Garlic-Bacon Sautéed Sprouts
A quick and easy side dish featuring tender-crisp Brussels sprouts sautéed with savory bacon and aromatic garlic, perfect for adding a flavorful, low-carb vegetable to any meal.
For 4 servings
Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts, remove any loose or discolored outer leaves, and then halve each sprout lengthwise. Set aside.
Cut the bacon slices into ½-inch pieces. Place a large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels, reserving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
If there is less than 1 tablespoon of bacon fat remaining in the skillet, add enough olive oil to make up the difference. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, cut-side down, in a single layer if possible. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the cut sides are deeply browned and slightly caramelized.
Stir the sprouts and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and cooked through. They should still have a slight bite but be easily pierced with a fork.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sprouts and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon, kosher salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
For an extra bright finish, stir in the optional fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the Brussels sprouts in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and crisping. Overcrowding will steam them instead of searing.
- 2Achieve perfect browning: Start by placing the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the hot fat and resist stirring for the first few minutes. This allows them to develop a beautiful caramelized crust.
- 3Adjust bacon crispness: Cook the bacon to your preferred level of crispiness. For extra crunch, ensure it's very golden before removing from the pan.
- 4Prevent burnt garlic: Add the minced garlic towards the end of the cooking process, after the sprouts have mostly cooked, to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle heat that complements the savory flavors.
Cheesy DelightCheesy Delight
Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking or sprinkle it over the top just before serving for an umami boost.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Fold in ¼ cup of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts with the crispy bacon for added texture and a rich, earthy flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
Both Brussels sprouts and garlic are loaded with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
High in Vitamin K
Brussels sprouts provide a significant amount of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the bacon. Instead, use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil to sauté the Brussels sprouts, and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
