Delicious Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Your New Go-To Flavorful Side Dish
Looking for an easy side dish that genuinely excites the taste buds and fits into any meal plan? This incredible Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is about to become your new kitchen MVP! It’s impressively elegant, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any special occasion where you want to serve something a little extra without the extra effort. Yet, its simplicity and quick preparation mean it’s equally ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a healthy, satisfying side to complement your family dinner. Prepare to fall in love with the irresistible combination of tender, slightly caramelized Brussels sprouts and crispy, smoky bacon – a truly harmonious pairing that elevates this humble vegetable to culinary stardom.
A Dash of Personal Joy: My New Ride!
Before we dive into the mouth-watering details of this fantastic recipe, I simply must share a piece of personal news that has me absolutely beaming! If you’ve been keeping up with my posts on Instagram, you might already be in the loop: I got a NEW CAR! And yes, the multitude of exclamation points truly reflects the sheer excitement I’m feeling – a single period simply wouldn’t do justice to this moment of pure bliss. This isn’t just about a new vehicle; it’s about a significant upgrade that promises more comfort, safety, and freedom for our family adventures.
This isn’t just any car; it’s a stunning 2015 Chevy Suburban, gleaming in a sophisticated tungsten gray. It arrived practically fresh off the lot, boasting a mere 80 miles on the odometer – truly a brand-new experience for us. It feels surreal, knowing that this beautiful, spacious vehicle is now ours, all ours! This particular model, with its robust design and ample features, was a deliberate choice, marking a wonderful transition from our previous, more challenging ride.
For me, this acquisition represents a huge deal. For years, I navigated life’s daily demands in a 1999 Dodge Durango. While it dutifully served its purpose, it had become, shall we say, a character-filled vehicle with an ever-growing list of mechanical issues. It was endearing in its own way, but often felt like a “problem on wheels” more than reliable transport. We were committed to being frugal, strategically avoiding car payments for a few years, and I truly feel I’ve paid my dues. Now, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of that patience and reap the rewards of a comfortable, modern, and reliable vehicle.
The Perfect Family Vehicle: Why the Suburban Won Our Hearts
Choosing the right family car is a significant decision, especially when you have growing boys. Suburbans are known for their generous size, and initially, I wasn’t entirely convinced I needed something quite that large. My heart was truly set on a Tahoe, envisioning it as the ideal blend of style and utility. However, after taking a Tahoe for a test drive, I quickly realized that while appealing, it simply didn’t offer the expansive interior space we genuinely required. The third-row seating felt cramped, with minimal legroom, and the cargo area in the back was surprisingly similar to our old Durango, which wasn’t going to cut it for our expanding family needs.
Then, we decided to test drive the Suburban, and it was truly love at first drive! The difference in space was immediately apparent and incredibly welcome. The main catalyst for needing a new car was my boys, who are quickly morphing into “man-size” young adults. Cramming two big 13-year-olds into the back of a small Durango for carpool, watching them practically fold themselves in half to access the third row, was anything but cool or comfortable. Now, with the Suburban, we have an abundance of room for everyone to stretch out, and the cargo space in the back is phenomenal. This means comfortable road trips, easy grocery hauls, and plenty of space for sports equipment or luggage. Beyond the practicalities, there’s a certain peace of mind that comes with driving a vehicle that feels secure and capable. I am, quite obviously, absolutely thrilled to have this new car – it’s a game-changer for our family life! 😉
From New Wheels to Delicious Meals: Back to Bacon Brussels Sprouts!
But enough about my exciting new wheels, as much as I could talk about them all day! Let’s shift our focus back to what truly brings us all together: delicious food, and a special shout-out to the incredible young man featured above, my son, Tate. And, of course, to these fantastic Brussels sprouts below!
Tate is my youngest – a funny, energetic, breakdancing enthusiast, and a budding photographer in his own right. He’s often my trusty sidekick in the kitchen and during my food photography sessions. He was right there with me while I captured these mouth-watering Brussels sprouts pictures, and in fact, he even helped me take the shot below. Not bad for a burgeoning talent, eh? 😉 It’s moments like these, sharing passions with my children, that truly enrich my life.
