Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

  • Quick Salads
  • Hazelnuts
  • Bacon
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Thanksgiving Appetizers

A simple seven-ingredient salad packed with flavor.

By

J. Kenji López-Alt

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (1)

J. Kenji López-Alt

Culinary Consultant

Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.

Learn about Serious Eats'Editorial Process

Updated April 03, 2023

Trending Videos

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (2)

Why It Works

  • Lightly crushed hazelnuts and honey act as an emulsifier, creating a creamy vinaigrette that holds together.
  • Rendered bacon fat performs double duty, both as a cooking medium for Brussels sprouts leaves, and as an essential flavor in the vinaigrette.

Adri and I once had a wonderful meal atDirty Habit, my old chefDave Bazirgan's restaurant in San Francisco. As my first real chef, I credit him with a lot of things. Teaching me how to judge my own work (and start over if it's not good enough). Instructing me on therightway to make hollandaise by hand (I've sincestarted using the hand blender). Giving me the tools to be able to tell the difference between good and bad ingredients (and when it's okay to use the latter). Giving me my first taste of a truly excellent warm spinach and bacon salad.

It was this latter—something he threw together for our back-of-the-house family meal one day to prove to the rest of the kitchen staff that it didn't have to just be a random stew of odds and ends—that inspired this dish, a super-simple salad of warm Brussels sprouts leaves in a vinaigrette made from warm bacon fat, shallots, hazelnuts, honey, and sherry vinegar with just a touch of extra-virgin olive oil.

I have to say, it actually works a great deal better than the spinach-based original. Brussels sprouts and bacon fat were born to be together, and hazelnuts are a classic pair with both. The honey in the dressing makes it just sweet enough to temper the bite of sherry vinegar and help it pair up with the bacon fat.

To get the best texture out of the sprouts, I like to peel off as many layers of whole leaves as possible. This gives the dressing, hazelnuts, and bacon bits something to cup into.

Once I get down to the very central core of each sprout, I slice it thin so that it cooks in just about the same time as the whole leaves.

Once I've rendered out the bacon fat and added it to the dressing, I use the remaining fat in the pan to very rapidly sauté the Brussels sprouts leaves. I find that you get the best combination of nutty, lightly charred flavor with crisp texture by adding the leaves in a single layer once the bacon fat starts lightly smoking, then letting it sit to char on the first side for about a minute before rapidly sautéing.

The great part about this particular vinaigrette is that because of the high proportion of emulsifiers (both honey and the small particles created by pounding the hazelnuts help the bacon fat and vinegar get along nicely), you don't even have to take the typicalslowly-drizzle-while-whisking-constantlyapproach to forming the vinaigrette. You can just dump all the ingredients together and whisk it until it emulsifies naturally.

The end result, with its sweet, crunchy-tender greens, shallots, and bacon is very reminiscent of a classic Frenchfrisée aux lardonssalad (yet another dish that Baz taught me to make for the first time).

Come to think of it, whydon'tI take it all the way and put apoached egg on here?

These are the kinds of questions that keep me awake at night.

October 2014

Recipe Details

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Active30 mins

Total30 mins

Serves2 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces Brussels sprouts

  • 3/4 cup hazelnuts

  • 1 small shallot, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons)

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Trim off bottoms of Brussels sprouts and separate leaves that are released. Transfer leaves to a large bowl. Continue trimming off the bottom and removing released leaves until only the very central core remains.

    Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (3)

  2. Thinly slice the central core and transfer to bowl with the released leaves. Discard trimmed bottoms.

    Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (4)

  3. Pound hazelnuts in a mortar and pestle or under a small skillet until coarsely crushed and then transfer to a medium bowl. Add shallots, honey, vinegar, and olive oil and set aside.

    Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (5)

  4. Spread bacon in a medium cast iron or non-stick skillet and place over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until completely crisp and fat has rendered, about 4 minutes total. Using a slotted spoon, Transfer bacon to a small bowl. Pour two tablespoons bacon fat into bowl with hazelnut mixture and whisk to combine. Season hazelnut mixture to taste with salt and pepper.

    Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (6)

  5. Return skillet with remaining bacon fat to high heat and heat until lightly smoking. Add Brussels sprouts, spread in an even layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook without moving for 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking, shaking and stirring constantly, until leaves are bright green and just starting to turn tender, about 1 minute longer. Transfer to a large bowl. Add bacon and dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

    Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (7)

Special Equipment

Mortar and pestle

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
663Calories
52g Fat
31g Carbs
26g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories663
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 52g66%
Saturated Fat 8g42%
Cholesterol 42mg14%
Sodium 861mg37%
Total Carbohydrate 31g11%
Dietary Fiber 9g33%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 26g
Vitamin C 108mg541%
Calcium 128mg10%
Iron 5mg26%
Potassium 1147mg24%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad With Bacon and Hazelnut Vinaigrette Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you reheat brussel sprouts with bacon? ›

To make these Brussels Sprouts ahead, slightly undercook them the day before—they should still be a little crunchy and slightly raw looking in the very center. Reheat (which will finish the cooking) just before serving in a large skillet on the stove or in a buttered, covered baking dish in the oven.

When not to use brussel sprouts? ›

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

How to cook brussel sprouts so they don t hurt your stomach? ›

Cooking Method: Cooking Brussels sprouts can make them more digestible. Roasting, steaming, or sautéing them can help break down some of the fibers and make them gentler on the stomach compared to consuming them raw. Moderation: Start with small amounts to see how your body reacts.

Do brussel sprouts taste good reheated? ›

Yes! If you'd like to keep them crispy, reheat the brussels sprouts in the oven until they are heated through. Otherwise, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few minutes, however, they may lose their crispiness.

How do you warm up brussel sprouts? ›

Add leftover cooked Brussels sprouts to a lightly oiled baking sheet. Rewarm in the at 350 degrees F for 5 or so minutes, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer, or on a plate in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, though the texture will be soggier than if they are reheated in the oven.

What is one major side effect of eating brussel sprouts? ›

Side Effects of Brussels Sprouts:

Although a healthy vegetable, consuming too many Brussels sprouts can be unsuitable for people on anticoagulants since it contains vitamin K, which results in blood clotting. Another issue with consuming Brussels sprouts excessively is that it can lead to gas and bloating.

What can happen if you eat too many brussel sprouts? ›

Like other cruciferous veggies, Brussels sprouts have a type of carbohydrate that your body can't easily break down. This can cause you to have belly pain, gas, and either diarrhea or constipation.

How long will Brussels sprouts last in the refrigerator? ›

Even though Brussels sprouts can last up to a week in the fridge, sometimes a little longer, their taste gets stronger and less sweet with time. They are at their best when prepared within three to four days of purchase. Avoid washing Brussels sprouts until you're ready to prepare them, as the moisture can cause decay.

Should you cut brussel sprouts in half before cooking? ›

One of the most common ways to cut a Brussels sprout is in half or quarters. By doing so, you reduce the size of the sprouts, speeding up cooking.

Why do you soak brussel sprouts in salt water overnight? ›

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

Why does my stomach hurt so bad after eating brussel sprouts? ›

Brussels sprouts are a common cause of gas and bloating because they contain a complex sugar called raffinose. Human beings lack the enzyme in their small intestine that helps break down the raffinose, which means it gets transported down to the large intestine for digestion.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating sprouts? ›

“Additionally, those with a sensitive gut should also be extremely careful about consuming sprouts since they are hard for the body to break down and digest which can, in turn, cause abdominal pain, gas, and either diarrhoea or constipation, depending on the condition of your gut.

Why do brussel sprouts upset your stomach? ›

Cruciferous Vegetables

Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.

How long to reheat brussel sprouts in the oven? ›

Your fine with this plan. I had roasted Brussel sprouts at Thanksgiving and reheated them the next day with a turkey leg. 350F oven for about 20 minutes, might have been better than the day before.

How do you reheat cooked sprouts? ›

You can cook your sprouts ahead and reheat them in the microwave if you are short on hob space. Or you can cook halved or quartered sprouts ahead and warm them gently with some butter in a pan. Ingredients that can be added to cooked sprouts include flaked or chopped almonds, chopped hazel nuts and of course chestnuts.

How do you reheat bacon and keep it crispy? ›

Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 400ºF. While it's heating up, lay your bacon out in a single layer on a baking sheet. After the oven is preheated, pop the sheet into the oven for about five minutes. Once you hear your bacon begin to sizzle, it's time to enjoy!

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6243

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.