Description
Brussels Sprouts with Hot Bacon is a quick and easy side dish combining crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts with spicy, smoky hot bacon. This flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknights or holiday meals and is loved by veggie enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb firm, bright green Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 oz hot bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to add to bacon fat as needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the stems and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Cut them in half lengthwise to promote even cooking and better caramelization.
- Cook the Hot Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the hot bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: Add olive oil to the bacon fat if needed. Toss in the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Let them cook undisturbed over medium-high heat until deeply browned and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Bacon: Stir the sprouts to toss them, add minced garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Return the crispy hot bacon pieces to the pan and mix well.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Give everything a final toss, then serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Pat dry the Brussels sprouts before cooking to remove excess moisture and help achieve crispy edges.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space between sprouts to ensure even browning instead of steaming.
- Use medium-high heat to create a perfect char while cooking through the interior.
- Cut Brussels sprouts evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Reserve bacon fat for cooking to add depth and richness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, hot bacon, side dish, quick recipe, sautéed vegetables, spicy bacon, caramelized sprouts, healthy side
