Charred Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Crispy Garlic
Ingredients
- 6 slicesbacon
- 1½ poundsbrussels sprouts
- 5 clovesgarlic
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil
- ½ teaspoonkosher salt
- ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
- 1 tablespoonred wine vinegar
- ¼ cupparmesan cheese
Prep
- 01
Trim brussels sprouts, halve them lengthwise, and pat dry with a paper towel.
- 02
Mince 5 cloves garlic.
Method
- 01
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel, let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet.
- 02
Add brussels sprouts to the skillet with the bacon fat, increase heat to medium-high, and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the cut sides turn deep golden brown. Stir, then cook another 3 to 4 minutes until tender and charred on edges.
- 03
Push the sprouts to the side of the skillet. Add garlic to the cleared space and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant. Toss everything together.
- 04
Drizzle in red wine vinegar, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Return the chopped bacon to the skillet, toss to combine, and cook for 1 minute.
- 05
Transfer to a serving bowl and shower generously with grated parmesan. Serve warm.
Spice Tips
For a savory kick, add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika when the sprouts are charred. For heat, finish with a small pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. A splash of balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar adds deeper sweetness.