I’ll never forget the first time I tried the Brussels sprouts at Longhorn Steakhouse. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something hearty and comforting. When the server recommended their famous Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts, I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical. But one bite in, and I was completely hooked.
The way those tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts practically melted in my mouth, complemented by the savory, slightly smoky flavors – it was like a revelation. From that moment on, I knew I had to figure out how to recreate those Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts at home. After countless experiments in the kitchen, I finally landed on a recipe that captures all the magic of the original. And let me tell you, it’s become a staple in my household ever since.
Why This Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
The key to nailing this Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts recipe is all in the technique. It’s not just about tossing some Brussels sprouts in a pan and calling it a day. No, the true magic happens when you take the time to properly prep and cook them. From the way you trim and slice the sprouts to the combination of cooking methods, every step plays a crucial role in delivering that signature Longhorn flavor and texture.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh Brussels sprouts: Look for bright green, tightly packed sprouts with no signs of yellowing or browning.
- Bacon: Thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon adds an irresistible savory and smoky depth.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a warm, pungent note to the dish.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweet, caramelized notes that complement the Brussels sprouts perfectly.
- Butter: A touch of rich, creamy butter is essential for achieving that signature Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
Step-by-Step Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts Instructions
Preparing Your Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
This Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts recipe is straightforward, but it does require a bit of active preparation time. However, the end result is so worth it – trust me! You’ll need about 30 minutes total, including cooking time, to whip up this flavorful side dish.
1- Start by trimming the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and cutting any larger sprouts in half lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly.
2- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
3- Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and starting to caramelize.
4- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
5- Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts are tender and lightly charred.
6- Finally, stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon and a couple of tablespoons of butter. Toss everything together until the butter is melted and the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts recipe is all in the preparation and cooking technique. Be sure to trim the sprouts properly, cook the bacon until crispy, and don’t skimp on the butter – that’s what gives these sprouts their signature rich, indulgent flavor.
It’s also important not to overcrowd the pan when sautéing the sprouts. Work in batches if needed to ensure they get nicely browned and caramelized. And keep a close eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
Serving and Storing Your Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
Perfect Pairings for Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
These Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts make an excellent side dish for all sorts of main courses, from grilled steak or chicken to roasted pork tenderloin. They also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or a hearty pasta dish. For a complete Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired meal, I love serving them alongside a juicy ribeye or the restaurant’s famous seasoned fries.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm them up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
You can also make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the sprouts up to the point of adding the butter, then let them cool completely. Store the cooked sprouts and bacon separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sprouts in a skillet with the bacon and a tablespoon or two of butter until hot and sizzling.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
Creative Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts Variations
While the classic Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts recipe is pretty darn perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra richness and tang. You could also toss in some toasted pecans or almonds for a nice crunch.
For a seasonal twist, swap out the bacon for crispy pancetta or prosciutto. Or mix things up with different herbs and spices, like rosemary, thyme, or a dash of smoked paprika.
Making Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe a bit more diet-friendly, you can easily swap the bacon for turkey bacon or omit it altogether. For a vegan or vegetarian version, simply use olive oil or a plant-based butter in place of the regular butter.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can serve the Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starch-heavy sides. And for a gluten-free option, just ensure your bacon is gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
A: While fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for this recipe, you can certainly use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they still get nicely browned and caramelized.
Q: How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
A: The Brussels sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork, and they should have a nice, golden-brown color and crispy edges. Avoid overcooking, as that can make them bitter.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! The Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts recipe can be partially prepared in advance. Cook the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic, then refrigerate those components separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pan, add the sprouts, and finish cooking according to the instructions.
Q: How can I adjust the serving size?
A: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a side dish. To scale it up or down, simply adjust the amount of Brussels sprouts, bacon, and other ingredients proportionally. Keep in mind that you may need to work in batches when sautéing the sprouts to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Q: What if my Brussels sprouts turn out soggy?
A: If your Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts end up a bit soggy, it’s likely because they were overcrowded in the pan or cooked for too long. Next time, be sure to work in batches and keep a close eye on the cooking time. You can also try roasting the sprouts instead of sautéing for a drier, crispier texture.
Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Brussels sprouts are tender, caramelized, and bursting with savory-sweet flavor. Roasted to perfection with garlic, lemon, and just the right amount of butter, they make the perfect easy side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. – In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. – Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. – Roast for 18-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until sprouts are tender and caramelized.
5. – In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. – Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle the garlic-butter mixture over the top and toss to coat.
7. – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sprouts and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese. You can also roast the Brussels sprouts a day in advance and reheat them before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I can say with complete confidence that once you try this Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts recipe, it will become a permanent fixture in your household. The combination of tender, caramelized sprouts, savory bacon, and rich, creamy butter is simply irresistible.
Go ahead and give this recipe a try – I guarantee it will have you craving those famous Longhorn Steakhouse Brussels Sprouts any time the mood strikes. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Enjoy.