Irresistible Crispy Brussels Sprout & Pancetta Flatbread: Your New Favorite Recipe!
Prepare yourselves, because what you are about to discover is, without a doubt, the most exquisite and utterly delicious way to experience Brussels sprouts. Forget everything you thought you knew about this humble cruciferous vegetable; this recipe transforms them into a star ingredient, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that will forever change your perception.
My culinary journey to this revelation began just a few weeks ago. I had the privilege of attending an exclusive preview at the dazzling new D Bar restaurant here in Denver. Every dish presented that evening was a masterpiece, a testament to culinary artistry. Yet, among all the incredible bites, one particular creation stood out: crispy Brussels sprouts generously adorned with perfectly cooked bacon. They weren’t just good; they were absolutely transcendent, effortlessly eclipsing every other flavor of the night. As I savored each bite, a singular thought echoed in my mind: “The only way these could possibly be better is if they were piled high on a perfectly crisp flatbread base.” It was a moment of pure inspiration, a vision of culinary perfection.
That encounter left an indelible mark. I simply couldn’t stop thinking about those Brussels sprouts. The memory of their crisp texture and savory depth haunted my culinary dreams until I knew I had to recreate that magic at home, with my own unique twist. The goal was clear: capture the essence of that restaurant experience and elevate it onto a flatbread, making it accessible for anyone to enjoy.
And so, this flatbread came to life, a realization of every culinary fantasy I had conjured. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. You’ll find those very same deeply caramelized, crispy Brussels sprouts that first captured my heart, but now they are presented on a delightfully crunchy flatbread. This glorious base is then layered with generous amounts of gooey, melt-in-your-mouth Fontina cheese, adding a rich, nutty creaminess. Interspersed throughout are ribbons of sweet, savory caramelized onions, providing a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. But the true secret weapon, the ingredient that elevates this dish from delicious to utterly unforgettable, is the sauce. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s, quite possibly, the best sauce I have ever crafted in my kitchen.
The star of the show, truly kicking this entire meal up several notches, is the homemade honey Sriracha sauce. This incredible concoction is a masterful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that perform a captivating dance on your tongue. The initial sweetness from the honey is quickly followed by the gentle, invigorating heat of the Sriracha, all balanced by a touch of tangy lime and umami-rich soy sauce. It’s a flavor profile so addictively delicious that it will have your mouth watering for the next bite even before you’ve finished the first. Each ingredient in this flatbread plays a crucial role, but it is the honey Sriracha sauce that ties everything together, transforming simple components into an extraordinary culinary delight. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the earthy sprouts and savory pancetta, ensuring every mouthful is an exciting adventure.
Feeling hungry yet? If so, you’re in for an absolute treat. This flatbread is perfect as a sophisticated appetizer for your next gathering, a delightful lunch, or even a light, yet satisfying, dinner. It’s versatile, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Get ready to impress your taste buds and any lucky guests you decide to share this with!
table of contents
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Crispy Brussel Sprout & Pancetta Flatbread
ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough homemade or store-bought
- 1 lb small Brussels sprouts washed, trimmed and halved
- 6 thick-cut slices pancetta cut into long strips and cooked until crisp
- 1 onion cut into thin strips
- 7 oz fontina cheese freshly grated
- Salt & pepper
- 1/4 cup Sriracha hot sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 3 Tbsp butter melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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In a small bowl, whisk together Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, melted butter, and salt until combined. Set aside.
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Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and drizzle 1/4 cup of the honey Sriracha sauce. Use your hands to make sure all the Brussels sprouts are coated with the sauce. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
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While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, heat the sliced onion in a dry small skillet over medium-high heat. Once browned, add approximately 2 to 3 Tbsp of water to the pan and continue to cook until caramelized. Remove from heat and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Roll out the pizza dough to a 18×13 inch rectangle. Add it to a baking sheet or pizza stone and prick all over with a fork. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Sprinkle the dough with grated fontina and return to the oven for approximately 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with Brussels sprouts, crisp pancetta, and caramelized onions. Drizzle with additional sauce. Serve immediately.
Now that you have the detailed recipe at your fingertips, let’s talk about why this Crispy Brussels Sprout & Pancetta Flatbread is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. The journey from a simple vegetable to this delectable creation is a testament to thoughtful flavor pairing and textural contrasts.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Achieving perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts is key to this flatbread’s success. Here are a few secrets:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give your Brussels sprouts space on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast and crisp up. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- High heat is your friend: Roasting at 400 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that outer leaves become beautifully charred and crisp while the inside remains tender.
- The Honey Sriracha coating: Tossing the sprouts with a portion of the sauce before roasting not only infuses them with flavor but also helps create a sticky, caramelized crust as they cook. This is where a lot of the magic happens!
The Unsung Heroes: Pancetta and Caramelized Onions
While the Brussels sprouts are the main attraction, the supporting cast plays an equally vital role. Pancetta, with its rich, salty, and slightly smoky flavor, offers a depth that bacon brings, but with a more subtle, sophisticated touch. Cooking it until crisp releases its flavorful fat, which can be reserved for other dishes if desired. The caramelized onions add a beautiful sweetness and an almost jam-like texture that beautifully contrasts with the crispiness of the sprouts and flatbread. Patience is key when caramelizing onions; cook them slowly over medium-low heat until deeply golden brown and soft, resisting the urge to rush the process.
Customizing Your Flatbread: Variations to Explore
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for delicious variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: For a delightful vegetarian version, simply omit the pancetta. You can add roasted mushrooms, toasted walnuts, or even some crumbled goat cheese after baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Alternatives: If Fontina isn’t readily available, consider using gruyere, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile but still provide that satisfying gooey texture.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Love more heat? Increase the Sriracha in the sauce. Prefer it milder? Reduce the Sriracha or swap it for a touch of smoked paprika for flavor without the spice.
- Different Flatbread Bases: While store-bought pizza dough is convenient, feel free to use pre-made naan bread, pita bread, or even a gluten-free crust for a quicker preparation time or dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
This Crispy Brussels Sprout & Pancetta Flatbread is incredibly versatile. Serve it:
- As a standout appetizer: Cut into small squares for an impressive party starter.
- For a casual lunch or dinner: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- As a sophisticated side dish: Alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork for a complete meal.
Its vibrant flavors also make it an excellent accompaniment to a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, or a light-bodied amber ale.
The Joy of Home Cooking and Discovery
What I love most about cooking is the ability to take inspiration from incredible dining experiences and bring those flavors into your own home. This flatbread is a perfect example of that. It takes a humble vegetable, elevates it with bold, harmonious flavors, and serves it up in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that proves Brussels sprouts can indeed be the star of the show, especially when paired with crispy pancetta, sweet caramelized onions, creamy Fontina, and that unforgettable honey Sriracha sauce.
I genuinely hope this recipe becomes a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t be shy about experimenting with it, and most importantly, enjoy every single, crispy, flavorful bite. Happy cooking!