Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Crispy Pancetta
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready to Impress!
Okay, let's get this Christmas cracker popping! Seriously, are you already thinking about christmas side dishes ? I am! I want to share my absolute favourite: Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze & Crispy Pancetta.
Honestly, even if you think you hate sprouts, this recipe might just change your mind.
Forget boring, boiled sprouts. This is next level Christmas vegetable side dishes goodness.
A Christmas Cracker of a Side
These Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts have a surprisingly classy vibe. This dish hails from the land of deliciousness, I mean, Italy.
Easy Christmas side dish recipes can sometimes be, well, a bit boring, this one isn’t . Ready in around 35 minutes, this recipe serves about 6.
Why You'll LOVE this Christmas Side
The amazing thing about these sprouts? They're packed with vitamins! It's a great way to add some extra vitamins to your christmas side dishes .
Perfect for any festive feast, or even a fancy Sunday roast. These sprouts are elevated Christmas side dishes , and just that little bit special , you know?
Let's Talk Ingredients: Time for That Festive Flavour!
Time to think about ingredient alternatives! You can use Bacon instead of Pancetta; if you can't find pancetta in your local shop bacon lardons will do the trick, just ensure that they are rendered crispy.
You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar, or use whole grain mustard or even a touch of balsamic glaze if you dislike Dijon.
We're talking 1.5 lbs of Brussels sprouts, 4 oz of pancetta, and a bunch of other stuff. Check out the full list below.
Honestly, even just reading the list makes my mouth water.
Okay, let's get this Christmas cracker popping! Brussels sprouts might sound boring, but trust me, these Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts are anything but.
Honestly, this is the only way I can get my kids to eat them. They are amazing Christmas vegetable side dishes .
Ingredients & Equipment for Christmas Side Dishes
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved. You want them firm and bright green, not yellowing or soft. Fresh is always best!
- 4 oz (113g) Pancetta, diced. Look for good marbling and a nice, salty smell.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Olive oil. Extra virgin, of course. It adds a lovely flavour.
- ¼ cup (60ml) Balsamic vinegar. A good quality balsamic makes a HUGE difference, so splurge a little if you can.
- 2 tablespoons (28g) Brown sugar, packed. Adds sweetness and helps the glaze stick.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard. Adds a little tang and depth to the flavour.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don't be shy!
Seasoning Notes
Balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard are a match made in heaven. They create a sweet, tangy, and slightly sharp glaze that perfectly complements the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts.
For the herbs, you can even swap the balsamic for maple. It's an ideal way to elevate these Christmas side dishes
If you don't have Dijon, you can use wholegrain mustard, or even a tiny drizzle of extra balsamic. Remember that it can be the start of the best ever Christmas side dishes .
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan. Non-stick is your friend here.
- Cutting board and Chef's knife. For prepping the sprouts and pancetta.
- Measuring spoons and cups. Accuracy is key for the glaze!
- Mixing bowl. To whisk together the glaze ingredients.
If you don't have a skillet, a large frying pan will work just fine. Honestly, I’ve even used a wok in a pinch! It's all about making do, innit? The main aspect is that we can prepare easy Christmas side dish recipes .
Enjoy these festive side dishes ! Hopefully this has provided you with some holiday side dish ideas .
Cooking Method: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Brilliance!
Okay, let's get this Christmas cracker popping! When it comes to christmas side dishes , everyone’s got their go-to recipes.
But I reckon this Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta will blow your Christmas stockings off! Honestly, I used to hate Brussels sprouts as a kid, you know? My Nan used to boil them to oblivion.
But this recipe? Total game changer.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place, darling! Trim and halve 1.5 lbs of Brussels sprouts. Dice up 4 oz of pancetta.
Get your 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ready to rock and roll.
This prep is essential for easy Christmas side dish recipes .
For a time saving tip, prep the sprouts a day ahead. Store them in a sealed bag in the fridge.
step-by-step: From Sprouts to Shout Outs
- Crisp that pancetta! Sauté in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and lovely. Remove and set aside on paper towels. Leave the delicious fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Brussels sprouts in the glorious pancetta fat, with a bit of olive oil added. Get some colour on them and get them softened up, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon in a small bowl. Hello, balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts heaven.
- Pour glaze over sprouts. Cook, stirring, until tender and glaze thickens. Watch it though, it can burn easily!
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the crispy pancetta right at the end. Serve immediately !
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Sprout Game
Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the sprouts! Do it in batches for even browning. Good quality balsamic vinegar is key for a richer flavour.
