I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone not unanimously love crispy brussel sprouts. Crispy brussel sprouts are basically the best vegetable…ever. They never get old! And they are so easy to make too…all you need is bacon and garlic – two ingredients you’ll already have on hand. The bacon flavors up the sprouts so well, and the garlic really brings it to life!
Busy holidays schedule? No problem, these crispy treats are so easy to prepare they don’t require full holiday attention. This easy-peasy recipe is on this festive side of the menu and right up your alley if you want to impress your family or friends, host a brunch with other important people in the neighborhood or replenish your holiday energy.
How to Prepare Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Garlic
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 teaspoons butter
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
Directions:
Begin by slicing each Brussels sprout in half at the base. This helps ensure more even cooking
In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, roughly 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
In the same skillet, melt 1 teaspoon of butter and add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped garlic until it turns a golden hue, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt and black pepper. Cover the skillet and let the sprouts cook until they’re tender, which should take about 12 to 14 minutes. Remove the cover and let the excess liquid evaporate.
Fold in the remaining 2 teaspoons of butter until it melts into the Brussels sprouts. Toss in the crumbled bacon.
Serve the sprouts warm from the skillet.
FAQs:
How do you achieve a golden garlic flavor without burning it?
Firstly, heat 1 teaspoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add the chopped garlic and cook it, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Monitoring the garlic closely and stirring frequently prevents it from burning while achieving a deep, rich flavor that enhances the overall dish.
What is the role of chicken broth in this recipe?
Adding reduced-sodium chicken broth to the Brussels sprouts helps to steam them effectively under cover, which makes the sprouts tender. The broth not only adds moisture that aids in cooking the sprouts uniformly, but it also infuses them with flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
How should you finish the dish for the best flavor?
Once the Brussels sprouts are tender and the cooking liquid has been drained, stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of butter until it melts. Finally, mix in the crispy bacon. The butter enriches the dish, providing a creamy texture and a rich flavor, while the bacon adds a satisfying crunch and savory depth, ensuring a delicious balance in every bite.
Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons butter
Instructions
- Begin by slicing each Brussels sprout in half at the base. This helps ensure more even cooking. Set sprouts aside.
- Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes; drain and cool on paper towels. Crumble.
- Heat 1 teaspoon butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir garlic until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts; toss to coat. Stir in broth, salt, and black pepper; cover and cook until Brussels sprouts are tender, 12 to 14 minutes. Drain liquid from pan.
- Stir remaining 2 teaspoons butter into Brussels sprouts mixture until melted.
- Mix in bacon and serve.
