Festive Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Introduction
Festive smashed sprouts are a delicious twist on traditional Brussels sprouts, combining tender, roasted sprouts with crispy smoked bacon. This easy recipe makes a perfect side dish for holiday meals or any time you want to add a flavorful vegetable to your plate.
Ingredients
- 200g Brussels sprouts, trimmed (prepared weight)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 100g smoked streaky bacon rashers
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas 6. Combine the Brussels sprouts and olive oil in a large bowl, seasoning well with salt and pepper. Spread them out on a large roasting tray and roast for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender.
- Step 2: Remove the sprouts from the oven. Using a sturdy mug or potato masher, press down on each sprout to gently smash and flatten them. Cut the bacon into bite-sized strips, then scatter over the smashed sprouts.
- Step 3: Reduce the oven temperature to 190°C (170°C fan)/Gas 5. Return the roasting tray to the oven and cook for 7-9 minutes until the bacon is crisp. If the bacon needs more crisping, increase the oven temperature back to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas 6 for a few additional minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add toasted nuts or crispy fried shallots instead.
- Ensure the sprouts are evenly coated with oil to help them crisp nicely when roasted.
Storage
Store leftover smashed sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan or oven to retain crispness, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh sprouts work best for roasting and smashing, you can use frozen ones if thawed and patted dry first. They may release more moisture when cooking, so roasting time might be slightly longer.
What can I serve with festive smashed sprouts?
This side dish pairs well with roast meats like turkey or pork, and also complements vegetarian mains such as mushroom Wellington or lentil loaves.
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Festive Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
This festive smashed Brussels sprouts recipe combines tender roasted sprouts with crispy smoked bacon for a flavorful and easy side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday meals. The sprouts are roasted until tender, smashed for extra texture, and then topped with crunchy bacon, giving a delightful contrast in every bite.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 200g Brussels sprouts, trimmed (prepared weight)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 100g smoked streaky bacon rashers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6 to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Toss the sprouts: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed Brussels sprouts and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the sprouts are well coated.
- Roast the sprouts: Spread the sprouts evenly on a large roasting tray. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting until tender.
- Smash the sprouts: Remove the tray from the oven. Using a sturdy mug or potato masher, press down on each sprout to flatten and ‘smash’ them gently, which enhances texture and surface area for crispiness.
- Prepare and add bacon: Cut the smoked streaky bacon rashers into bite-sized strips using kitchen scissors or a knife. Scatter the bacon pieces evenly over the smashed sprouts on the roasting tray.
- Roast bacon and sprouts together: Reduce oven temperature to 190°C (170°C fan)/gas mark 5. Roast the sprouts and bacon for an additional 7-9 minutes until the bacon is crisp, stirring if needed.
- Increase heat if necessary: If after 9 minutes the bacon is not yet crisp, increase the oven temperature back to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6 and roast for a few more minutes until crispy to your liking.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-smash the sprouts; they should remain in one piece but flatter for better texture.
- You can adjust seasoning to your taste, adding black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately while the bacon is hot and crisp.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding toasted nuts or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Ensure your baking tray is large enough to avoid overcrowding, which helps the sprouts roast evenly and get crispy edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, smashed sprouts, roasted sprouts, crispy bacon, festive side dish, holiday recipe, easy vegetable side