Aim for festive side dishes that look as good as they taste!
A common mistake is overcooking them. They should be tender crisp. Nobody wants mushy sprouts. If you're preparing this for vegetarians, Omit the pancetta for a vegetarian friendly dish.
Toast walnuts for the same crunch.
So, there you have it! My take on elevated christmas side dishes . It's quick, it's easy, and it's guaranteed to make even the sprout haters sing your praises.
Merry Christmas and happy cooking, you lovely lot!
Recipe Notes: Christmas Side Dishes, Sorted!
Okay, let's get this Christmas cracker popping! You've got the recipe, now let's talk nitty gritty. This ain't just about cooking ; it's about wowing your guests.
And honestly? These Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and crispy pancetta practically guarantee that. So, let's dive into the good stuff and elevate your christmas side dishes game.
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Plating this dish? Think festive! A rustic wooden board or a classic white serving dish works wonders. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for extra Christmas points.
I like to scatter a few extra crispy pancetta bits on top just before serving adds a touch of fancy.
As for sides, these balsamic glazed brussel sprouts are great holiday side dish ideas to match with your big Christmas meal or serve with garlic mashed potatoes to make it even more comforting, or maybe with some cranberry sauce, it brings a certain zestiness and a pop of color.
Storage Tips: Prep Like a Pro
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezing? Probably not the best idea. The sprouts can get a bit mushy.
Reheating is simple: A quick zap in the microwave or a sauté in a pan with a little olive oil will do the trick.
Just don’t overcook them. No one likes soggy sprouts.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Want to go veggie? Skip the pancetta! Honestly, the balsamic glaze is so flavorful, you won't miss it too much. Maybe add some toasted walnuts for crunch.
Need a dietary adaptation? Swap brown sugar for maple syrup in the glaze. It adds a lovely depth of flavor.
If you're looking for easy christmas side dish recipes , feel free to tweak it how you like! These Brussels sprouts recipes are very adaptable and will allow you to create some very elevated christmas side dishes .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
These sprouts aren’t just tasty; they’re packed with vitamins and fiber. The balsamic glaze adds antioxidants, and the pancetta? Well, it adds joy.
Just keep an eye on portion sizes. Everything in moderation, right?
Brussels sprouts are one of the best Christmas vegetable side dishes , they are packed with good stuff.
So there you have it! Now you have the recipe and the need-to-knows. Don't be afraid to get creative with the flavorings and garnishes.
Balsamic glazed brussel sprouts can be a real highlight of any Christmas dinner.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun. So, crank up the Christmas tunes, grab a glass of something festive, and get cooking! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these Brussels sprouts in advance to save time on Christmas Day?
Absolutely! You can cook the pancetta and make the balsamic glaze a day or two ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. On Christmas Day, just sauté the Brussels sprouts and then combine everything together.
This little bit of prep can make a huge difference when you're juggling a million other things, like basting the turkey!
What's the best way to store leftover Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze?
Store any leftover sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the glaze might become a bit sticky as it cools, but they'll still taste delicious. You can reheat them gently in a skillet or in the microwave, but they're also pretty good cold if you fancy a Boxing Day snack!
I'm not a huge fan of Brussels sprouts. Is there anything I can do to make them more appealing?
Definitely! The balsamic glaze and crispy pancetta really transform the sprouts, masking some of their bitterness. Make sure you don't overcook them they should be tender crisp, not mushy. Also, try roasting them instead of sautéing for a slightly different texture.
Even sprouts haters might be converted by this recipe!
I need some vegetarian christmas side dishes, can I make this recipe vegetarian friendly?
Yes, absolutely! Simply omit the pancetta for a vegetarian version. To add some texture and nutty flavor, consider adding toasted walnuts, pecans, or even some crispy fried onions as a topping. You could even add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (if you are not strictly vegetarian) to give an extra umami punch.
What other variations can I try to jazz up these christmas side dishes?
You can swap the balsamic glaze for a maple mustard glaze or even a honey soy glaze for an Asian inspired twist. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring a welcome touch of heat. And, if you're feeling fancy, a few pomegranate seeds scattered over the top add a festive touch of colour and sweetness.
Get creative and experiment with different flavours!
Are there any nutritional considerations I should keep in mind when serving these Brussels sprouts?
While Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and fiber, this recipe does contain a fair amount of fat and sugar from the pancetta and balsamic glaze. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze or use a sugar substitute.
Omiting the pancetta will reduce the fat but also will decrease the flavour.
Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze Crispy Panc
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |