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If you think Brussels sprouts aren’t your thing, this recipe might just change your mind. Pan-roasted until tender and then bathed in a sweet, tangy bourbon glaze, these Brussels sprouts are accented by the crunchy goodness of smoky bacon. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet—one bite, and you’ll wonder how you ever ate Brussels sprouts any other way.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon to the dry skillet, letting the fat render as the bacon turns golden and crispy. Once the pieces are cooked through, remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel–lined plate, keeping the bacon drippings in the pan.
Toss the Brussels sprouts in the bacon drippings along with the olive oil. Season them with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, then spread them out in the skillet, cut side down if possible. Sear for about 5 minutes, or until they develop a rich, golden crust.
In a small bowl, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir in the minced garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully pour this mixture into the skillet with the sprouts, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, tossing the sprouts every so often so they’re evenly coated.
When the glaze has reduced to a shiny, thick consistency—usually in about 3 to 4 minutes—return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring that bacon, glaze, and sprouts are all happily mingling. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Behold: Bourbon-glazed Brussels sprouts that effortlessly hit all the flavor high notes. The smoky bacon ribbons, the sweet-sappy glaze, and the garden-fresh sprouts create a dish that’s hearty and exciting enough to win over just about anyone. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more veggies in your diet or looking for something special to serve at a holiday meal, these sprouts fit right in. If you need to make it alcohol-free, substitute apple juice for the bourbon; turkey bacon also works as a leaner alternative. The variations are endless, but one thing’s certain—this is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat, wowing guests and delighting taste buds time and time again.
