Crispy Brussel Sprout BLT: A Savory Twist on the Classic Sandwich
Step aside, lettuce! There’s a new, exciting green in town. This Crispy Brussel Sprout BLT takes the traditional BLT sandwich to a whole new level by replacing lettuce with crispy, pan-fried shredded Brussels sprouts. Prepare for an explosion of savory flavors!
The inspiration for this unique BLT actually came from my husband. One night, amidst some conversation (likely fueled by beverages!), he casually suggested a Brussels sprout BLT. I wasn’t entirely sure what we were even talking about, but I took the idea and ran with it.
I’m no stranger to reimagining the classic BLT. My strawberry BLT replaces the usual tomatoes with juicy balsamic-marinated strawberries. And now, it’s lettuce’s turn for a makeover!
While I often enjoy roasting Brussels sprouts, this time, I decided to pan-fry them with a hint of maple syrup. The result? Beautifully golden, crispy sprouts with a touch of sweetness. These flavorful, crunchy veggies are the perfect addition to any sandwich.
Why Brussels Sprouts Belong on a BLT
The key to this exceptional BLT is the shredded Brussels sprouts. Pan-frying them caramelizes the edges, creating a delightful savory crunch. The sprouts hold their texture well, even when paired with bacon and tomato, preventing the sandwich from becoming soggy.
To complement the Brussels sprouts, I’ve added a quick garlic mayo, enhanced with a touch of Dijon mustard and lemon juice. This elevates the sandwich to a truly gourmet brunch experience.
Brussels sprouts are at their peak from late fall to early winter, making this BLT the ideal cold-weather comfort food! When shopping for Brussels sprouts, look for firm, bright green sprouts with tightly closed leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and cook more evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Brussel Sprout BLT
This sandwich comes together quickly. The photos below illustrate the simple steps of shredding and cooking the sprouts. For maximum flavor and ease, I sauté the Brussels sprouts in the bacon grease. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Shredding the Brussels Sprouts: For the best results, I recommend using a sharp knife instead of a food processor. A knife allows for slightly larger, more uniform strips, perfect for layering on your BLT. Begin by trimming off the woody ends and removing any bruised or damaged outer leaves. Then, turn each sprout lengthwise and slice it into thin strips. Finally, use your hands to gently separate the layers, creating a pile of shredded sprouts.
Easy Steps to BLT Bliss:
Step 1. Prepare the garlic mayo by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2. Fry bacon until perfectly crisp, then remove it from the pan, leaving the delicious bacon grease behind.
Step 3. Toss the shredded Brussels sprouts in the bacon grease and cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing them to caramelize.
Step 4. Season with salt and pepper, continuing to cook until the sprouts are tender and caramelized.
Step 5. Add maple syrup, tossing to coat and crisp the sprouts to perfection.
Step 6. Assemble your sandwich and serve it warm.
*Please note that these are abbreviated instructions. A complete list of detailed directions can be found in the recipe card below.
👩🍳 Expert Tips for the Best Brussel Sprout BLT
- Skip the Pre-Shredded Sprouts: While convenient, pre-shredded sprouts can be more expensive and may not be as fresh. Freshly shredded sprouts offer the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: For optimal texture, cook the shredded Brussels sprouts in a wide skillet without overcrowding. This ensures that they brown beautifully rather than steam. Achieve those coveted crispy, golden edges by cooking in batches if necessary. I often use my trusty cast-iron skillet for this purpose.
- Smart Sandwich Stacking: To prevent a soggy BLT, avoid layering warm sprouts directly under the tomatoes. Tomatoes release moisture, which can cause the crispy Brussels sprouts to become limp. Keep the sprouts and tomatoes separated by the crispy bacon for the best results and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Brussel Sprout BLT Variations: Customize Your Creation
Want to add your own personal touch to this delicious BLT? Here are a few exciting variations to try:
- Add a Fried Egg: Take your BLT to the next level by adding a perfectly fried or jammy egg. The creamy yolk adds richness and flavor to this already amazing sandwich.
- Spice Things Up: For a fiery kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Brussels sprouts or stir a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the garlic mayo.
- Experiment with Sweetness: Instead of maple syrup, try drizzling honey or balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts for a different dimension of sweetness.
- Elevate the Bacon: Substitute regular bacon with my homemade candied bacon or spicy turkey bacon. You could also skip traditional bacon slices altogether and use my sweet and savory bacon chutney for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal
Serve this incredible BLT with crispy breakfast potatoes, a refreshing side salad, or a bowl of fresh fruit. For brunch, pair it with a soft-boiled egg on the side or a refreshing coffee soda to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Prep: Make-Ahead Tips
To save time, you can prepare the sprouts and bacon ahead of time. Just make sure not to assemble the sandwich until you’re ready to eat. Cook the bacon and sauté the Brussels sprouts, then let everything cool completely. Store them separately and reheat the sprouts briefly in a skillet to restore some of their crispness before assembling the BLT.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brussel Sprout BLT
You can, but keep in mind that cabbage tends to retain more water than Brussels sprouts, so it won’t caramelize quite as effectively. To achieve the crispiest results, maintain medium-high heat and cook undisturbed, mirroring the Brussels sprout cooking method.
Absolutely! Roasting is a great alternative. Be sure to spread the shredded Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet to prevent steaming. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the sprouts are crispy and golden brown.
Perfect Pairings: Delicious Side Dishes
Looking for more inspiration? Here are some side dishes that pair perfectly with your Crispy Brussel Sprout BLT:
- Crispy Breakfast Potatoes
- Buttermilk Scrambled Eggs
- Slow Roasted Beefsteak Tomatoes
- Butter Bean Hummus
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment below the recipe. Snapped a photo? Tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your delicious creation!
📖 Recipe: Crispy Brussel Sprout BLT Sandwich
Crispy Brussel Sprout BLT Sandwich
Experience a revolutionary twist on the classic BLT! This Crispy Brussel Sprout BLT swaps out traditional lettuce for pan-fried, shredded Brussels sprouts, delivering an unmatched savory experience that will redefine your sandwich expectations.