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Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 458 reviews

Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a deliciously savory side dish featuring halved Brussels sprouts sautéed to a golden crisp in bacon fat. Enhanced with garlic and seasoning, and optionally finished with maple syrup, lemon, sriracha, or nuts for personalized flavor, this quick 25-minute recipe serves 4 and delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Brussels Sprouts

  • 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, washed, stems trimmed, and halved

Bacon and Fat

  • 6 slices thick-cut or regular bacon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if needed)

Seasonings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste

Optional Flavor Variations

  • Drizzle of pure maple syrup (for maple-glazed variant)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Sriracha or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
  • Smoked paprika and roasted chickpeas (vegetarian alternative to bacon)
  • Toasted walnuts or pecans (for added nutty crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trim off the stems, and cut them in half lengthwise to promote even cooking and maximize the crispy surface area.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook them until they are nicely crisp. Remove the bacon pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the sprouts.
  3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut side down in the hot bacon fat left in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing a deep golden crust to form. Then stir and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender.
  4. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add minced garlic to the pan and stir for about one minute until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and if desired, red pepper flakes to taste.
  5. Mix in the Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon back into the skillet with the sprouts. Toss everything together to evenly coat the Brussels sprouts with flavorful bacon bits.
  6. Optional Extras: Customize your dish by drizzling pure maple syrup, adding lemon zest and juice, a splash of sriracha or hot sauce, or sprinkling toasted walnuts or pecans just before serving. For a vegetarian alternative, swap bacon for smoked paprika and roasted chickpeas.

Notes

  • Ensure Brussels sprouts are cut evenly for uniform cooking and crispiness.
  • Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat without burning.
  • Do not stir sprouts immediately to allow a crispy crust to form.
  • Adjust seasoning and optional extras to your taste preference.
  • For a vegetarian twist, omit bacon and add smoked paprika with roasted chickpeas.

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, crispy, bacon, sautéed vegetables, easy side dish, quick recipe, maple glazed, lemon zest, sriracha, nuts, vegetarian alternative

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/crispy-bacon-brussels-sprouts-recipe/