Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts! This mouthwatering recipe transforms these humble green vegetables into a crispy, flavor-packed side dish that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds. Imagine golden-brown Brussels sprouts caramelized to perfection, studded with crispy bacon bits and aromatic garlic – a culinary magic trick that turns a potentially boring vegetable into a show-stopping sensation that will steal the spotlight at any meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the stem ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
- Pat Brussels sprouts dry with paper towels to ensure they will crisp properly during cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until it starts to crisp and render its fat, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Increase skillet heat to medium-high and add halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer, allowing them to develop a golden-brown caramelization.
- Cook Brussels sprouts without stirring for 5-7 minutes until they develop a deep golden-brown color on the cut side.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Return crispy bacon pieces to the skillet and toss to combine with Brussels sprouts.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always pat your Brussels sprouts completely dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure they caramelize beautifully.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible – it provides the best heat distribution and helps create that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the Brussels sprouts in a single layer to allow proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
- For extra flavor, try using thick-cut bacon and save a little bacon fat to drizzle over the finished dish.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the crispy texture and maximize flavor impact.
- For a gourmet touch, finish with a light sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 125kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
