Easy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Easy Bacon Brussels Sprouts: A Sizzling Side Dish Delight

  Brussels sprouts have made a comeback in recent years as a beloved vegetable side dish. But when you add the smoky allure of bacon to the mix, you take these humble greens to a whole new level. Our recipe for Easy Bacon Brussels Sprouts combines the crispiness of bacon with the tender heartiness of roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s a dish that’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and bound to convert even the staunchest Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans. Let’s dive into this sizzling side dish delight!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut side down.

Bake and Cook Bacon: 4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and have developed a golden brown crispiness on the cut sides.

5. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and browned, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Reserve a tablespoon or two of bacon grease in the skillet.

Add Flavor: 7. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Combine and Garnish: 8. Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a serving dish.

9. Pour the sautéed garlic and bacon mixture over the roasted Brussels sprouts.
10. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
11. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Cook’s Notes:

• When roasting Brussels sprouts, be sure to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet so they cook and crisp up uniformly.
• If you prefer a more intense bacon flavor, you can save additional bacon bits for garnish.
• For a touch of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish just before serving.
• These Easy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are versatile and make an excellent side dish for a variety of meals, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Easy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a wonderful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of these greens, enhanced by the savory charm of bacon. This side dish provides the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a hit at any meal. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts enthusiast or need a way to convert the skeptics at your table, these roasted delights are sure to please.