Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Apples with Smoky Bacon: A Flavorful & Healthy Side
Are you searching for an exciting new way to enjoy Brussels sprouts? Look no further! This delightful recipe for Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Apples, with a personal touch of smoky bacon, transforms a humble vegetable into a star side dish. Originally inspired by the BJ’s Cooking Club, I’ve enhanced this recipe to create a perfect harmony of flavors: lightly sweet apples, rich and savory bacon, a hint of buttery goodness, aromatic onions, and the earthy essence of fresh Brussels sprouts. This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also makes an impressive addition to any holiday feast, family dinner, or even a simple weeknight meal.
For those mindful of their nutritional intake, this recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with vibrant flavors without being heavy, making it a wonderful option for various healthy eating plans. To effortlessly view your WW PersonalPoints for this delicious creation and track it directly in the WW app or site, click here!
Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite Side Dish
What makes this particular Brussels sprouts recipe stand out from the crowd? It’s the masterful combination of contrasting yet complementary ingredients that create a truly unforgettable taste experience. The natural bitterness often associated with Brussels sprouts is perfectly balanced by the sweet, tender notes of sautéed apples. When you add the irresistible crunch and savory depth of smoky bacon, along with the aromatic foundation of onions and garlic, you get a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
This dish is designed for simplicity without compromising on gourmet taste. With minimal prep time and a quick cooking process, it’s ideal for busy individuals or anyone looking for a stress-free yet elegant side. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find these instructions straightforward and easy to follow. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a wide range of main courses, from roasted chicken and pan-seared pork chops to grilled salmon or a holiday ham. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce Brussels sprouts to picky eaters, as the sweetness of the apples and the appeal of bacon often win them over!
Discovering Quality and Value with BJ’s Wholesale Club
Before diving into the full recipe, let’s explore where many of these fantastic ingredients can be sourced with both quality and value in mind. For those unfamiliar, BJ’s Wholesale Club is a premier membership-based chain of warehouse retail stores renowned for offering incredible deals on bulk quantity products. Think of it as your go-to destination for stocking up on essentials and discovering new favorites.
BJ’s carries many of the trusted big brands you already know and love, ensuring you never have to compromise on quality. Beyond its robust grocery section, which is perfect for ingredients like fresh Brussels sprouts, crisp apples, and quality bacon, BJ’s also offers amazing savings on a diverse array of products. You can find everything from electronics and books to cleaning supplies, health and beauty products, and much more. The convenience of getting a great deal on large quantities of frequently used items, like chicken broth or tomato sauce, means less worry about running out and fewer trips to the store – a true time and money saver!
Furthermore, BJ’s continuously strives to enhance its members’ experience through initiatives like their BJ’s Cooking Club site. This fantastic resource provides members with innovative recipes, often utilizing the very trusted brands available in their stores. It’s a brilliant way to get meal inspiration and make the most of your BJ’s purchases. They even offer clever ideas for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, demonstrating their commitment to helping you create delicious and practical meals year-round. If you’re wondering about a BJ’s near you, the club boasts over 200 convenient locations across 15 states, including CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, and VA.
*This post was created in partnership with Lunchbox. I received compensation for my time and effort in recreating this recipe. However, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. My goal is always to provide honest and helpful reviews based on my genuine experience.
Sauteed Brussels Sprouts and Apples with Bacon
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
4
servings
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Ingredients
-
3
tablespoons
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Light -
1
lb
Brussels sprouts,
trimmed and quartered -
¼
medium onion,
diced -
¼
teaspoon
salt -
1
Gala apple,
cored and chopped -
2
cloves
garlic,
minced -
3
slices
cooked center cut bacon,
chopped
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, melt the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Light over medium heat. Add the trimmed and quartered Brussels sprouts, diced onion, and salt. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are coated. Cook until the Brussels sprouts begin to turn golden and tender-crisp, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes.
-
Next, add the chopped Gala apple and minced garlic to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, stir to combine all the ingredients, and cover the skillet with a lid. Continue cooking until the apples are tender, which should take approximately 6-10 minutes. Remember to remove the lid occasionally to stir and prevent sticking. Once the apples are tender, stir in the chopped cooked center cut bacon pieces, or sprinkle them over the top just before serving for extra crunch and presentation.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per 1/4th of recipe serving):
121 calories, 16 g carbs, 6 g sugars, 5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 5 g protein, 5 g fiber (from myfitnesspal.com)
MyWW SmartPoints per serving: (SP calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)
Green: 2 SmartPoints/ Blue: 2 SmartPoints/ Purple: 2 SmartPoints
Weight Watchers Points Plus:
3 per (1/4th recipe) serving (P+ calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)
Adapted from BJ’s Cooking Club
Calories:
121
kcal
Emily Bites
Side Dish
American
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Tips for Perfect Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Apples Every Time
- Choose Fresh Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have loose outer leaves.
- Proper Trimming: Trim off the very end of the stem, then remove any discolored or loose outer leaves. Quartering them ensures even cooking and helps them caramelize beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook your bacon slices until perfectly crispy before adding them to the dish. This ensures that smoky crunch we all love. For an extra touch, you can cook the Brussels sprouts in a little of the rendered bacon fat for even more flavor.
- Apple Variety: While Gala apples are recommended for their balanced sweetness and firmness, other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Granny Smith (if you prefer a tarter note) would also work well. Just ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For optimal browning and caramelization of the Brussels sprouts, make sure your skillet is large enough. If you overcrowd it, the vegetables will steam instead of sauté. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go. A pinch of black pepper, a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a splash of balsamic glaze can elevate the flavors even further.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
This versatile side dish is incredibly adaptable to various meals and occasions. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Holiday Feast: A festive addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, complementing roast turkey, ham, or beef tenderloin.
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts, pork loin, or pan-seared steak for a quick and nutritious meal.
- Vegetarian Main: For a lighter vegetarian option, you could omit the bacon (or use vegetarian bacon bits) and serve it over quinoa or farro, perhaps with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture and protein.
- Flavor Boosters: Drizzle with a balsamic reduction or maple syrup for an extra layer of sweet and tangy flavor. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary at the end can also add an aromatic touch.
- Cheese Please: A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese can add a creamy, salty tang that works wonderfully with the sprouts and apples.
Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle with Delicious Choices
One of the best aspects of this Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Apples recipe is how effortlessly it fits into a healthy eating plan. Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall well-being. Apples add natural sweetness and more fiber, making this a satisfying and nourishing dish.
For those tracking their intake, the provided Weight Watchers (WW) PersonalPoints and SmartPoints information makes it easy to enjoy this flavorful side without guilt. This recipe demonstrates that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety. Instead, it encourages us to explore vibrant, fresh ingredients and innovative cooking methods that make healthy food genuinely exciting.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Recipe!
From its simple preparation to its complex and satisfying flavor profile, this Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Apples with Bacon recipe is truly a gem. It’s a testament to how a few quality ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re aiming to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, looking for a stand-out side for your next gathering, or simply want to try something new, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience a Brussels sprouts dish that might just change your mind about this cruciferous vegetable forever. We encourage you to try it, make it your own, and share your delicious creations!