Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

I am always needing a side dish, and my favorite go to side dish is brussel sprouts with bacon.  Well you can always change the first part, but you have to have the bacon.  I love this dish.

Fresh, salty and bacon...who doesn't love bacon.
Fresh, salty and bacon…who doesn’t love bacon.

This dish is quick and easy.

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

  • 1lb of brussel sprouts
  • 6 strips of thick cut bacon
  • 2 shallots
  • 2 serrano peppers
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 3 tbs of balsamic vinegar

The first step is to wash the brussel sprouts.  Clean as much of the dirt as you can off them.

Perfect brussel sprouts
Perfect brussel sprouts

Next trim the bottom of the brussel sprouts and peel off the outer layer of leaves.  Only cut off about a 1/4 of an inch.

Trim the bottom by taking off a 1/4 inch
Trim the bottom by taking off a 1/4 inch, don’t cut too much off.
Peel the outer layer off and rise the sprouts again.
Peel the outer layer off and rinse the sprouts again.

Next cut the brussel sprouts in half.   This will allow you to fully cook the brussel sprouts without having to par boil them.  This way the brussel sprouts will be dry and will soak up that amazing bacon grease.

Cut in half
Cut in half

Now slice the bacon into 1/2 inch wide strips.  Place the cut bacon into a medium/hot pan.  Cook until the bacon is crispy.

Cut up into strips
Cut up into strips

 

I totally ate some.  It was delicious!
I totally ate some. It was delicious!

While the bacon is cooking, finely dice the shallot, garlic and serrano.

 Shallots  Serrano Peppers

Once the bacon is cooked, remove the bacon and place on a paper towel.  Then saute’ the shallot, garlic and serrano for 1-2 mins or until the onion is translucent.

This is my holy trinity, sorry Emeril.
This is my holy trinity, sorry Emeril.

Then add the cut brussel sprouts.

Toss in the sprouts.
Toss in the sprouts.

Saute’ for 8-10 minutes or until the brussel sprouts start to carmelize.

They get nice and brown.  mmm. tasty...
They get nice and brown. mmm. tasty…

Once the sprouts are carmelized add the bacon and stir.

Yeah, there is less bacon than what was cooked.  What can I say, I love bacon!!!
Yeah, there is less bacon than what was cooked. What can I say, I love bacon!!!

Once you have the bacon fully incorporated, add the balsamic vinegar.  Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes stirring regularly.

They get nice and golden brown.
I usually pour it straight out of the bottle.  It was roughly 3tbs, honestly.  Cover the bottom to deglaze the pan.

Remove from the heat and serve.

When the balsalmic vinegar evaporates, remove from heat.
When the balsalmic vinegar evaporates, remove from heat.

The brussel sprouts are amazing.

Carmelized and awesome
Carmelized and awesome

They are salty, bacony, fresh, and a little tangy from the balsamic vinegar.  Brussel sprouts with bacon is the perfect side dish for any meal.  I hope you enjoy it.

Look at that carmelization.  It was tasty!!!
Look at that carmelization. It was tasty!!!

Rex

Rex is an avid griller, barbecuer and bacon enthusiast. He is the Pitmaster for the Rex BBQ competition team. Rex was also featured on the TV show American Grilled. If you have any questions or wish to have Rex decode your favorite dish, click on the ASK REX link in the menu above.

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