Seared Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

This delicious recipe for seared Brussels sprouts with bacon is a perfect side dish that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. The combination of crispy bacon and tender-crisp Brussels sprouts creates a flavor-packed dish that is hard to resist. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few, this dish is sure to be a hit.

SERVINGS: 4 to 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces slab bacon, cut into ½-by-¼-inch-thick strips
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds small Brussels sprouts, bottoms trimmed, outer leaves discarded, and split in half
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put the bacon and olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet, add enough water to barely cover the bacon, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring to separate the bacon, until the water completely evaporates. Continue to cook, stirring and tossing occasionally, until the bacon is crisp on all sides, about 8 minutes longer. Transfer the cooked bacon to a fine-mesh strainer set over a large heatproof bowl to drain, then set the bacon aside.
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with the rendered bacon fat until well coated. Wipe out the skillet, add 1 teaspoon of the bacon fat, and heat over high heat until smoking. Add as many Brussels sprouts as fit in a single layer, cut side down, and cook, without moving, until deeply charred, about 3 minutes. Flip the sprouts and cook until the second side is charred and the sprouts are tender-crisp, about 3 minutes longer. Season the seared Brussels sprouts to taste with salt and pepper and transfer them to a serving bowl. Repeat this step with the remaining Brussels sprouts.
3. Add the reserved crispy bacon to the serving bowl with the seared Brussels sprouts and toss everything together to combine. Serve the delicious dish immediately.

SERVING OPTIONS:

1. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the seared Brussels sprouts and bacon with a balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet flavor that complements the smokiness of the bacon and charred sprouts.
2. Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving for an extra layer of savory goodness.
3. Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the seared Brussels sprouts and bacon.
4. Garlic: For garlic lovers, add minced or sliced garlic to the skillet along with the Brussels sprouts for a fragrant and aromatic twist.
5. Dried Cranberries: Sprinkle some dried cranberries over the dish for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
6. Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the seared Brussels sprouts and bacon for a spicy kick.
7. Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a burst of freshness.

Feel free to experiment with these serving ideas or come up with your own creative additions to enhance this already delightful recipe. Enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures in this seared Brussels sprouts with bacon dish. It’s a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!