How to Cook Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Like Jamie Oliver

Brussels sprouts are one of those divisive vegetables that people either love or hate. But when cooked right, they can be absolutely delicious! That’s why I want to share how to cook Brussels sprouts with bacon for a flavorful side dish, inspired by Jamie Oliver’s brilliant recipe.

Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, alongside broccoli, cabbage, and kale They grow on stalks in bunches and resemble tiny cabbages

Brussels sprouts are packed with beneficial nutrients but have a relatively bitter taste when raw or overcooked. The key is to cook them just right so they become sweet, nutty, and irresistibly delicious.

Roasting Brussels sprouts to caramelize them brings out their natural sweetness. And pairing them with smoky, salty bacon takes the flavor to the next level. Let’s get into how to cook Brussels sprouts Jamie Oliver style!

Jamie Oliver’s Tips for Cooking Brussels Sprouts

Jamie Oliver is a world-renowned British chef known for his simple, delicious recipes. He’s come up with some fantastic ways to cook Brussels sprouts that make them taste amazing.

Here are Jamie’s top tips for cooking brilliant Brussels sprouts:

• Don’t overcook them – You want the Brussels sprouts tender but not mushy. Cook until just fork tender with a little bite left.

• Fry bacon first – Cook the bacon in the pan before adding the Brussels sprouts. This renders out the fat to cook the sprouts in and makes the bacon nice and crispy.

• Get the pan hot – Use a large pan and heat it up well before adding the sprouts to sear and caramelize them.

• Toss in butter – Finish off the sprouts with a knob of butter. This adds richness and sheen.

• Season perfectly – Flavor is key. Be generous with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings.

Now let’s get into the full recipe step-by-step!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 8

• 2 onions, peeled and chopped
• 15g (1⁄2 bunch) fresh thyme, leaves picked
• 6 rashers higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon
• Olive oil
• 200g roasted chestnuts, peeled and chopped
• 1kg Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 large knobs of unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for irresistibly delicious Brussels sprouts with bacon:

1. Prep the onions and thyme – Peel and chop the onions. Pick the thyme leaves off the stems.

2. Fry the bacon – Place a large pan over high heat. Add the bacon and a drizzle of olive oil. Turn down the heat and fry until lightly golden.

3. Toast the chestnuts – Once the bacon is lightly crisped, add the chopped chestnuts to the pan. Fry for 5 minutes until browned.

4. Cook the onions – Add the onions and thyme. Turn down the heat and cook slowly for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Boil the sprouts – While the onions cook, add the sprouts to boiling salted water. Cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain well.

6. Toss everything together – Add the sprouts to the pan and toss to coat in the bacon mixture.

7. Finish with butter – Stir through the butter and season generously with salt and pepper.

8. Serve and enjoy! – Serve the Brussels sprouts immediately for the best texture and flavor.

The combination of crispy smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, nutty chestnuts, and perfectly cooked sprouts is to die for!

Cooking Tips

• You can prep the bacon, onions, and chestnuts up to a day ahead. Just reheat before adding the sprouts.

• Swap pecans or hazelnuts for the chestnuts.

• Add extra herbs like sage or rosemary.

• Toss with lemon juice before serving for brightness.

• Make it vegetarian by using smoked paprika instead of bacon.

Serving Suggestions

These brilliant Brussels sprouts make a stellar side dish for all kinds of meals:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Baked ham
• Pork chops or lamb
• Steak, burgers, or meatloaf
• Fish like salmon or cod

They’re also delicious on their own as a light veggie main or as part of a holiday potluck spread.

Make It a Meal

Round out the meal with these tasty sides:

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Mashed potatoes or potato gratin
• Cranberry sauce
• Coleslaw or broccoli salad
• Winter squash like butternut or acorn
• A green salad with pomegranate seeds

Storing and Reheating

You can make these Brussels sprouts up to 3 days in advance:

• Let cool completely after cooking, then refrigerate in an airtight container.

• To reheat, put them in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil.

• Cook, tossing occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

• Add extra seasoning if needed.

The sprouts may get a bit soft but will still have great flavor!

More Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes

If you love these Brussels sprouts as much as I do, try these other amazing recipes:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper then roast at 400°F until crispy on the outside and tender inside.

• Brussels Sprout Hash – Sauté shredded Brussels sprouts with potatoes, onions, garlic, and sausage.

• Brussels Sprout Gratin – Layer shredded sprouts with cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs then bake until bubbly and golden.

• Brussels Sprout Salad – Thinly slice and toss raw sprouts with a tangy mustard vinaigrette, cranberries, walnuts, and feta.

Get Creative with Brussels Sprouts

The possibilities are endless when cooking with Brussels sprouts. Here are some fun ways to eat them:

• Brussels sprout fritters or pancakes
• Brussels sprout and apple soup
• Brussels sprouts fried rice
• Raw Brussels sprout slaw
• Shredded Brussels sprout pizza topping

Don’t be afraid to get creative and discover new ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts! They’re very versatile.

Cooking Brussels sprouts with bacon as Jamie Oliver does transforms them into an irresistible side dish. Caramelized and matched with crispy bacon, chestnuts, and herbs, they’re sweet, savory, and packed with texture and flavor.

Hopefully this guide gives you the confidence to make these brilliant Brussels sprouts at home. Just remember—don’t overcook them, fry that bacon, and season generously. Enjoy!