Holiday gatherings are often a whirlwind of flavors, laughter, and the occasional burnt dish. Picture this: a vibrant bowl of Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw sitting proudly on the table, emitting a sweet and savory aroma that beckons friends and family to dig in. Each crunchy bite is a delightful dance of crispy bacon, caramelized maple syrup, and tender Brussels sprouts – an experience that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary.
I still remember the first time I served this slaw at a holiday party. My Aunt Mildred took one bite and exclaimed it was the best thing since sliced bread – which, let’s be honest, is a pretty high bar! This dish has become my go-to for festive gatherings, where its bright colors and deliciously unexpected flavors steal the spotlight.
Why You'll Love This Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw
- This incredible Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
One evening at dinner, my friends couldn’t stop praising the slaw until I had to remind them we actually had other dishes too!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Brussels Sprouts: Fresh sprouts are key; look for vibrant green ones with tightly packed leaves for optimal crunch.
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Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture; it adds a smoky richness that complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Maple Syrup: Opt for real maple syrup; it elevates the slaw with natural sweetness and depth that fake syrup just can’t replicate.
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Red Onion: A small red onion adds color and sharpness; slice it thinly to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
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Apple Cider Vinegar: This brightens up the dish with acidity; choose a good quality vinegar for best results.
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Dijon Mustard: Just a spoonful adds complexity; it cuts through the sweetness with a tangy kick that makes this slaw irresistible.
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Pecans (optional): Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch; feel free to swap them out if you prefer another nut or omit entirely.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw
Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts: Start by trimming and halving your Brussels sprouts. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt and debris before slicing them thinly.
Crisp Up That Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Let it sizzle away until golden brown while enjoying its savory aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Create Your Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste-test to ensure it’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy!
Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded Brussels sprouts with bacon (and pecans if using). Pour dressing over everything and toss gently until evenly coated.
Let It Marinate (Optional): Allow the slaw to sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This lets flavors meld beautifully – but honestly, who can resist diving in immediately?
Serve And Enjoy!: Transfer your colorful masterpiece into a serving bowl. Garnish with extra bacon bits or chopped pecans if desired—trust me; it’s hard not to take another helping!
Now that you’re all set to impress your guests with this delightfully crunchy Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw, gather your loved ones around because laughter—and second helpings—are guaranteed!
You Must Know About Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw
- This showstopping Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy. Drain the fat and sauté the Brussels sprouts in the same pan for added flavor. Toss in maple syrup just before serving for a sweet finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bacon for pancetta or add nuts for crunch. You can also include dried cranberries for extra sweetness or a sprinkle of feta cheese for creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, microwave on low power or warm gently in a skillet to retain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw
- This professional-quality Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my first Thanksgiving as a new cook; everyone raved about it! I felt like a culinary superstar when they kept coming back for more.
FAQ
What’s the best way to slice Brussels sprouts?
To slice Brussels sprouts evenly, use a sharp knife and cut them in half lengthwise, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly. Alternatively, you can use a food processor fitted with a slicing attachment if you’re feeling adventurous and want quicker prep time.
Can I make Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the slaw up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this slaw?
Certainly! For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the bacon and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that savory flavor without meat. Add roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for protein and crunch.
How do I make my slaw less soggy?
To avoid sogginess, avoid adding dressing too early; dress the slaw right before serving. Also, ensure your Brussels sprouts are dry after washing to prevent excess moisture from diluting the flavors.
Conclusion for Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw
This Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw is sure to become your go-to side dish with its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. By following simple tips on preparation and storage, you’ll create a dish that not only looks stunning but tastes incredible too! Enjoy sharing it with friends and family during special gatherings or casual dinners alike; it’s bound to impress every time!
Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Holiday Maple Bacon Brussel Slaw is a festive delight that combines the crunch of fresh Brussels sprouts with the savory richness of crispy bacon and the sweet touch of maple syrup. This vibrant dish not only adds a pop of color to your holiday table but also offers a tantalizing blend of flavors that will leave your guests craving more. Easy to prepare, this slaw is perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 6 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and pecans if using. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently until well coated.
- Let the slaw marinate for about 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra bacon bits or chopped pecans if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sauté Brussels sprouts in the leftover bacon fat after cooking the bacon before adding them to the slaw. To make it vegetarian-friendly, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke and add roasted chickpeas for protein.
