Savory Bacon-Infused Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your vegetable side dish game with this delicious Bacon-Infused Brussels Sprouts recipe. Tender Brussels sprouts are sautéed in a rich mixture of crispy bacon, sweet Spanish onions, and aromatic garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that perfectly balance smokiness and sweetness. This dish not only makes a stunning addition to any dinner table but also brings a hearty twist to a classic vegetable. It's the ideal accompaniment to roasted meats or as a standalone dish that's sure to impress your family and guests.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
12 ounces (Thickly sliced and cut crosswise into thin strips)
Spanish onion
1 (Thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
8 (Halved lengthwise)
Brussels sprouts
2 lbs (Trimmed and halved (if desired))
Coarse salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Sugar
optional (A pinch for sweetness)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep skillet, cook the bacon over moderate-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 8 minutes.
2
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
3
In the rendered bacon fat, add the sliced Spanish onion and halved garlic cloves to the skillet. Reduce the heat to moderate and sauté while stirring, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4
Remove the softened onion and garlic from the pan, and set aside.
5
Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet in batches. Cook the Brussels sprouts, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized on the outside, about 8 to 10 minutes.
6
Return the reserved bacon, onion, and garlic to the pan with the Brussels sprouts. Season the mixture with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if using), stirring to combine.
7
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the mixture to cook, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender but still vibrant, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Bacon-Infused Brussels Sprouts recipe?
It is a vegetable side dish where Brussels sprouts are sautéed with crispy bacon, Spanish onions, and aromatic garlic for a smoky and sweet flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes enough to serve 4 to 6 people.
How long does it take to cook the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked for about 8 minutes over moderate-high heat until crispy and browned.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls specifically for one thinly sliced Spanish onion.
How should the garlic cloves be prepared?
You should use 8 garlic cloves, halved lengthwise.
Should I keep the bacon fat in the pan?
Yes, you use the rendered bacon fat to sauté the onion and garlic cloves.
How long do the onions and garlic need to sauté?
They should be sautéed for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
How should the Brussels sprouts be prepared before cooking?
The Brussels sprouts should be trimmed and halved.
How long do the Brussels sprouts need to cook to caramelize?
They should be cooked in the skillet for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
Is sugar required for this recipe?
No, a pinch of sugar is optional for added sweetness.
What seasonings are recommended?
The dish is seasoned with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What is the final cooking step?
After combining all ingredients and seasoning, cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the sprouts are tender.
Can this be served for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal dish for Thanksgiving and holiday recipes.
How much bacon is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of thickly sliced bacon.
How many pounds of Brussels sprouts are used?
This recipe uses 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
While it is primarily a side dish, the description mentions it can be served as a standalone dish.
What is the texture of the finished Brussels sprouts?
They should be tender on the inside but still vibrant in color.
Should the bacon be drained?
Yes, after cooking, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat before adding it back later.
What heat should be used for the Brussels sprouts?
The instructions imply using the same skillet after sautéing onions, typically over moderate heat to ensure browning.
Is it better to cook Brussels sprouts in batches?
Yes, the instructions recommend adding the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet in batches.
What kind of salt is best for this dish?
Coarse salt is recommended for seasoning this recipe.
How should the bacon be sliced?
It should be thickly sliced and then cut crosswise into thin strips.
What kind of cookware is recommended?
A large, deep skillet is necessary to fit the ingredients and allow for covered cooking.
Does the recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it contains 8 halved garlic cloves which provide an aromatic flavor.
What flavors does the Spanish onion add?
The Spanish onion adds a sweet and savory depth to the dish once softened.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged with 'quick prep' although it requires some time for caramelizing and simmering.
What should the garlic look like after sautéing?
The garlic is sautéed with the onions until softened, infusing the bacon fat with flavor.
How long is the total cooking process approximately?
Total cooking time is roughly 40 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
Can this be made without bacon?
While this specific recipe is bacon-infused, you could omit it, though you would lose the primary smoky flavor and fat used for sautéing.
What does this dish pair well with?
It is an ideal accompaniment to roasted meats or other holiday side dishes.