Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pears, Walnuts and Bacon

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 05/4/22
Brussels sprouts with pears, walnuts, and bacon
Diana Rattray
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
261 Calories
19g Fat
19g Carbs
7g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 261
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 322mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 5g 19%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 72mg 360%
Calcium 56mg 4%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 510mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Brussels sprouts and pears team up in this fabulous dish. Roasting brings out the wonderful sweet flavor of the Brussels sprouts while the pears and walnuts complement the sprouts beautifully. Walnuts are an excellent choice with the pears, but pecans, hazelnuts, or another type of nut would work as well.

The bacon may be omitted if you prefer a vegetarian dish, or change it up a bit with diced cooked pancetta, Canadian bacon or diced ham. A rich, syrupy balsamic vinegar is the perfect finishing touch for this dish. A flavored balsamic vinegar like fig, pear or black walnut would be amazing. Drizzle as little or as much as you like over the roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts

  • 1 large Bosc, or Anjou pear

  • 1 small onion, medium shallot, optional

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking pan

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

  • 3 strips thick-cut bacon

  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, good quality, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

  2. Lightly brush a rimmed baking sheet with extra-virgin olive oil.

  3. Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts. Remove loose outer leaves and any  leaves. Cut the trimmed sprouts in half lengthwise.

  4. Core the pear and cut it into 1-inch pieces or wedges. There's no need to peel the pear.

  5. Slice the small onion or shallot, if using.

  6. In a large bowl, combine the sliced sprouts, pear and sliced onion or shallot. Drizzle with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and toss to coat thoroughly.

  7. Spread the sprouts and pear mixture out on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper.

  8. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the vegetables and pears are browned, turning about every 10 minutes.

  9. Meanwhile, toast the walnuts and cook the bacon.

  10. Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and cook until lightly browned and aromatic, stirring and turning frequently.

  11. Dice the bacon and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain. Set aside.

  12. Remove the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl. Add the diced bacon and toasted walnuts and toss.

  13. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar over the sprouts and toss. Taste and add more balsamic vinegar, as desired. Serve hot.

Tip

  • If you are starting with whole walnuts or halves, toast them before chopping. To chop, use a large, sharp chef's knife or mezzaluna. If you use a food processor, you could end up with nut butter. 

Recipe Variation

  • If you don't have balsamic vinegar, use 1 teaspoon of red wine or cider vinegar and combine it with 1 scant teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.

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