The first time I encountered Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon, it was love at first bite. Imagine crispy bacon mingling with tender Brussels sprouts, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was enough to make anyone forget about their New Year’s resolution to eat healthier. Let’s be honest: this dish is a side that could easily steal the show, and it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or festive dinners.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon ahead of time?
- What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
- How do I know when my Brussels sprouts are cooked perfectly?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I stirred the creamy concoction on the stovetop, I couldn’t help but reminisce about family holidays spent hovering around the dinner table. My Aunt Betty would always make her famous Brussels sprouts, though they never looked quite as enticing as this version. Now, with my own twist of adding bacon and cream, I’ve officially upgraded our family tradition into something everyone actually wants to eat—sorry Aunt Betty! This recipe promises a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making gourmet dining accessible for everyone
- Its savory flavor profile balances richness with a touch of smokiness from bacon
- Visually appealing with its vibrant green and golden hues, it becomes the centerpiece of any meal
- Perfect for holiday feasts or casual weeknight dinners, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion
I remember serving this dish at my last Friendsgiving. The looks on my friends’ faces when they took their first bites were priceless; they were hooked immediately!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Brussels Sprouts: Select firm, fresh sprouts that are bright green without any yellowing for the best flavor.
Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for crispy bits that add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Heavy Cream: Use high-quality heavy cream; it makes the sauce luxuriously rich and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds an irresistible umami flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves lend a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance all the flavors in this delightful dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon
Sauté the Bacon: Start by frying diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and releases its delightful fat. Set aside cooked bacon on paper towels to soak up excess grease.
Cook the Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet with residual bacon fat, toss halved Brussels sprouts. Sauté them until they’re golden brown and fork-tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Add Garlic and Cream: Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—then pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine everything smoothly.
Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Gradually mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper. Stir until cheese melts completely into that creamy goodness.
Finish with Bacon Bits: Fold in crispy bacon pieces just before serving so they retain their crunchiness amidst all that luscious creaminess.
This Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon recipe transforms humble ingredients into something spectacularly delicious. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers satisfaction right from your plate to your heart!
You Must Know
- Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon is not just a side dish; it’s a delightful experience
- The combination of crispy bacon and creamy sprouts brings comfort to any meal
- Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without losing your sanity in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then sauté the Brussels sprouts in the rendered fat for maximum flavor. This sequence enhances both texture and taste, ensuring your dish is rich and satisfying.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the Brussels sprouts for green beans or add some garlic for an extra kick. Experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda to elevate the creaminess even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain that delightful creaminess without turning mushy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for better texture; frozen ones tend to become mushy
- Sautéing them longer adds depth of flavor, while making sure not to overcook keeps them vibrant and crunchy
- Always taste before seasoning to avoid overdoing it!
Memories of hosting Thanksgiving dinners flood my mind whenever I whip up this dish. Friends and family rave about how it steals the show—who knew veggies could be so exciting?
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance but reheat gently to keep it creamy.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
You can use turkey bacon or smoked paprika for a vegetarian option.
How do I know when my Brussels sprouts are cooked perfectly?
They should be tender yet still bright green with a little char for added flavor.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bacon is a show-stopping side dish that combines crispy bacon with tender Brussels sprouts in a rich, velvety sauce. This indulgent recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, delivering an explosion of flavors that will entice even the pickiest eaters. With its savory profile and creamy texture, this dish elevates traditional Brussels sprouts into a must-try delight that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, add halved Brussels sprouts and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine.
- Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper until melted and creamy.
- Fold in cooked bacon just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
