Coles de Bruselas con Tocino (Brussel Sprouts with Bacon) – Deliciously charred and crispy on the outside, perfectly tender and meaty on the inside. A four-ingredient recipe that the whole family will love!
Weeknight dinners pair well with simple side dishes especially when we’re tired from a long day at work.
We’re looking for quick tasty meals to set on the table with as little effort and without sacrificing time or flavor.
These bacon garlic infused Brussel sprouts fits the par for that quick delicious side dish.
Whether used in summer or winter recipes, Brussel sprouts can and should find their way to your table.
They’re a healthy vegetable alternative to other common veggie sides like peas and carrots!
Even if you have fussy eaters in your family or remember the days of bitter mushy Brussels as a child, this classic Brussels Sprouts recipe will soon change your and their minds!
The “bad” memories of the bitter taste and “mushy” texture will forever be gone!
Best Ways to Cook Coles de Bruselas
There are quite a few ways to cook and enjoy Brussels Sprouts.
If you are on a strict diet, consider steaming, boiling, grilling or broiling Brussels and simply season with salt, pepper. and a sprinkle of lemon.
They can also be roasted, pan seared, sauteed or even baked.
Raw shredded Brussels are just another way to enjoy them in a cold salad without having to cook them.
How to Make these Crispy?
Here again, we have several options. Whatever method you will be using to cook your Brussels sprouts, there is one thing they all have in common to make them crispy. TIME.
If Brussels are sauteed or pan-seared, after they have cooked through, simply raise the heat and keep them in the pan a little bit longer, turning frequently until crispy on all sides.
If baking, roasting or grilling, do the same, keep them in the oven or grill a few minutes longer until golden and crispy.
One key point to follow is to not cook them at very low temperatures.
This will only cook them through but will not crisp them up. You also will more than likely end up with a mushy Brussel!
Cooking Coles de Bruselas in the Oven
One of the easiest ways to cook brussels sprouts is to bake or roast them in the oven.
This method is both almost completely hands-free and hassle-free.
Season the Brussels and add both the sprouts and chopped bacon to a sheet pan to cook. Check on them every few minutes and flip them over once golden brown on one side.
You can also remove them from the oven once they’re golden on just one side for a more “al dente” sprout.
If cooking Brussels without the bacon, follow the same process. Check on them every few minutes and flip over once golden and crispy on one side.
The Difference Between Sauteed Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Sauteed Brussels sprouts usually refers to cooking them on the stovetop.
While roasting refers to cooking them in the oven.
Although both ways taste very similar, there are slight differences.
Roasting: These tend to produce a softer texture all the way through the interior. Almost a melt in your mouth kind of texture while still holding a crispy exterior.
Sauteing: Although these retain a firmer texture, both methods are incredibly delicious.
The Ingredients
- brussels sprouts
- bacon
- garlic
- crushed red pepper (optional)
- salt and pepper
How to Make Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
- In a skillet, cook 4 pieces of bacon over medium high heat until crispy.
- Drain bacon on paper towels but leave bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Transfer bacon to a cutting board and finely chop. Set aside.
- Rinse the brussels under cool water and remove any yellowish leaves.
- Using a knife cut the bottom stems off and cut brussels sprouts in half.
- Add the brussels sprouts to the skillet the bacon was cooked in and stir them until they are evenly coated in the bacon grease.
- Cover the skillet and cook the brussels over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, finely mince the garlic.
- Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and toss well.
- Lower heat and cook for another few minutes until crispy on the outside and fork tender on the inside.
- Toss in the bacon bits, salt and pepper to taste and turn stove off.
- Serve immediately with whatever protein of your choice.
Tips for Making the Best Coles de Bruselas
- Cook the Brussels sprouts in the bacon drippings for full robust bacon infused flavor.
- Do not allow the garlic to burn or the entire dish will taste bitter and sour.
- To prevent Brussels from becoming mushy, do not overcook them.
- Use small to average size Brussels for sweeter melt in your mouth recipe.
Recipe Variations for Coles de Bruselas
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (this recipe of course!)
- Cooked and tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper
- Add chopped garlic and drizzle with balsamic vinegar
- Add herbs or pine nuts for a whole different twist
- Add garlic, parmesan cheese and a touch of Brandy (check out this recipe from Salt and Lavender)
Coles de Bruselas Nutrition
Curious what health benefits this delicious veggie morsel can provide you? Here are some surprising facts.
- Brussels are high in vitamin K – necessary for blood clotting and bone health.
- High in vitamin C – an antioxidant which helps in promoting iron absorption, helps ind in tissue repair and immune function.
- Brussels are also provide other nutrients such as vitamin B6, potassium, iron, thiamine, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- High in fiber which helps promote regularity and gut health.
- Help in maintaining blood sugar levels which helps in avoiding diabetes.
- and much more health benefits.
If you haven’t yet done so, consider adding Brussels sprouts to your diet. These veggies have a lot to offer to our health!
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
To store cooked Brussels, simply place in an air tight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add to a bowl or plate and place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or place in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 7-10 minutes.
Although Brussels sprouts can be frozen, I do not recommend as they tend to become mushy when heated.
What to Serve with Coles de Bruselas
Brussels sprouts can be served with anything from steak, chicken, pork or seafood.
Here are a few delicious ideas!
Costillas en Barbecue (BBQ Ribs)
Chuletas con Salsa de Hongos (Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy)
Pollo Asado al Carbon (Charcoal Chicken)
Tilapia en Papillote Packets (Tilapia in Parchment Packets)
Puerto Rican Fried Pork Chops (Chuletas Fritas)
📖 Recipe
Coles de Bruselas con Tocino (Brussel Sprouts with Bacon)
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussels sprouts rinsed, stems cut, cut in half
- 4 strips bacon cooked until crispy
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and finely minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook 4 pieces of bacon over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Drain bacon on paper towels but leave bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Transfer bacon to a cutting board and finely chop. Set aside.
- Rinse the Brussels under cool water and remove any yellowish leaves.
- Using a knife cut the bottom stems off and cut Brussels sprouts in half.
- Add the brussels sprouts to the skillet the bacon was cooked in and stir them until they are evenly coated in the bacon grease.
- Cover the skillet and cook the Brussels over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- While the Brussels are cooking, finely mince the garlic. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper to the skillet and toss well.
- Lower heat and cook for another few minutes until crispy on the outside and fork-tender on the inside.
- Toss in the bacon bits, salt and pepper to taste and turn the stove off. Serve immediately with whatever protein of your choice.
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