If you’ve ever thought Brussels sprouts were just a boring side, get ready to be completely won over by the irresistible combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in this Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts dish. It’s a dazzling way to elevate humble Brussels sprouts with a rich bacon jam that caramelizes onions and garlic into pure delight. This dish promises both crispy, golden edges and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, coated in a jam so delicious you’ll want to spoon it onto everything. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or looking for a show-stopping side, Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts deliver flavor and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shows that you don’t need a long list of fancy items to create something spectacular. Each ingredient brings something essential—texture, sweetness, tanginess, or that smoky depth that turns simple sprouts into a decadent treat.
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound, trimmed and halved): The star vegetable, offering a satisfying crunch and subtle bitterness that balances the sweet jam.
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Crisped to perfection, it forms the flavorful base of the jam and lends smoky richness.
- Onion (1 small, finely diced): Caramelizes into sweet, tender bits that deepen the jam’s complexity.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant kick that brightens and rounds out the flavors.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Delivers the honeyed sweetness crucial to the jam’s signature sticky texture.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings a tangy brightness that balances sweetness and fat.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps simmer the jam to a thick, luscious consistency without burning.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle smoky undertone, complementing the bacon beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve those beautifully caramelized Brussels sprouts.
How to Make Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Cook the Bacon for the Jam
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the chopped bacon. You want to render out the fat and crisp the bacon just enough to develop flavor but not burn it. This rendered fat becomes the flavorful cooking medium for the onions and garlic that turn into your luscious bacon jam.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté slowly until the onions are soft, deeply golden, and fragrant—this takes around 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute to release its aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Simmer the Jam Ingredients
Now stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and smoked paprika. Mix everything well and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally. This slow cook thickens the blend into a jam-like texture packed with complex, rich flavors. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes for the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Prepare and Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
While the jam simmers, toss the halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a separate large skillet over medium-high heat and lay the sprouts cut-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until you get that gorgeous caramelized crust, then stir and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until tender yet still crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the bacon jam, making sure every Brussels sprout is lovingly coated with that jammy magic. Serve these warm and watch how quickly they disappear.
How to Serve Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch contrast to the tender sprouts. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme will bring a bright green note to the dish, visually lifting it. A few chili flakes sprinkled lightly can introduce a welcome, subtle spice to complement the smoky-sweet balance.
Side Dishes
Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts pair beautifully with main dishes ranging from roast chicken or pork to grilled steak. Their savory sweetness makes them an ideal accompaniment to creamy mashed potatoes or a nutty wild rice pilaf, rounding out any meal with warmth and depth.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving these Brussels sprouts on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of sliced cheeses and crusty bread, turning the side into a conversation-starting appetizer. Or, toss the sprouts and jam with cooked pasta or quinoa for a hearty, flavorful vegetarian main dish adaptation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This means you can enjoy the leftovers in a quick lunch or as an easy side without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, know that the texture of Brussels sprouts may soften after thawing, but the flavors will remain fantastic. Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, use a gentle stovetop method over medium-low heat to warm through without drying out the jam or losing the sprouts’ crisp edges. A quick microwave zap works in a pinch but be sure to check frequently to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I make Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon and use smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke to replicate that smoky depth in the jam. Caramelized onions still provide fantastic umami and sweetness.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
Maple syrup works wonderfully if you want a different type of sweetness with a hint of woodsy flavor. You could also try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for crispiness and texture, but if frozen is your only option, thaw and pat them dry before sautéing to reduce excess moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses simple whole ingredients with no gluten-containing additives.
Can I prepare the bacon jam in advance?
Yes, the bacon jam can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen. Simply reheat gently before combining it with freshly sautéed Brussels sprouts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new way to turn Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleasing delight, this Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a stunning marriage of texture and flavor that feels both homey and sophisticated. Warm, smoky, sweet, and savory, it’s a dish worth making again and again—your dinner guests and family will thank you for it!
Print
Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts recipe combines crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts with a rich, savory bacon jam made from smoky bacon, onions, garlic, and a hint of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect as a flavorful and elevated side dish, it brings depth and complexity to any meal while being gluten-free and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Bacon Jam
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon jam: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it begins to crisp and releases its fat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 8 minutes until softened and caramelized.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer jam mixture: Mix in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a jam-like consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: While the jam simmers, toss the halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Cook Brussels sprouts: Heat a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts cut side down and cook without stirring for 5-6 minutes until golden and caramelized. Stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Combine and serve: Remove the Brussels sprouts from heat and gently fold in the prepared bacon jam, coating them evenly. Serve immediately while warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a smoky kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the bacon jam while it simmers.
- Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar to vary the sweetness.
- Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a deeper flavor profile.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and add smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke with caramelized onions.
