Recipe Walkthrough: From Pan to Plate – Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these delectable Brussels sprouts is a surprisingly straightforward process, promising big flavors with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly tender, crispy, and irresistibly sweet-and-savory Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios.

1. Step 1: Crisp the Maple Bacon. Begin by dicing your maple brown sugar bacon into small, manageable pieces. Place the chopped bacon into a large, cold 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and has rendered most of its fat. This step is crucial for both flavor and texture. Once golden and crisp, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon bits to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing any excess grease to drain. Set the crispy bacon aside and leave the rendered bacon grease in the skillet – this is liquid gold for your sprouts!
2. Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts. While the bacon is cooking, thoroughly wash your fresh Brussels sprouts. Trim off any tough or woody ends and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. Then, carefully cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. This ensures that they cook evenly and provides ample surface area for optimal browning and caramelization.
3. Step 3: Sauté the Sprouts in Bacon Grease. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the hot bacon grease. Toss them vigorously to ensure each sprout half is thoroughly coated in the flavorful fat. At this stage, you want to get some beautiful color on the cut sides. Carefully place some of the Brussels sprouts face down in the skillet, allowing them to char slightly.
4. Step 4: Cover, Cook, and Tenderize. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid (or aluminum foil if you don’t have a lid) and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes. This covered cooking period allows the sprouts to steam and tenderize perfectly on the inside. Halfway through, give the pot a good shake or stir to ensure even cooking and to prevent any sprouts from sticking excessively to the bottom of the pan.
5. Step 5: Combine and Finish. Once the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp with a lovely char, remove the lid. Return the reserved crispy maple bacon bits to the skillet with the cooked sprouts and toss gently to combine everything. Finally, generously sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the entire dish. Give it one last gentle toss to integrate the nuts, then serve immediately. Each bite will deliver the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and earthy flavors with an addictive crunch!

Chef’s Tip: For maximum flavor, don’t rush the caramelization of the Brussels sprouts! Allowing the cut sides to sit undisturbed in the hot bacon grease for a few minutes before covering the pan will develop a beautiful, deep char. This caramelization adds a fantastic nutty, slightly smoky taste that significantly elevates the entire dish. Always remember to vigorously shake or stir the pot halfway through the covered cooking period to ensure all sprouts are evenly cooked and tender without becoming mushy.

Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas: Customize Your Dish

While this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios recipe is perfect in its original form, it’s also incredibly adaptable! Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with these variations and substitutions to tailor the dish to your specific taste preferences or to utilize ingredients you already have on hand.

• Olive Oil: For a lighter rendition or if you’re looking to reduce the amount of bacon grease, you can certainly cook the Brussels sprouts in a couple of tablespoons of good quality olive oil instead. While you’ll miss out on some of the inherent bacon flavor in the sprouts, you can always drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the cooked sprouts before serving for a fresh, peppery finish.
• Garlic: A universal flavor enhancer, minced garlic is always a welcome addition. Add 2-3 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, just before removing the lid. Be vigilant to avoid burning the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
• Black Pepper: For an extra layer of warmth and a subtle kick, a generous grinding of fresh black pepper over the sprouts before covering them can make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Given the inherent saltiness of the maple brown sugar bacon, I often find this dish needs no additional salt. However, everyone’s palate is different. It’s always best to taste the finished dish before adding a small pinch of sea salt, if desired.
• Pure Maple Syrup: If you’re unable to find maple-flavored bacon, you can easily replicate the sweet essence. Use regular thick-cut bacon, and once it’s cooked and removed from the skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the skillet with the sprouts during the last minute of cooking. Toss thoroughly to coat and infuse that wonderful maple flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Craving a cheesy and savory twist? Instead of pistachios, consider sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the warm Brussels sprouts just before serving. The salty, umami-rich cheese will melt slightly and create a delicious, savory crust.
• Boost the Protein: To transform this delightful side dish into a more substantial, satisfying one-pan meal, don’t hesitate to add more protein. Diced chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or even pre-cooked smoked sausage can be cooked in the skillet after the bacon (or alongside if space allows), then proceed with cooking the sprouts.
• Add More Veggies: Brussels sprouts are wonderfully complementary to other vegetables. Broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, or even diced sweet potato can be added to the skillet alongside the Brussels sprouts for a heartier, mixed vegetable side. Remember to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure all vegetables reach their desired tenderness.
• Spicy Kick: For those who appreciate a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the sprouts can introduce a fiery dimension, making each bite even more exciting.