He always shows such keen interest in the cooking process and the intricacies of food photography. Tate isn’t just my helper; he’s my most honest and enthusiastic taste tester. As a parent, you often ponder what your children will pursue as they grow, but watching Tate, I can clearly see a future blossoming in either the culinary arts or photography (perhaps even a combination, like food blogging, who knows? 🙂 ). I managed to snap that candid picture of him in a flash, and that confident pose? That’s all him. {i heart him} He makes every recipe development session an absolute joy.
The Magic of Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Why This Recipe Shines
Now, let’s talk about these Brussels sprouts. They are, simply put, crazy delicious. This recipe doesn’t demand a lot of your time, yet it yields a dish bursting with such an incredible depth of flavor. It’s an undeniable truth that anything featuring bacon is destined to taste amazing, right? The smoky, savory, and perfectly crispy notes of bacon create an irresistible contrast with the slightly bitter, earthy sweetness of the Brussels sprouts. This dish beautifully marries the classic, universally loved flavor of bacon with a healthy, nutrient-packed vegetable, giving you the best of both worlds in a single, irresistible side dish. It’s a versatile creation that works wonderfully whether you’re serving a crowd at a party or enjoying a cozy, nourishing weeknight meal with your family.
Brussels sprouts, often misunderstood, are actually miniature powerhouses of nutrition. They’re rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a fantastic addition to any diet. When cooked properly, they shed their sometimes-maligned reputation and reveal a delicate, nutty flavor. Our recipe ensures they are cooked to tender-crisp perfection, absorbing the rich flavors of the bacon grease, garlic, and green onions. The final squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish that perfectly balances the richness, cutting through the savory notes and awakening your palate.
Mastering the Perfect Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Tips & Tricks
Achieving perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts is simpler than you might think. Start with fresh, firm sprouts. If they’re on the larger side, halving them ensures even cooking and allows more surface area for that wonderful caramelization. Don’t be afraid of the bacon grease! It’s the secret ingredient that infuses the sprouts with incredible flavor. Cooking the bacon first until it’s perfectly crisp not only gives you those delightful crunchy bits but also creates a flavorful fat base for sautéing your aromatics and sprouts.
When cooking the green onions and garlic, keep an eye on them. Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter, so cook until fragrant and softened, but not browned. The addition of water and covering the pot is crucial for steam-cooking the sprouts, helping them become tender on the inside while still retaining a slight bite. Once the sprouts are tender, remove the lid to allow any remaining water to evaporate and let the sprouts get a little golden and crisp at the edges. This process develops deeper flavors and a more appealing texture. The lemon juice at the end is non-negotiable – it brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the bacon, creating a harmonious and balanced taste profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon
- 4 green onions
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb. brussels sprouts halved if large
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
Instructions
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In a medium sized pot, cook 3 slices of bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy. Once cooked to your desired crispness, carefully remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. This will ensure your bacon remains deliciously crunchy.
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Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease in the pot – this is where all the incredible flavor begins! Add the chopped green onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the green onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant, typically about 2-3 minutes. Be vigilant during this step, as garlic can burn quickly, which can impart a bitter taste to your dish.
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Next, add the prepared Brussels sprouts to the pot, tossing them gently to coat them in the flavorful bacon grease and aromatics. Pour in the 1/3 cup of water. Immediately cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sprouts to steam and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork but still retain a slight firmness and vibrant green color. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
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Once the Brussels sprouts are tender, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to allow any remaining water to evaporate, letting the sprouts lightly brown and caramelize at the edges for extra flavor. Crumble the reserved crispy bacon and add it back into the pot with the sprouts. Finally, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Looking for More Easy & Delicious Side Dish Recipes? Try These Too!
Glazed Carrots
Lemon Green Beans Amandine
Zucchini Casserole