Crispy Bacon & Brussels Sprouts with Lemon & Thyme
Ingredients
- 6 slicesbacon
- 1½ poundbrussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- 1 teaspoonfresh thyme
- ½ teaspoonkosher salt
- ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
Prep
- 01
Trim brussels sprouts and halve them lengthwise.
- 02
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 03
Cut 1 lemon in half for juicing.
Method
- 01
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel and chop once cool.
- 02
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet. Raise heat to medium-high.
- 03
Add brussels sprouts to the skillet in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for 4 minutes until the cut side browns, then stir and cook for another 3–4 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- 04
Add garlic and thyme, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Squeeze in the juice from the lemon, season with salt and pepper, and toss. Return bacon to the pan and stir to combine.
- 06
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Spice Tips
For gentle heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. If you like smokiness, swap half the bacon fat for smoked paprika oil or add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika when you add the garlic.
You can prep the brussels sprouts and garlic up to 1 day ahead and store in the refrigerator. The dish is best served immediately after cooking while the bacon is still crispy.