Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is a savory, low-carb side dish perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Ingredients
Ingredients List
For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:
- Brussels Sprouts: 1 lb, trimmed and halved
- Thick-Cut Bacon: 6–8 slices, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup, freshly grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Optional Garnishes: Chopped parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or additional Parmesan for serving
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the Brussels sprouts to roast quickly and develop a caramelized, golden-brown exterior.
- Trim and Halve the Brussels Sprouts
- Use a sharp knife to trim the stem ends off each Brussels sprout, removing any outer leaves that are damaged or yellow. Halve each sprout lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet to add flavor to the sauce and Brussels sprouts.
Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
- Add the Cream and Parmesan
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Gradually add ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce
- Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick of heat.
Combining and Baking
- Add the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
- Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce until evenly coated. Add the crispy bacon pieces and gently mix to distribute the bacon throughout the Brussels sprouts.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if you want a more golden, cheesy finish.
- Bake the Dish
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for added flavor and color. Serve hot as a delicious, comforting side dish.