Brussels sprouts with bacon is a tasty dish that combines crunchy sprouts with crispy bacon. The salty flavor of the bacon makes these veggies hard to resist!
Honestly, who knew greens could be this fun? I love serving these alongside dinner. They always get gobbled up first—you can’t go wrong with bacon! 🥓🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, firm Brussels sprouts are essential for this dish. If you can’t find them, try using chopped cauliflower as a substitute for a similar texture.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option or a vegetarian alternative, turkey bacon or smoked tempeh works well too.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the sprouts to crisp up, but if you’re avoiding oil, you can skip it and rely on the bacon fat instead for flavor. Just be mindful of the amount of fat in the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Balsamic Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Both add a nice tangy touch. If you want a milder flavor, consider apple cider vinegar or even a touch of white wine vinegar instead.
How Can You Get Crispy Brussels Sprouts?
To achieve perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts, the key is how you cook them. Start by getting your skillet nice and hot, and don’t rush the frying process!
- Always place the Brussels sprouts cut side down in the skillet. This allows that side to caramelize and get crunchy.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook in batches. This keeps the temperature high and helps in achieving that crispy texture!
- Be patient! Allow them to cook undisturbed for the first 5-7 minutes before flipping.
- Once you add garlic, be sure to stir occasionally since garlic can burn quickly. This will help it flavor the sprouts perfectly without getting too charred.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6-8 slices of bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for a touch of acidity)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Spend around 10 minutes prepping the Brussels sprouts and bacon, and then about 20 minutes cooking everything together until golden and crispy. You’ll love how quickly it comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
Start by rinsing the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim off the ends and cut each sprout in half. This will help them cook evenly and get nice and crispy!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or frying pan, add the diced bacon and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside. Keep the delicious bacon fat in the pan as it will add great flavor to the Brussels sprouts.
3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts:
Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, placing them cut side down. If your pan looks dry, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil for extra crispiness. Let them cook without stirring for about 5-7 minutes until the cut sides are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
4. Add the Garlic:
Once the Brussels sprouts are crispy, flip them over to cook the other side. Add the minced garlic to the pan and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning—nobody likes burnt garlic!
5. Combine and Season:
Return the crispy bacon back to the pan, mixing it in with the Brussels sprouts. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
6. Finish with Acidity and Garnish:
If you’d like to brighten the dish, drizzle some balsamic vinegar or lemon juice over the mixture and stir to combine. This will enhance the flavors beautifully! Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
Enjoy this savory and crispy Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon—a perfect side dish or light meal! Your taste buds will thank you!
Can I Use Different Types of Bacon?
Absolutely! While regular bacon is delicious, you can use turkey bacon for a leaner option or even pancetta for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of bacon you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar umami flavor. For a vegan version, omit the bacon completely and use olive oil to sauté the Brussels sprouts. You can also add a dash of liquid smoke for extra flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve their crispiness, or pop them in the microwave in short bursts until warmed through, though they may lose some texture.
What Can I Serve With Brussels Sprouts and Bacon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, but it also makes a fantastic side for a hearty grain bowl. For a vegetarian option, serve them alongside quinoa or farro for a nutritious meal. Enjoy!