Necessary Gear: Essential Equipment

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One of the many beauties of this Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is its simplicity, not just in terms of ingredients but also in the minimal equipment required. You won’t need an arsenal of specialized gadgets, just one primary, versatile tool from your kitchen:

• Large 12-inch Skillet with a Lid: A sturdy, large skillet is your most essential piece of equipment for this recipe. A 12-inch (approximately 30 cm) skillet provides ample surface area for the Brussels sprouts to cook in a single layer without overcrowding. This is crucial for achieving that desirable char and even cooking. If your skillet comes with a tight-fitting lid, that’s ideal for the steaming phase, which helps tenderize the sprouts. If a lid isn’t readily available, a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil will work perfectly to cover the skillet and trap the heat, ensuring your sprouts steam through to tender perfection. A cast-iron skillet is particularly excellent for this recipe, as it retains heat well and contributes to superior caramelization.

More Great Side Dishes You’ll Savor

If you thoroughly enjoyed the sweet and savory harmony of these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios, then you’re in for a treat! You’ll surely appreciate these other crowd-pleasing side dish recipes from my kitchen, perfect for complementing any main course or enhancing your holiday feast. Each one is designed to bring comfort and flavor to your table:

How to Store Leftovers and Reheat for Best Results

One of the great advantages of delicious side dishes is the joy of enjoying them again! Here’s how to properly store your Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts to maximize their freshness and flavor, along with tips for reheating:

Refrigeration:

Any leftover maple bacon Brussels sprouts should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to 3-4 days. While the bacon may lose a little of its initial crispness upon cooling, the flavors often meld and deepen further, making them surprisingly delightful the next day!

Freezing:

Yes, these Brussels sprouts with bacon and pistachios freeze remarkably well! Once the dish has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the frozen sprouts overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

To reheat your refrigerated or thawed sprouts, the best method is usually the oven or a skillet. Spread the sprouts evenly on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the bacon starts to crisp up again. A quick toss in a hot, dry skillet over medium-high heat can also help restore some crispness to both the bacon and the sprouts, bringing them back to life. While convenient, reheating in the microwave is generally not recommended as it can make the sprouts soggy and the bacon chewy.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes and Expert Tips for Perfection

For truly exceptional Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios, paying attention to these small details can make all the difference and elevate your dish from good to gourmet:
It’s essential to thoroughly toss the crispy bacon back into the cooked Brussels sprouts. Don’t just sprinkle it over the top as an afterthought. Integrating the bacon evenly throughout ensures that every single bite gets a piece of that glorious sweet, salty, and savory crunch, distributing the flavor and texture perfectly across the entire dish.
As for the pistachios, this is truly where you can personalize the dish to your preference. While I enjoy a delicate dusting over the top for just a subtle crunch and a hint of nutty flavor, you are the chef! Feel free to add as much or as little as you desire. Some might prefer a more prominent pistachio presence for an extra textural kick, while others may opt for a lighter touch. Experiment and discover the perfect pistachio-to-sprout ratio that works best for your taste buds!

• 1 Pound Maple Brown Sugar Bacon chopped
• 2 Pounds Fresh Brussels Sprouts halved
• ⅛ Cup Unsalted Pistachios shelled and crushed

1. Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet and fry over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate and reserve the bacon grease in the skillet.
   1 Pound Maple Brown Sugar Bacon
2. Wash and chop all the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise.
   2 Pounds Fresh Brussels Sprouts
3. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the hot bacon grease and toss to coat evenly. Place some cut-side down for charring.
4. Cover the skillet with a lid (or foil) and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, tossing or shaking the pot halfway through to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
5. Remove the lid, return the crispy bacon to the skillet with the sprouts, and sprinkle generously with the crushed pistachios. Toss to combine and serve immediately.
   ⅛ Cup Unsalted Pistachios