Table of Contents
- Why This Dish Became a Family Favorite
- The Secret to Perfect Brussels Sprouts Every Time
- Why Quality Bacon Makes All the Difference
- Creamy Sauce Magic: The Heart of the Recipe
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From Weeknights to Holidays
- So Easy to Customize: Make It Your Own
- Key Takeaways
- The Recipe
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a game-changing side dish that transforms a simple vegetable into a crave-worthy comfort food. It’s surprisingly easy to make in about 30 minutes, requiring just one skillet. The magic lies in balancing crispy bacon, tender-crisp Brussels sprouts, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. It’s endlessly versatile—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a show-stopping addition to your holiday table. You’ll love how this recipe turns skeptics into Brussels sprouts believers.
Why This Dish Became a Family Favorite
Hi, I’m Patricia from Patricia Universe, and if you’d told me a few years ago that my kids would be asking for seconds of Brussels sprouts, I wouldn’t have believed you. Like many, I grew up thinking they were the mushy, bitter vegetable to be avoided at all costs. That all changed when I discovered the power of pairing them with two magical ingredients: cream and bacon. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a revelation. The first time I served this creamy Brussels sprouts with bacon, the pan was scraped clean, and a new family tradition was born. It’s the dish I’m most proud to share because it proves that with the right recipe, even the most misunderstood veggies can become the star of the show.
The Secret to Perfect Brussels Sprouts Every Time
Forget boiling! The key to unlocking the sweet, nutty potential of Brussels sprouts lies in one simple technique: caramelization. When you sauté the halved sprouts cut-side down in that rendered bacon fat, something beautiful happens. The edges get deeply browned and crispy, while the insides become tender. This Maillard reaction (fancy chef talk for delicious browning) completely eliminates any trace of bitterness. It’s this foundational step that elevates the entire dish from good to unforgettable. Mastering this method is the secret to creating the best bacon side dish you’ll ever make.
Why Quality Bacon Makes All the Difference
Bacon isn’t just a topping here; it’s a core flavor component that provides a salty, smoky, umami-rich foundation. I recommend using a good-quality, thick-cut bacon. As it renders, it creates the flavorful fat we use to cook the sprouts, infusing them with smokiness from the inside out. The crispy bacon bits added back at the end provide the perfect textural contrast to the creamy sauce. This combination creates a deeply satisfying comfort food sides experience that feels indulgent yet familiar.
Creamy Sauce Magic: The Heart of the Recipe
After achieving that perfect sear on the sprouts, we build a luxurious pan sauce right in the same skillet. Deglazing with a bit of chicken broth lifts all those flavorful browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom of the pan, ensuring no deliciousness is left behind. Then, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese melt together into a velvety, clinging sauce. The Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth that complements the sprouts and bacon perfectly. A hint of thyme and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes round out the flavor profile. This rich, cheesy vegetables sauce coats every nook and cranny, making each bite utterly irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Weeknights to Holidays
The beauty of this dish is its incredible versatility. On a busy Tuesday, it comes together in about half an hour, turning a simple grilled chicken or pork chop into a special meal. Yet, it’s elegant and impressive enough to hold its own on a Thanksgiving or Christmas spread alongside the turkey and mashed potatoes. It’s one of those rare easy vegetable recipes that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and festive feasting. I love having a recipe in my back pocket that works this hard, and this creamy Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is exactly that.
So Easy to Customize: Make It Your Own
While the classic version is perfection, don’t be afraid to play with it! For a lighter take, swap half the heavy cream for whole milk or half-and-half. Add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Stir in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist, or a splash of white wine when deglazing for a brighter note. It’s a fantastic template for creating your own signature holiday side dishes. The recipe is forgiving and encourages creativity, which is what home cooking at Patricia Universe is all about.
Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (Easy Side Dish)
Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, cut side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to brown and caramelize.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
Finish and Serve
- Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
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