Season with a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook until seared and brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip brussels sprouts and move them all to one side of your pan.
- Add bacon to the other side of the pan and cook until it begins to crisp, about 5 minutes. Add dates and extra brussels sprouts leaves. Toss to combine. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- At the very last moment, add chopped apple and give a quick toss. Remove from heat. Serve topped with balsamic vinegar if desired. This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Looks delicious–pinning this to try the next time I get brussel sprouts!
Elena recently posted…Are There Bananas and Nutella in my Pancakes?
I used to feel the same way about brussels sprouts and now I love them. Plus bacon and apple? YUM!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Running to Give Back
I am obsessed with Brussels Sprouts….and I want this plate right now! I need to come back and watch your video- my computer keeps getting stuck right now. Argh.
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted…Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
I felt the same way about Brussels Sprouts – I’m mean they smell horrible when cooked, right? Why would you want to eat that? But then I tried them roasted and it all changed. Holy Yum!!! I could eat them morning, noon and night.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…Eats Lately
(whispers)
Ive never eaten a brussels sprout.
it’s time.
MIZ recently posted…MizFit EXPOSED! (the immediate aftermath…)
Brussel sprouts are a new fav veggie of mine, I definitely need to try them your way!
Jennifer F recently posted…Chocolate Chip Cranberry Pumpkin Bread Recipe { #Paleo & #GlutenFree }
YES! my dad makes this great dish with brussel sprouts and bacon and dates and apples would be a great sweet touch!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…carb overload
I already love all these ingredients, so I am on board. Very excited to try this one!
misszippy recently posted…How to make a smoothie that packs a punch
I’m with you. Steamed brussle sprouts are awful, but roast em or pan fry them and I am in!
Katie recently posted…Looking Over: Life Rearranged
I had the same hate–>love transition with brussels sprouts. Every time I bring some home Joe gets really freaked out and makes an awful face, haha. Having just convinced him to eat veggies (any veggies) I think brussels sprouts are a long way off for him. Though if I add bacon, he might give them a go. 😉
Becki @ Fighting for Wellness recently posted…What I Need: The Problem With “Balance”
I LOVE Brussels sprouts. I am so happy they are back in season! I’ll try this recipe for sure.
Lisa recently posted…Wedding Observations
Lovin’ this dish!
Kierston @candyfit recently posted…Truth be told…
Haha I love both of your stories! I’ve had brussel sprouts a few times, and I don’t mind them.
And I always forget things that I have done, and then realize it at the last second!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted…My First Marathon – MacNic
Brussel sprouts and apples are definitely fall stars… I love the idea of combining them. And bacon- my husband would devour them with bacon involved!
I do the same thing with photos, I get all these great ideas (props, etc) in the morning and completely forget about them when it comes time to take the pictures. So far I’ve only had steamed brussels sprouts but I’d definitely love to try them roasted like this.
Katy @ KatysKitchen recently posted…Comment on Poppin’ Protein Bowl by Katy
This looks delicious! I love Brussels Sprouts. Too bad my husband always complains when I make them. He hates the smell!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt recently posted…5 websites I’m loving right now
the moment i saw the title of this post i immediately saved it to my recipes folder – this looks INCREDIBLE! i can’t wait to make it, thank you!
holly ; the hobbit kitchen recently posted…blackberry & ricotta wholewheat scones
I haven’t cooked brussel sprouts in years because last time I did my kids complained about the smell for HOURS. But you have me wanting to cook some. They look amazing and I love the addition of apples and dates.
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen recently posted…Sandy’s Chicken (Baked Chicken with Stuffing and Cheese)
Hello, I’m Elaine. I love food blogs. My favorite is yours and “Cooking With Mr. C.” on Facebook. (also a blog) Between the two of you, I get the best recipes. Keep them coming. Elaine.