Merv Griffin’s Brussels Sprouts: A Surprisingly Delicious Side Dish

Like many, Brussels sprouts weren’t exactly my favorite vegetable growing up. They were something I politely pushed around my plate. That is, until I stumbled upon this recipe, attributed to none other than Merv Griffin. Intrigued by the unexpected culinary association, I gave it a try and was completely won over. The combination of savory bacon, sweet onions, and tender Brussels sprouts transformed the humble vegetable into a dish that I now actually crave.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Variable (can be adapted to be gluten-free and dairy-free)

Ingredients

• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen baby Brussels sprouts
• 4 slices bacon
• 4 tablespoons chopped onions
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons water

Equipment Needed

• 12-inch skillet with lid
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving dish

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the bacon. Cut the bacon strips into approximately ¼-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the bacon to render its fat effectively.

2. Place the diced bacon and chopped onions into a 12-inch skillet. The skillet should be large enough to accommodate the Brussels sprouts later without overcrowding.

3. Cook the bacon and onions over medium heat until the bacon is cooked through but not yet crispy – about 5 minutes. You want the bacon to release its flavorful fat and the onions to become translucent and softened. Be careful not to burn the bacon.

4. While the bacon is cooking, take the frozen Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise. This allows them to cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the bacon and onions.

5. Once the bacon and onions are cooked, push them to the side of the skillet. This creates a clear space to sear the Brussels sprouts.

6. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in the skillet, cut side down. This direct contact with the hot skillet allows the cut sides to caramelize, developing a rich, nutty flavor.

7. Sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper. Season generously to enhance their natural flavor.

8. Add the water to the skillet. The water will create steam, helping the Brussels sprouts cook through and become tender.

9. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. This traps the steam and ensures that the Brussels sprouts cook evenly.

10. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are fork-tender. Check for doneness by piercing a sprout with a fork; it should offer little resistance. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts and the heat of your stovetop.

11. Remove the lid and stir the Brussels sprouts, bacon, and onions together, ensuring that everything is well combined.

12. Transfer the cooked Brussels sprouts mixture to a serving dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bacon Variation: Experiment with different types of bacon. Smoked bacon will add a deeper, more intense flavor.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: While frozen Brussels sprouts work well in this recipe, fresh Brussels sprouts can also be used. If using fresh, trim the ends and remove any yellowed outer leaves before halving them. Fresh Brussels sprouts may require a slightly longer cooking time.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked Brussels sprouts can become mushy and develop a bitter taste. Keep a close eye on them and cook until just fork-tender.
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts: If you prefer crispier Brussels sprouts, remove the lid during the last few minutes of cooking to allow some of the moisture to evaporate and the sprouts to brown slightly.
• Deglazing the pan: After removing the bacon and onions, consider deglazing the pan with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to scrape up all the browned bits before adding the sprouts.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served immediately while the Brussels sprouts are still warm and tender. It makes an excellent side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or fish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water to prevent them from drying out. I don’t recommend freezing the cooked sprouts as this can change their texture and make them mushy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	159 kcal	–
Total Fat	10.9g	16%
Saturated Fat	3.5g	17%
Cholesterol	15.4mg	5%
Sodium	291.9mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	11.3g	3%
Dietary Fiber	3.8g	15%
Sugars	2.9g	–
Protein	6.3g	12%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the bacon. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet instead to cook the onions. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Different Vegetables: Experiment with adding other vegetables to the skillet, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or garlic.
• Nuts and Seeds: Toasted nuts or seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds, can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pan along with the salt and pepper to give this dish a subtle kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh Brussels sprouts instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh Brussels sprouts. Just trim the ends, remove any yellowed outer leaves, and halve them before cooking. They might require a slightly longer cooking time.

Q: How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming bitter?
A: Avoid overcooking them. Cook until just fork-tender. Adding a touch of sweetness, like onions, can also help balance any bitterness.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served immediately, you can chop the bacon and onions ahead of time to save time during cooking.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Gently warm the Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if microwaving to prevent drying.

Q: Can I add other seasonings besides salt and pepper?
A: Absolutely! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can all add interesting flavors.

Final Thoughts

Merv Griffin might have been known for his talk show empire, but this Brussels sprouts recipe proves he had a knack for creating delicious and simple dishes. I urge you to give this recipe a try – even if you’re not a Brussels sprouts fan. You might just be surprised at how good they can be. Serve this alongside a perfectly roasted chicken or a hearty steak for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking and make it your own. Let me know in the comments if you have any tips or variations you would like to share!