Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts are the dish that makes every Thanksgiving dinner table sing with joy. With a delightful balance of crispiness and sweetness, these little green gems manage to turn even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptics into enthusiastic fans. Imagine that satisfying crunch paired with the warm, inviting aroma of apple cider wafting through your kitchen—it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds.
Remember that time you tried to impress everyone at dinner by making a fancy side dish but ended up with a burnt mess? Fear not! These Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts are here to save the day. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for holiday feasts, cozy family dinners, or even just a Tuesday night when you want to feel fancy without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe offers an effortless way to elevate your vegetable game without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The sweet and tangy flavor profile complements any main dish beautifully.
- The vibrant green color adds visual appeal, making your plate pop with life.
- Plus, they are versatile enough to serve as a side or even a topping for salads!
Ingredients for Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Brussels Sprouts: Choose firm, bright green Brussels sprouts; avoid any that look wilted or yellowing for the best flavor and texture.
- Apple Cider: A good quality apple cider adds that sweet tanginess which is essential for this dish; opt for unfiltered if possible.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor; it adds a savory crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cider.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil helps caramelize the Brussels sprouts and enhances their natural flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Salt and pepper bring out all those lovely flavors you’ve got going on.
- Maple Syrup: Just a splash of maple syrup can enhance the sweetness of the apple cider and add depth to your dish.
How to Make Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts
Trim off the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow leaves. Halve them from top to bottom so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon until crispy. Once done, transfer it to paper towels to drain but keep some grease in the pan—it adds flavor!
Step 4: Mix It Up
In a large bowl, toss together your halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, apple cider, salt, pepper, and maple syrup until they are well coated.
Step 5: Bake Away
Spread those tasty sprouts evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy at the edges.
Step 6: Add Crunch
Once out of the oven, crumble your crispy bacon over those beautiful sprouts. Toss them gently before serving!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra apple cider if desired for that perfect finishing touch—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts are not just a side dish; they bring a delightful twist to your dining experience.
- This recipe makes use of seasonal ingredients, transforming Brussels sprouts into a sweet and savory masterpiece.
- They’re perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the Brussels sprouts first to achieve that crispy, caramelized goodness. While they roast, warm the apple cider on the stove with spices, then drizzle it over the sprouts once they’re ready. Caramelized Pear and Gorgonzola Flatbread This sequence ensures everything blends beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out apple cider for balsamic vinegar if you prefer a tangy twist. Add bacon bits for extra crunch, or toss in some dried cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness. Your imagination is the limit!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for maximum flavor; frozen ones often lose their crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet—give them room to breathe!
- Lastly, let them cool before storing to avoid sogginess.
I remember the first time I served Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts at Thanksgiving; my aunt said she’d never touch those little green orbs again—until she tasted them! Now they’re a holiday staple at our family table.
FAQs :
What are Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts?
Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts is a delicious dish that combines the nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider. This recipe usually involves roasting or sautéing Brussels sprouts until they are tender and caramelized, then drizzling them with apple cider for an added layer of flavor. Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Bites It’s a perfect side dish for fall celebrations or holiday meals, providing a delightful balance between savory and sweet.
How do you prepare Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts?
To prepare Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts, start by trimming and halving the sprouts. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading them on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown. In the last few minutes of cooking, drizzle apple cider over the sprouts to enhance their taste. Finish with a sprinkle of nuts or bacon for extra crunch if desired.
Can I make Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts ahead of time! To do this, prepare the dish as instructed but stop before adding the apple cider. Store the roasted sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven and drizzle with fresh apple cider just before serving. This will help maintain their crisp texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts?
Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts pairs well with various dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a festive meal. It also complements pork chops or glazed ham beautifully, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings. You can even enjoy it with vegetarian options like quinoa salad or stuffed mushrooms for a wholesome meal.
Conclusion for Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts :
Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts is a versatile and flavorful side dish that enhances any meal. The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet apple cider creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether served during fall festivities or as part of a weeknight dinner, this dish adds a seasonal touch to your table. Fall Pumpkin Hummus With simple preparation and delicious results, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts
Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts are a must-try side dish that turns even the biggest skeptics into fans. This recipe combines tender roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet apple cider and crispy bacon, delivering a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners, these easy-to-make sprouts will impress your loved ones and elevate any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, apple cider, salt, pepper, and maple syrup until well coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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