Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Jam

Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Jam

• 450g thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/4-inch strips

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

• 150g granulated sugar

• 100g (packed) dried apricots (110g), roughly chopped

• 60ml sherry vinegar

• 1 sprig thyme

• 3 sprigs rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Kosher salt

• 16 medium Brussels sprouts (350g), trimmed and halved

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 4 sprigs thyme

• 32 small skewers or toothpicks

How to make Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Jam

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Add onion and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Add sugar, apricots, vinegar, and 60ml water and bring to a boil, stirring. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf and simmer until liquid is syrupy, 8–10 minutes. Remove herb sprigs and let bacon mixture cool. Transfer to food processor and pulse to a chunky purée. Season with salt and pepper.

Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and prep a bowl of ice water. Add Brussels sprouts and cook until bright green, 1 minute. Drain and transfer to ice water to cool. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add Brussels sprouts, garlic, and thyme and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender and browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Discard garlic and thyme.

Arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side up on a serving tray and spoon about 1 teaspoon bacon jam onto each. Spear each Brussels sprout half with a toothpick and serve.

Bacon jam can be made up to 5 days ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container and return to room temperature before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.