Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Bacon

Salty bacon, sweet apples and caramelized Brussels sprouts all came together in a truly outstanding side dish. This was one of those dishes that I kept hearing about from friends, until I couldn't resist trying it myself. Oh. My. Goodness. Absolutely DELICIOUS. I am confessing now that as I was taking this picture, I probably ate about a third of this dish. Yes, I am officially nuts over Brussels sprouts.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Bacon
recipe from Little Pink Monster via my friend, Keely

3 slices of bacon, cut into 1" pieces
6 cups medium Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and then halved
1 medium apple, I used a Fuji apple, cut into 1/4" slices and then halved
kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1-2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange bacon in a single layer on a large baking sheet. I lined my baking sheet with the silpat mat, but I'm not certain it was necessary. Bake for about 10 minutes, until cooked through, but not yet crispy.

Remove the bacon pieces from the sheet and set aside. Add the Brussels sprouts and toss them in the bacon drippings. Make sure they are as well coasted as possible. Season well with salt and pepper. Roast them until they begin to brown, about 15 minutes.

Add the apple pieces and the cooked bacon to the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet and roast until the sprouts are tender and browned and the apple has softened a bit, about another 10-15 minutes.

Toss everything with the vinegar and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Click here for printable recipe