Get ready to transform your vegetable game with the most addictive side dish you'll ever encounter! 🥓✨ Our Maple Bacon Brussels Sprout Skillet is about to revolutionize how you think about these little green gems, turning even the most stubborn veggie-avoider into a Brussels sprouts enthusiast. Imagine crispy, caramelized sprouts dancing with smoky bacon and a luxurious maple glaze that will make your taste buds sing with joy. This isn't just a side dish; it's a flavor explosion that will steal the show at your next meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise, ensuring they are clean and dry.
- Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon pieces and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crisp and renders its fat, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, carefully add the halved Brussels sprouts, cut-side down. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure maximum caramelization.
- Cook the Brussels sprouts without stirring for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Gently flip the Brussels sprouts and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender and evenly browned.
- Drizzle the maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts, tossing to coat them evenly. The syrup will caramelize and create a sweet, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet, stirring to distribute them throughout the Brussels sprouts.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprout Skillet to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are completely dry before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best caramelization and even heat distribution.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - give sprouts space to brown properly.
- Cook bacon first to render fat, which will add incredible flavor to the sprouts.
- Let sprouts sit undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Use real maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to balance the sweetness of the maple with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
