A delightful passenger from Dublin recently sat across from my jumpseat on a flight to Las Vegas, and we talked a little about his favorite Irish foods. Don’t be surprised, but corned beef and cabbage wasn’t on his list; he much prefers the abundance of seafood, the fabulous breads, and colcannon, which he likes to be made from potatoes and spring onion rather than with cabbage (the Northern way). He mentioned Brussels sprouts, which are very popular because the climate is perfect to grow veggies from the cabbage family. The following recipe for Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts is the perfect side dish for whatever you plan to serve on St. Patrick’s Day. Actually, this is a favorite way to prepare the sprouts all year round, not just on Irish holidays.

Incidentally this cute Irish man on the airplane also told me that in Ireland they don’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day and there is definitely no pinching. He went on to say that he had never tasted green beer, and his friends and neighbors probably haven’t either. He also doesn’t get drunk on St. Patrick’s Day.

If it’s important to you to serve something green on St. Patrick’s Day (even though the Irish don’t), these Brussels sprouts are naturally green, so no food coloring will be needed.

6 Servings

4 ounces bacon, diced (try to pick the fattier slices since the bacon fat is what coats the sprouts and gives them a fabulous flavor)
1 pound Brussels sprouts
2 teaspoons brown sugar
Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400°.


2. Place the bacon in a 1-2 quart shallow baking dish and let it bake while the oven is heating and while you are preparing the remaining ingredients.


3. Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut each in half lengthwise.


4. Remove the bacon from the oven and stir in the Brussels sprouts, brown sugar, and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper.


5. Bake 20-25 minutes, stirring once after 15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is crisp; serve immediately.


Amount Per Serving
Calories 80 Calories from Fat 31
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 39% Protein 23% Carb. 38%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 3 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 6 mg
Sodium 125 mg
Total Carbohydrate 8 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 5 g

Vitamin A 13% Vitamin C 111% Calcium 0% Iron 7%