Description
A quick and easy holiday side dish featuring crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts with a touch of tangy vinegar, perfect for Christmas dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Trim the stem ends and peel off any yellow or damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise (about 5-7 minutes).
- Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and browned (about 6-8 minutes). Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set on paper towel-lined plate. Leave bacon fat in the pan.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil to the bacon fat in the skillet. Toss in the halved Brussels sprouts, cut side down. Cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until tender but firm.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar and stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Return crispy bacon to skillet and toss gently to combine.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
If sprouts cook unevenly, lower heat and cover pan for 2-3 minutes to steam gently. Avoid overcrowding pan; cook in batches if needed. Pat sprouts dry before cooking to ensure crispiness. Use bacon fat for added smoky flavor and crisp texture. Reheat leftovers in skillet or oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 7
Keywords: bacon, Brussels sprouts, Christmas side dish, holiday recipe, easy side, savory, caramelized sprouts