Zesty Jamie Oliver Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe Magic

Crispy bacon and brussels sprouts dance together in a culinary symphony that transforms ordinary veggies into an extraordinary side dish.

These miniature green gems burst with earthy intensity when kissed by smoky meat.

Salt and sizzle work magic, turning humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy creation.

Caramelized edges and tender centers promise a flavor explosion that will make vegetable skeptics surrender.

Quick pan-frying unlocks deep, complex tastes that elevate this simple combination beyond expectation.

Professional chefs know the secret: minimal ingredients, maximum impact.

Get ready to become the kitchen hero who makes brussels sprouts the star of dinner.

Ingredients in Jamie Oliver’s Brussel Sprouts and Bacon

• Onions: Choose firm, glossy bulbs without soft spots or sprouting for maximum sweetness.
• Sage Leaves: Select fresh, vibrant green leaves with no wilting or browning edges.

• Bacon, Chestnuts: Pick thick-cut bacon with balanced fat-to-meat ratio and chestnuts that feel heavy for their size with no cracks.

• Brussels Sprouts: Look for compact, bright green sprouts with tight, compact leaves and minimal yellowing.
• Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil with rich, fruity aroma.

• Butter: Choose unsalted, high-quality butter from grass-fed cows for richer flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.

Tools to Cook Brussel Sprouts and Bacon

• Chopping Board: Sturdy surface for cutting vegetables and bacon.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise chopping of onions, sage, and bacon.
• Large Pan: Wide, deep cooking vessel for sautéing bacon and chestnuts.
• Large Saucepan: Spacious pot for boiling Brussels sprouts.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Colander: Essential for draining boiled Brussels sprouts.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Cutting Knife: Additional blade for trimming Brussels sprouts.

Instructions for Jamie Oliver’s Bacon Sprouts

Craft Delicious Brussels Sprouts Feast

Unleash a mouthwatering side dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into a spectacular culinary experience.

• Prep Ingredients Swiftly

Chop onions and sage with quick, confident knife skills. Trim Brussels sprouts, removing any damaged outer leaves and halving larger ones. Slice bacon into chunky, rustic strips that promise rich flavor.

• Sizzle Bacon And Chestnuts

Fire up a large pan over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Toss in bacon strips and let them dance until they turn golden and crispy. Add chestnuts and continue cooking until they develop a deep, caramelized color that screams deliciousness.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Fold chopped onions and sage into the sizzling pan. Lower the heat and let ingredients mingle slowly, developing a complex flavor profile. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and allow each ingredient to release its unique essence.

• Cook Brussels Sprouts Perfectly

Boil salted water in a separate pot and gently introduce Brussels sprouts. Cook for a quick 5 minutes, ensuring they remain vibrant and slightly crisp – no mushy vegetables here!

• Combine And Elevate

Drain sprouts and merge them with the bacon and chestnut mixture. Add a pat of butter for richness, then season with salt and black pepper. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with culinary excitement.

Cooking Tips for Bacon and Brussel Sprouts

• Boost Bacon and Chestnut Brussels Sprouts Flavor
• Customize Chestnut Selection: Swap roasted chestnuts with toasted almonds or pecans for a different nutty crunch and interesting texture variation.
• Enhance Herb Options: Replace sage with fresh thyme or rosemary to create delightful aromatic profiles that complement the bacon's richness.
• Master Bacon Crispness: Select thick-cut bacon for extra crispy texture, or use pancetta for a more delicate European-style flavor transformation.
• Control Vegetable Texture: Adjust Brussels sprouts cooking time by 1-2 minutes to achieve perfect tenderness – shorter for crisp bite, longer for softer consistency.

How to Serve This Sprouts Recipe

• Serve Alongside Roasted Meats: Pair this Brussels sprouts dish with succulent roasted turkey, juicy chicken, or tender beef roast for a hearty winter meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and create a beautiful pop of green color against the golden sprouts.
• Create a Festive Side Dish: Perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleasing side that will have everyone asking for seconds at Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner.
• Make It a Complete Meal: Toss the sprouts with cooked quinoa or mix in some crispy pan-fried tofu to turn this side dish into a satisfying vegetarian main course packed with flavor and texture.

Storage and Meal Planning for Bacon and Sprouts

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Seal completely to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of olive oil to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and preserve the original texture of Brussels sprouts and bacon.
• Freeze for Later: Allow dish to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Frozen portions will keep well for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Tip: Prepare bacon and chestnut base in advance, storing separately from Brussels sprouts. This technique helps maintain crisp vegetable texture and allows flexible meal planning throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 4

Crispy Jamie Oliver Brussel Sprouts And Bacon Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon celebrates seasonal vegetables with a delightful twist. Home cooks can easily elevate simple ingredients into a memorable side dish packed with savory flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Brussels sprouts
• 6 rashers higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon
• 200 g (7 oz) roasted and peeled chestnuts
• 2 onions
• 15 g (0.5 oz) fresh sage
• 2 large knobs unsalted butter
• olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Trim Brussels sprouts, removing outer leaves and halving larger ones. Dice onions uniformly and finely chop sage leaves.
2. Bacon Rendering: Heat skillet over medium flame. Add bacon pieces, cooking until edges crisp and golden. Introduce whole chestnuts, continuing until they develop deep caramel color.
3. Flavor Building: Lower heat and incorporate onions and sage into skillet. Allow ingredients to slowly caramelize, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and promote even browning.
4. Brussels Sprouts Blanching: Simultaneously, boil salted water in separate pot. Submerge sprouts for 4-6 minutes, maintaining slight crispness while ensuring complete cooking.
5. Final Assembly: Drain sprouts and transfer directly into bacon-chestnut mixture. Fold in butter, ensuring even coating. Season with black pepper and kosher salt. Serve immediately while warm, or store for later reheating.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Trim Brussels sprouts meticulously, removing damaged outer leaves and halving larger ones for consistent cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
• Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon until edges turn crispy golden brown to release maximum flavor and create a delectable textural contrast with soft sprouts.
• Caramelization Magic: Low and slow cooking allows onions and sage to develop deep, rich flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a complex side dish.
• Salt and Pepper Precision: Season generously but carefully at the end, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of savory and seasoned notes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg