Easy Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Brussels Sprouts? Smoking Brussels sprouts adds a whole new level of flavor to this already delicious vegetable. The smoky flavor is a perfect complement to the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

There are many ways to smoke Brussels sprouts, and each recipe offers its own unique twist on this classic side dish. Some recipes call for bacon, onions, or garlic to add even more flavor to the dish. Others suggest adding smoked paprika or apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. For ours, we use bacon, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little bit of butter.

Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking for a new way to prepare your favorite vegetable, this recipe will hit the spot.

The Z Grills Combo Pellet Grill/Smoker is a fantastic smoker for everyday use. It’s very easy to figure out and to operate, so it’s even easy for beginners, and the results are great. All you need is a bag of pellets in the wood you like, and you’re set for a few fantastic meals.

» You might also like this Simple Smoked Cream Cheese.

Ingredients You Need

• Brussels Sprouts – Look for medium-sized Brussels Sprouts that can be cut in half and still have good surface area. The larger ones smoke better than smaller.
• Olive oil – I like to cook on the pellet grill with olive oil because the heat remains low and doesn’t destroy the flavor. You can use any other cooking oil you prefer.
• Salt & pepper – Keep the seasoning simple so the smoke can shine through. Just use regular salt and ground black pepper to season them.
• Bacon – As they say, bacon makes everything better! Cooking some bacon on the smoker alongside the Brussels Sprouts is easy to do and it will add a ton of extra flavor to your veggies when they’re combined.
• Butter – The butter is for tossing with the final product, once the Brussels Sprouts have been smoked. Use salted butter to give an extra flavor boost.

Selecting the Best Brussels Sprouts

When it comes to making the best smoked Brussels sprouts, selecting the right sprouts is key. You want to choose sprouts that are fresh, firm, and vibrant in color. Here are a few tips for selecting the best Brussels sprouts:

• Look for sprouts that are small to medium in size, as they tend to be sweeter and more tender than larger sprouts.
• Avoid sprouts that are yellowing, bruised, or have brown spots, as these are signs of age or damage.
• Choose sprouts that are tightly closed, as this indicates freshness.
• Opt for sprouts that have a bright green color, as this indicates that they are fresh and have not been exposed to too much light.

How to Make Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Cleaning and Trimming the Brussels Sprouts

Before smoking the Brussels sprouts, it is important to clean and trim them properly. Rinse the sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, cut off the stem end of each sprout and remove any discolored or wilted outer leaves. You can also halve or quarter the sprouts if you prefer smaller pieces.

Once the sprouts are cleaned and trimmed, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water. This will help the sprouts to cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Seasoning the Brussels Sprouts

When it comes to seasoning smoked Brussels sprouts, there are endless possibilities. You can keep it simple with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or add more complex flavors with spices, herbs, and sauces.

A popular seasoning option is to toss the sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and honey. This creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on the sprouts during smoking.

Another tasty option is to add bacon to the mix. Wrap each sprout in a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick before smoking. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the sprouts.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning choices. Experiment with different combinations of spices, herbs, and sauces to find your perfect flavor profile.

Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on a sheet pan, oven-proof vegetable tray, or disposable foil pan.

Smoking the Brussels Sprouts

Choosing the Right Wood Chips

The type of wood chips you use for smoking your brussels sprouts can make a big difference in the flavor. Here are some popular options:

Wood Type	Flavor Profile
Hickory	Strong, smoky flavor
Apple	Mild, sweet flavor
Mesquite	Intense, earthy flavor

Setting Up the Smoker

Before you start smoking your brussels sprouts, make sure your smoker is set up properly:

• Preheat your smoker to 225° F.
• Place a grill basket in the smoker to contain the sprouts.
• Add your desired wood chips to the smoker box or foil packet.

Smoking the Brussels Sprouts

Now that your smoker is set up, it’s time to smoke your brussels sprouts:

1. Cut your brussels sprouts in half and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the sprouts in the grill basket and smoke for 50 minutes to an hour, or until tender and lightly browned.
3. Remove the sprouts from the smoker, toss in the bacon, and serve immediately.

Experiment with different wood chips and smoking times to find your perfect flavor and texture. Enjoy!

Garnishing the Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Smoked brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish for any occasion. They are easy to prepare and can be garnished with a variety of toppings to enhance their flavor. Here are some garnishing ideas:

• Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze
• Top with crispy bacon bits
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top
• Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

These garnishes will add a pop of flavor and texture to the smoked brussels sprouts, making them even more delicious.

Pairing the Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Other Dishes

Smoked brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:

Main Dish	Pairing Suggestion
Grilled chicken	Pair with a side of smoked brussels sprouts with bacon
Roasted pork tenderloin	Pair with smoked brussels sprouts tossed in a balsamic glaze
Beef brisket	Pair with smoked brussels sprouts topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese

These pairing suggestions will complement the flavor of the smoked brussels sprouts and make for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

What Temperature to Smoke Brussels Sprouts

Smoking Brussels sprouts is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this delicious vegetable. However, it’s important to know the right temperature to smoke them to achieve the best results. Here are some tips on what temperature to smoke Brussels sprouts:

• Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) for best results. This temperature allows the Brussels sprouts to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavor without burning or becoming too soft.
• If you’re in a hurry, you can smoke Brussels sprouts at a higher temperature, such as 350°F (177°C) or 400°F (204°C). However, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy and lose their texture.
• When smoking Brussels sprouts, it’s important to keep an eye on them and check them periodically to ensure they’re cooking evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sprouts, which should be around 185°F (85°C) when fully cooked.

Overall, the key to smoking Brussels sprouts is to cook them slowly at a low temperature to allow them to absorb the smoky flavor without becoming too soft. With the right temperature and a little patience, you can create a delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why Are Brussels Sprouts Good on the Smoker

Brussels sprouts may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think of smoking, but they are actually a great choice for the smoker. Here are a few reasons why:

• Flavor: Smoking adds a smoky, charred flavor to the sprouts that you can’t get from other cooking methods. This flavor pairs well with the natural sweetness of the sprouts.
• Texture: Smoking breaks down the tough exterior and makes each sprout deliciously tender inside. This texture makes them more enjoyable to eat.
• Versatility: Smoked Brussels sprouts can be seasoned in a variety of ways, making them a versatile side dish that can complement many different meals.

When smoking Brussels sprouts, it’s important to choose the right equipment. A grill basket or cast-iron skillet can help keep the sprouts from falling through the grates. You’ll also want to make sure the sprouts are cut into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Overall, smoking Brussels sprouts is a great way to add flavor and texture to this often-overlooked vegetable. Give it a try at your next barbecue or cookout!

How to Store Leftover Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed at any time. If you have leftover smoked Brussels sprouts, you can store them in the fridge or freezer and enjoy them later. Here are some tips on how to store your leftover Brussels sprouts:

• Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool down to room temperature before storing them.
• Place the leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible.
• If you plan on eating the leftover Brussels sprouts within three days, store them in the fridge. If you want to keep them for longer, store them in the freezer.
• If you are storing them in the fridge, place the container or bag in the fridge as soon as possible.
• If you are storing them in the freezer, label the container or bag with the date and contents.

When you are ready to eat the leftover Brussels sprouts, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. Keep in mind that the texture of the Brussels sprouts may change after being stored in the fridge or freezer. They may become softer and less crispy, but they will still be delicious.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your leftover smoked Brussels sprouts for days or even weeks to come.

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