Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for finishing)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prep Brussels Sprouts:
- Trim and Halve Brussels Sprouts:
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Remove any loose or yellowing leaves.
Cook Bacon:
- Cook Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy and browned. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
Sauté Brussels Sprouts:
- Sauté in Bacon Fat:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bacon fat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the bacon fat and oil.
- Cook Until Golden Brown:
- Cook the Brussels sprouts for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Add Garlic:
- Add Minced Garlic:
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much.
Combine Bacon:
- Combine Bacon:
- Add the cooked bacon bits back to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts and toss to combine.
Season:
- Season with Salt and Pepper:
- Season the Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Finish and Serve:
- Optional Balsamic Finish:
- For added flavor, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. This step is optional but adds a delightful tang.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Optionally, garnish the Brussels Sprouts with Bacon with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the Brussels Sprouts with Bacon immediately as a savory and satisfying side dish.
Notes:
- Crispy Texture: To achieve a crispier texture, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet and allow the Brussels sprouts to brown on the cut sides.
- Variations: Experiment with additional seasonings such as red pepper flakes, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice for different flavor profiles.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts in advance for quicker cooking when ready to make the dish.
This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is a delicious way to enhance the natural flavors of Brussels sprouts with the smokiness of bacon. It makes for a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.