Crispy Bacon Brussels: Irresistibly Delicious Recipe

It’s time to talk about a dish that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching—Bacon Brussels. Imagine crispy bacon mingling with tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you questioning why you ever thought you didn’t like veggies. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will draw in family and friends faster than a cat to a sunbeam.

Let me take you back to the first time I whipped up this delightful dish for my family. I was aiming for gourmet, but instead, I found myself in a comedy of errors that ended with everyone laughing as they devoured every last bite. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday night dinner, Bacon Brussels is always the star of the show, promising an unforgettable flavor experience.

I remember my cousin’s face lighting up when he took his first bite; he swore he’d never look at Brussels sprouts the same way again.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts; avoid any with yellow leaves or brown spots.

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness; it makes all the difference.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; don’t skimp here!

• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; chop or mince it finely for even distribution.

• Salt and Pepper: Use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning perfection.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle at the end elevates flavors with its sweet acidity; opt for good quality.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Bacon Brussels

Preparation Phase: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, wash and trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off their ends. Slice them in half for even cooking.

Bacon Bliss: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy—about 5-7 minutes. Let it release its smoky aroma while you contemplate how everything tastes better with bacon.

Combining Flavors: Once the bacon is crispy, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Make sure not to burn it; we want deliciousness, not bitterness!

Tossing It All Together: In a large bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts with the cooked bacon and garlic mix. Drizzle olive oil over everything and toss generously so each sprout gets coated in bacon goodness.

Roasting Time!: Spread your mixture on a baking sheet in one layer—no crowding! Roast in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown on the edges and fork-tender.

The Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and drizzle balsamic vinegar over everything while still hot. Toss lightly so that every bite has that lovely tangy kick added right at the end.

And there you have it—your Bacon Brussels are ready to impress!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the Brussels sprouts until tender and caramelized, then toss in crispy bacon for maximum flavor and texture. This sequence ensures even cooking and a delightful crispiness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out bacon for turkey bacon or add nuts like pecans for an extra crunch. Experimenting with spices can also give your Bacon Brussels unique flair!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain that crispy goodness.

Cooking these Bacon Brussels brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last bite. It’s always a hit, and I’ve learned that even my picky eaters can’t resist them!

FAQ

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Yes, but fresh Brussels sprouts yield better flavor and texture when roasted.

What’s the best way to cut Brussels sprouts?

Trim the ends and slice them in half for even cooking and better caramelization.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that savory flavor without meat.

Print

Bacon Brussels

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Elevate your vegetable game with Bacon Brussels, a delightful dish featuring crispy bacon and tender Brussels sprouts. The savory, smoky flavor of the bacon melds beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sprouts, creating a mouthwatering experience that even picky eaters will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Side
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts with bacon and garlic mixture. Drizzle olive oil over top and toss well.
5. Spread mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and tender.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the hot dish before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: - For extra crunch, consider adding nuts like pecans or swapping bacon for turkey bacon. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.