Are you ready to transform the often-overlooked Brussels sprout into a creamy, decadent masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds? This Bacon Brussels Sprouts Chowder is not just another soup—it's a culinary revelation that combines the smoky richness of crispy bacon with the earthy, slightly nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts, all blended into a luxuriously smooth chowder that will redefine comfort food for you and your loved ones.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Halve the Brussels sprouts and set them aside. Chop the bacon into small pieces and dice the onion.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Next, add the halved Brussels sprouts to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and bacon fat. Sauté the Brussels sprouts for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender.
- After the Brussels sprouts are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the chowder to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier chowder, you can blend only half of it and leave the rest as is.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the chowder to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Finally, stir in the reserved crispy bacon, mixing it into the chowder. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Bacon Brussels Sprouts Chowder hot, garnished with additional bacon pieces if desired. Enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose fresh Brussels sprouts: Look for bright green, firm sprouts without yellow leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon matters: Use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
- Don't rush the bacon: Cook it slowly to render out maximum fat and achieve perfect crispiness.
- Blending technique: If you prefer a smoother chowder, blend more; for a chunkier texture, blend only partially.
- Cream temperature: Add heavy cream at the end and heat gently to prevent curdling.
- Season gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking, as bacon and broth can vary in saltiness.
- Make ahead tip: This chowder tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
