Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table, you’ve come to the right place! This Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with a twist that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. The warmth of slightly roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in creamy homemade dressing creates a delightful experience that everyone will love.

What makes this salad even more special is how it beautifully balances simplicity and flavor. You can whip it up in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when you still want something wholesome and satisfying. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just over an hour, this dish comes together quickly, perfect for those busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of familiar flavors makes it appealing to both adults and kids alike.
• Brunch-Ready: The addition of hard-boiled eggs and everything bagel croutons makes this salad ideal for brunch gatherings.
• Makes Great Leftovers: You can easily prepare this salad ahead of time, and it tastes even better the next day!
• Deliciously Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful salad. You’ll find everything you need right here—no fancy stuff involved!

For the Croutons

• 1 large grinder roll (or 2 smaller rolls, cut into cubes)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ tablespoon everything bagel seasoning

For the Salad

• 4 large eggs
• ½ pound bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 32 ounces Brussels sprouts
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• ⅛ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

For the Dressing

• ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing (plus extra on the side – recipe below)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons deli-style mustard (or Dijon)
• 2 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Variations

This Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these delicious variations:

• Swap the protein: Instead of bacon, try crispy chickpeas or grilled chicken for a lighter touch.
• Change up the greens: If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, kale or romaine are great alternatives.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture.
• Make it vegan: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh and use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version.

How to Make Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and toss them until they are well-coated. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for that extra flavor kick! Spread them on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown—about 10-12 minutes. This step gives your salad a delightful crunch.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

While the croutons are baking, bring a pot of water to boil. Gently add your eggs and let them cook for about 9-10 minutes for hard-boiled perfection. Once cooked, transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Peeling them will be easy once cooled!

Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Now it’s time for those lovely Brussels sprouts! Trim and shred them before drizzling with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss them well so every piece gets coated. Spread them out on another baking sheet and roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly crispy. The roasting brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, anchovy paste (if using), Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. This creamy dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully!

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon pieces. Add in your homemade Caesar dressing and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs, croutons, and shredded Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch!

Now grab your fork and dive into this comforting Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Creating the perfect Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks! Here are some tips to elevate your salad:

• Use fresh Brussels sprouts: Freshly shredded Brussels sprouts have a more vibrant flavor and crisp texture compared to pre-packaged options. This will enhance the overall taste of your salad.
• Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust the creamy Caesar dressing according to your taste. Adding a bit more lemon juice can brighten up the flavors, while extra garlic can bring a delightful kick.
• Perfectly hard-boil eggs: For perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs, place them in cold water, bring it to a boil, then remove from heat and let them sit covered for about 9-12 minutes before cooling in ice water. This ensures that they’re easy to peel and have that lovely yolk texture!
• Make croutons from scratch: Toasting your own bread with butter and everything bagel seasoning adds a crunchy texture and flavor that store-bought croutons often lack. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover bread!
• Serve immediately: To enjoy the best flavors and textures, serve your salad warm right after preparation. The warmth helps meld all the ingredients together beautifully.

How to Serve Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Serving your Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad can be just as fun as making it! With a little creativity, you can present this dish in an appealing way that will impress your guests or family.

Garnishes

• Extra Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the salad’s richness and adds an inviting visual appeal.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives can add a bright pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the Caesar dressing.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes offer a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly seasoned quinoa pilaf can provide a nutty flavor and chewy texture, balancing out the creaminess of the salad perfectly.
• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers are a great protein addition that complements the Caesar flavors without overwhelming them.
• Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with fresh herbs adds an interesting texture and flavor contrast, making it an excellent pairing for this hearty salad.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad and let it shine as a centerpiece at your next meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! With a few simple steps, you can prepare components ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best to keep the dressing separate from the salad to maintain crispness.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended.
• If you do have cooked Brussels sprouts left over, you can freeze them, but they may lose some texture when thawed.

Reheating

• If preferred, gently reheat the Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the vegetables soggy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use different greens in my Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad?

Absolutely! While Brussels sprouts are fantastic, you can incorporate other greens like kale or romaine for added variety.

What can I substitute for bacon in the Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad?

You can use crispy chickpeas or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian twist. They add great texture and flavor without using pork!

How can I make the dressing for my Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad healthier?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the dressing. This will give you a creamy texture with less fat!

Can I prepare this Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dressing and roast the Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Just assemble it before serving to keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad as delightful as I do! It’s a wonderful combination of flavors that elevates your classic Caesar salad into something truly special. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or a brunch gathering, I’m sure you’ll enjoy making it as much as you’ll love eating it. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family!