Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
You had me at ‘bacon’
I could eat this side dish as a meal, mainly because I love, love, love bacon. I should have named my son “Kevin Bacon.”
This dish is a favorite in my family (except, admittedly, my kids kids are not yet big fans of Brussels sprouts). And when we have guests, it’s one of the first things to go — people always ask for more! Believe me, you can get a craving for these nuggets of goodness because they’re so satisfying, especially with the bacon’s salty, smokey richness.
There are a lot of great duos out there, but Brussels sprouts and bacon are a match made in heaven, forming a glorious marriage (which of course makes me jealous because I want to marry the bacon myself).
We don’t make this recipe every week because it’s got some strong flavors — we consider it an occasional treat. They’re a little bit earthy and a little bit bitter, so I roast them in the oven to give them a nuttiness. Bonus: When you roast them, the olive oil sort of caramelizes and gives them even more flavor.
Notes: Some people consider Brussels sprouts an exclusively winter vegetable, but they’re available year-round with consistent quality. Also, if you don’t eat pork, you can substitute turkey bacon and get a similar result.
To all my friends, I love you more than bacon … well, not really.
Watch the video (see ingredients and directions below)
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 pkg bacon, browned and crumbled (I cut mine with kitchen shears!)
As always
- Olive oil, about 3 tbsp
- Sea salt
As needed
- Cooking spray
DIRECTIONS
For the Brussels sprouts
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Spread sprouts across baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle liberally with salt, then mix to coat sprouts well.
- Spread mixture evenly on baking sheet.
- Roast about 15 minutes.
While the sprouts roast, make the bacon
- Line a second baking sheet with parchment paper, then coat with cooking spray; arrange bacon strips on baking sheet.
- After sprouts have been in oven for about 15 minutes, place baking sheet with bacon on rack below sprouts.
- Flip bacon after about 10 minutes (when strips start to curl).
- Roast about 10 minutes longer, removing both baking sheets from oven when sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bacon has reached desired crispness; place baking sheets on wire racks.
- Once bacon is cool enough to handle, use kitchen shears to cut it onto sprouts, then toss to combine.
- Have the link to this recipe ready, because everyone’s gonna want it.
Deliciously simple. Enjoy!
