Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Toast with Hazelnuts and Bacon

Introduction

Looking for a sophisticated yet approachable dish that combines sweet, salty, and savory flavors? This Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Toast with Hazelnuts and Bacon is the perfect combination of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. With crispy bacon, caramelized Brussels sprouts, creamy burrata, and crunchy hazelnuts all layered on top of golden, toasted bread, this dish is perfect for brunch, a light dinner, or even an elevated appetizer for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make it special. The Brussels sprouts are caramelized in bacon fat and enhanced with honey, lemon juice, and zest, offering a beautifully balanced bite. Add in the richness of burrata cheese and the nutty crunch of roasted hazelnuts, and you’ve got a winning dish that’s simple to prepare but feels fancy enough for a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup raw hazelnuts
  • 6 oz bacon, diced
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 6 large slices of crusty bread, about ½ inch thick
  • 2 balls of burrata cheese
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Directions

1. Toast the Hazelnuts

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant. Once they’ve cooled slightly, rub them between a kitchen towel to remove the loose skins. Roughly chop the hazelnuts and set them aside.

2. Cook the Bacon

In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon in an even layer. After about 5 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring often, until the bacon becomes crispy and the fat is rendered. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.

3. Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the bacon fat. Spread them into an even layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.

Once caramelized, stir in the 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Season with kosher salt to taste and stir until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.

4. Toast the Bread

While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, prepare the bread. Place the slices of crusty bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle both sides of the bread with olive oil, and toast them in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and crispy.

5. Assemble the Toasts

Tear the burrata into pieces and spread it evenly over the toasted slices of bread. Season the burrata with a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

6. Add the Toppings

Top the burrata-covered toast with a generous helping of the caramelized Brussels sprouts. Then, sprinkle the crispy bacon and roasted hazelnuts over the top. Drizzle a bit more honey for added sweetness and finish with another pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

7. Serve

Cut each slice of toast in half and serve immediately. The combination of warm caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, creamy burrata, and crunchy hazelnuts will delight your guests or family. Enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet for toasting hazelnuts and bread
  • Cast-iron skillet or large frying pan for bacon and Brussels sprouts
  • Tongs or spatula for flipping and handling ingredients
  • Paring knife for slicing Brussels sprouts and prepping ingredients

Tips for Perfect Toasts

  • Keep an Eye on the Bread: Make sure to check the bread while it’s toasting, as different types of bread can brown faster than others. You want the bread to be crispy but not burnt.
  • Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t rush the bacon—cooking it slowly renders out the fat and ensures it’s perfectly crispy, which adds to the texture of the dish.
  • Caramelization is Important: Let the Brussels sprouts sit undisturbed in the skillet for a few minutes before stirring. This helps them develop a deep, caramelized flavor.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

  • Swap Burrata for Goat Cheese: If you prefer a tangier cheese, goat cheese makes an excellent substitute for burrata in this recipe. It pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory elements.
  • Try Almonds Instead of Hazelnuts: If you don’t have hazelnuts on hand, sliced almonds or toasted pecans can provide a similar crunchy element.
  • Add a Fried Egg: Top the toast with a fried or poached egg for an extra layer of richness and protein, turning this toast into a more filling meal.

How to Store Leftovers

While this dish is best served fresh, any leftover Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat before assembling the toasts. However, be aware that the bread and burrata are best enjoyed immediately and may not store as well.

Food and Drink Pairings

This Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Toast with Hazelnuts and Bacon pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. For non-alcoholic options, try pairing it with sparkling water infused with citrus or a cool glass of iced tea.

For a complete meal, serve the toasts alongside a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and substitute olive oil for the bacon fat when cooking the Brussels sprouts. You can add a pinch of smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor of the bacon.

Q: Can I make the Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can caramelize the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet before assembling the toasts.

Q: What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
A: A sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or a French baguette works best. These types of bread hold up well to the toppings and provide the right amount of crunch.

Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.

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Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Toast with Hazelnuts and Bacon


  • Author: Mia Martinez
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Description

Delicious caramelized Brussels sprouts toast topped with crunchy hazelnuts and crispy bacon, perfect for a savory brunch or a quick, satisfying snack.


Ingredients

½ cup raw hazelnuts
6 oz bacon, diced
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Kosher salt, to taste
6 large slices of crusty bread, about ½ inch thick
2 balls of burrata cheese
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions

1. Toast the Hazelnuts:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 8-10 minutes until golden. Once they are slightly cooled, use a kitchen towel to rub off the loose skins. Roughly chop the hazelnuts and set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon in an even layer. After 5 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the bacon is crispy and the fat is rendered. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts:
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the bacon fat. Spread them into an even layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and season with salt to taste.
4. Toast the Bread:
While the Brussels sprouts are cooking, place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle both sides of the bread with olive oil and toast in the oven for about 12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
5. Assemble the Toasts:
Tear the burrata into pieces and spread it evenly over the toasted bread slices. Season the cheese with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
6. Add Toppings:
Top the burrata-covered toast with the caramelized Brussels sprout mixture. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts and crispy bacon over the top. Drizzle with extra honey and finish with flaky sea salt and more freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
7. Serve:
Cut each slice of toast in half and serve immediately. Enjoy this deliciously savory and slightly sweet combination of flavors!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 servings
  • Calories: Approx. 380 kcal per serving

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