Grilled Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your grilled meats? Look no further than grilled Brussels sprouts and bacon! This simple yet flavorful combination will surely impress your guests and have them asking for seconds.
Why Choose Grilled Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts are often misunderstood and have a bad reputation, but when they are grilled, their flavors are transformed. The heat from the grill caramelizes the sprouts, giving them a slightly charred and smoky taste that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetable. The result? A mouthwatering dish that will convert even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptics.
Grilling vs. Roasting
You may be wondering, why grill Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them? While both methods yield delicious results, grilling allows for quicker cooking times and imparts a unique smoky flavor that is hard to replicate in an oven. Plus, grilling gives Brussels sprouts a wonderful crispy texture that adds depth to every bite.
How to Grill Brussels Sprouts
Grilling Brussels sprouts is a breeze. Simply trim the ends, halve them, and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, place them on a preheated grill over medium heat, cut side down. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender and slightly charred. Don’t forget to give them a toss halfway through for even cooking!
Adding Bacon for Extra Flavor
While Brussels sprouts are delicious on their own, adding bacon takes them to a whole new level. The smoky and salty flavor of bacon complements the earthiness of the sprouts, creating a savory and satisfying dish. Simply cook the bacon separately until crispy, crumble it, and sprinkle it over the grilled sprouts before serving.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Not only are grilled Brussels sprouts a tasty treat, but they also offer numerous health benefits. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Brussels sprouts are also a great source of fiber and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
Creative Serving Ideas
While grilled Brussels sprouts and bacon are delicious on their own, there are endless ways to elevate this dish. Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness or sprinkling some Parmesan cheese for added richness. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavors to your liking.
Conclusion
Grilled Brussels sprouts and bacon are a match made in heaven. The smoky and caramelized flavors of the sprouts combined with the savory goodness of bacon create a side dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters. So, fire up your grill and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh ones?
A: While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for grilling, you can use frozen if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even grilling.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A: Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative that still adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
Q: Can I grill Brussels sprouts on a charcoal grill?
A: Yes, you can grill Brussels sprouts on a charcoal grill. Just make sure the coals are evenly distributed and the grill is preheated to medium heat.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes, you can omit the bacon and still enjoy delicious grilled Brussels sprouts. Alternatively, you can use vegetarian bacon substitutes or add roasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from falling through the grill grates?
A: To prevent the sprouts from falling through the grates, you can use a grill basket or skewer them to keep them secure while grilling.
Q: Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Grilled Brussels sprouts and bacon pair well with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Feel free to get creative and mix in your favorite veggies.
Q: Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts in advance?
A: While it’s best to grill Brussels sprouts fresh for optimal flavor and texture, you can prep them in advance by trimming and halving them. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
Q: Are there any alternative seasonings I can use?
A: Absolutely! Besides salt and pepper, you can experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning to add a unique flavor profile to your grilled Brussels sprouts.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- 1/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for oiling the grill grates and drizzling)
- 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts (trimmed (, kept whole if small; halved through the stem if large))
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices of bacon (about 4 ounces) (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of whole-grain mustard
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- 1 small garlic clove (finely grated)
- 1/4 cup of toasted hazelnuts (chopped)
- 1/3 cup of parsley leaves
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates.
- In a large bowl, place the Brussels sprouts. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and scatter the bacon pieces on top.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, making a small slit in the center with a paring knife to vent excess steam. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.
- Toss the sprouts, re-cover the bowl, and continue cooking in the microwave until the sprouts are mostly tender but still have a bit of resistance when pierced with a knife, for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Allow the sprouts to cool slightly. Thread the sprouts onto skewers, alternating with single pieces of bacon, leaving some space between each piece (there will be more sprouts than bacon).
- Place the skewers on the grill, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Then, flip the skewers and cook, covered, until the sprouts are lightly charred and tender, and the bacon is browned and crisp at the edges, for an additional 5 to 6 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- While still whisking, drizzle in 1/3 cup of olive oil.
- Remove the skew
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