As the holiday season approaches, the urge to impress guests with something truly special starts creeping in. Picture this: a slice of crusty sourdough, toasted to perfection and topped with a luxurious mound of creamy burrata, luscious caramelized Brussels sprouts, and crispy bacon. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in my Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast will have everyone raving at your gatherings.
This appetizer isn’t just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also a visual delight, making it the ultimate centerpiece on your holiday table. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch from roasted hazelnuts and a touch of sweetness from honey that perfectly balances the saltiness of the bacon. Simple to prepare yet impressive in presentation, this toast is sure to elevate your festive celebrations and leave your guests asking for the recipe!
Why is Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata & Bacon a Must-Try?
Elevated Flavor Profile: The sweet caramelization of Brussels sprouts beautifully complements the creaminess of burrata and the smoky crunch of bacon.
Perfect for Celebrations: This toast serves as an eye-catching appetizer that’s sure to impress family and friends at holiday gatherings.
Simple Yet Sophisticated: Despite its refined taste and stunning presentation, the recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks.
Versatile Customization: Feel free to switch ingredients, like using ricotta or different nuts, to match personal preferences or dietary needs.
Texture Harmony: Each bite offers a satisfying combination of creamy, crunchy, and chewy elements, truly delighting the senses.
This Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast will become a beloved recipe that not only tastes amazing but also elevates your holiday dining experience!
Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast Ingredients
For the Toast Base
• Toasted Bread – Use hearty sourdough or ciabatta for a robust foundation.
For the Topping
• Brussels Sprouts – Adds a savory note; caramelize to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Bacon – Ensures a crispy, rich texture; cook until perfectly crisp for the best crunch.
• Burrata Cheese – Provides a creamy richness; ricotta can be a lighter substitute if desired.
For Garnishing
• Roasted Hazelnuts – Offers a delightful crunch; feel free to swap with pecans or walnuts.
• Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness that balances savory flavors beautifully.
• Lemon – Brightens and cuts through richness; fresh juice is key for peak flavor.
• Flaky Sea Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Elevate your cooking with this delectable Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata & Bacon recipe, a sure hit at any holiday gathering!
How to Make Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata & Bacon
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Prepare the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crisp. Once done, remove it from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel while you use the bacon fat for flavor!
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Caramelize Brussels Sprouts: In the remaining bacon fat, toss in the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts. Season them well, and cook until they turn tender and golden, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
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Toast the Bread: Lightly toast your slices of sourdough or ciabatta until they are golden brown and have a delightful crunch. This will create a sturdy base for your toppings!
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Assemble the Toasts: Tear the creamy burrata cheese into generous pieces and distribute it evenly over the toasted bread. Let the creamy goodness shine!
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Top with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Layer the caramelized Brussels sprouts on top of the burrata, followed by the crispy bacon pieces broken into bits.
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Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle with roasted hazelnuts, drizzle with honey, and add a squeeze of lemon over the top. This will elevate the dish even more!
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Finish with Seasoning: Just before serving, add a pinch of flaky sea salt and some freshly cracked black pepper to enhance all those amazing flavors!
Optional: For a touch of color, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata Variations
Get creative and make this toast your own with these delightful twists!
- Nut-Free: Substitute roasted hazelnuts with pumpkin seeds for a crunchy finish that caters to nut allergies.
- Dairy-Free: Use a cashew-based cream cheese in place of burrata for a creamy yet dairy-free option. It’s rich and delicious!
- Vegan Delight: Replace bacon with crispy chickpeas and switch to maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the caramelized Brussels sprouts for a zesty heat that will awaken your taste buds!
- Herbed Flavor: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the Brussels sprouts during cooking for an aromatic twist.
- Sweet and Savory Combo: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished toast for an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
- Grainy Texture: Swap out sourdough for a nutty whole grain bread to add even more texture and flavor to your base.
- Citrus Bliss: Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon to create a bright, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey.
Feel inspired to try these variations for a custom twist on your Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata & Bacon!
Expert Tips for Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast
Season Well: Make sure to season the Brussels sprouts adequately while caramelizing to avoid blandness and enhance their natural sweetness.
Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy to provide a satisfying texture contrast against the creamy burrata. Soft bacon won’t provide the crunch you want!
Room Temperature Burrata: Let the burrata sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it; this will make it even creamier and easier to spread on the toast.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality honey for the best flavor in your Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast. Avoid bottled lemon juice, which can lack depth.
Toast Variety: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your bread choice! While sourdough works beautifully, ciabatta or even whole-grain bread can elevate the toast in unique ways.
Garnish Creativity: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or microgreens for an additional layer of flavor and a splash of color on your holiday table.
What to Serve with Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata and Bacon?
Elevate your holiday gatherings with delightful pairings that perfectly complement this irresistible toast.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light and tangy salad with a citrus vinaigrette refreshes the palate after each savory bite.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: The rich, warm flavors of tomato soup create a comforting combination, perfect for a cozy dinner setting.
- Sparkling Wine: A crisp, bubbly wine enhances the flavors, striking a harmony between the richness of burrata and the smokiness of bacon.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and fluffy texture balance the savory notes of the toast, creating a satisfying side.
- Garlic Herb Breadsticks: These crispy, buttery sticks add another layer of flavor and texture that brings gourmet comfort to the table.
- Chocolate Fondue: For a fun, interactive dessert, serve a rich chocolate fondue with fruits and marshmallows—an indulgent finale to your meal.
With these complementary dishes, your festive spread will be sure to impress and leave lasting memories!
How to Store and Freeze Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata & Bacon
Fridge: Store any leftover assembled toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The bread may become soggy, so consider toasting it briefly before serving.
Freezer: If you need to freeze the components, store caramelized Brussels sprouts, bacon, and burrata separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat the Brussels sprouts and bacon before assembling.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a skillet or oven, then assemble on toasted bread just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and flavorful.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bacon and Brussels sprouts a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and assemble the toast right before your guests arrive for the ultimate fresh experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata and Bacon are ideal for meal prep, saving you precious time during the busy holiday season! You can caramelize the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon up to 3 days in advance; just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The toasted bread can be prepared a day ahead as well; keep it wrapped to maintain its crunch. When it’s time to serve, assemble the toast by layering the stored ingredients on the toasted bread and broiling for a couple of minutes to reheat and crisp it up while adding the burrata, garnish, and final seasoning. This thoughtful prep ensures your dish is just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your guests!
Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata and Bacon Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm and compact with a vibrant green color. Avoid those with yellowing leaves or dark spots, as these can indicate overripeness. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter, while larger ones can be a bit more bitter. If possible, opt for fresh sprouts instead of pre-packaged ones for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast?
Very simple! Store any leftover assembled toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware that the bread may become slightly soggy, but a quick re-toast before serving can revive its crunch! If you’re concerned about sogginess, you could store the components separately.
Can I freeze the components of this dish?
Of course! To freeze, place caramelized Brussels sprouts, cooked bacon, and burrata in separate airtight containers. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw everything in the fridge overnight, then reheat the Brussels sprouts and bacon before assembling them on toasted bread.
What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers?
For the freshest results, the best way is to reheat the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) to reheat them for about 10-15 minutes. Once heated, assemble on some toasted bread for a delightful treat!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Great question! This Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata and Bacon contains gluten from the bread and dairy from the burrata. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free bread, and for a dairy-free version, skip the burrata entirely and try a flavorful avocado spread instead. Always check individual ingredient labels for potential allergens!
How can I enhance the flavors of my toast?
To amplify the flavor profile, consider adding a touch of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or chives on top before serving. You could also experiment with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a bit of heat and depth. The more, the merrier when it comes to enhancing this delicious Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast!
Caramelized Brussels Sprout Toast with Burrata & Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the remaining bacon fat, toss in the sliced Brussels sprouts and season. Cook until tender and golden, about 8-10 minutes.
- Lightly toast the slices of sourdough or ciabatta until golden brown.
- Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and distribute evenly over the toasted bread.
- Layer the caramelized Brussels sprouts on top of the burrata, followed by broken crispy bacon pieces.
- Sprinkle with roasted hazelnuts, drizzle with honey, and add a squeeze of lemon.
- Just before serving, add flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper to enhance flavors.