Prepare to banish all memories of bland, boring Brussels sprouts forever! This mouthwatering recipe turns these often-maligned vegetables into a decadent masterpiece that will have even the most ardent sprout-skeptics begging for seconds. With crispy bacon, luxurious sherry cream sauce, and perfectly caramelized sprouts, this dish is about to become your new favorite side that steals the spotlight from the main course.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sherry
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the stem ends and removing any yellow or discolored outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, rendering out the fat. This should take approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Using the same skillet with bacon fat, add the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown caramelization.
- Gently flip the Brussels sprouts and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still maintain a slight crunch.
- Pour the sherry into the skillet, using it to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the sherry to reduce by half, which concentrates its flavor.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sherry and create a rich sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the cream sauce for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and coats the Brussels sprouts.
- Return the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet, stirring to distribute evenly and warm through.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish, ensuring they are generously coated with the sherry bacon cream sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- • Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with tight, bright green leaves for the best flavor and texture. • Cut sprouts in half to maximize caramelization and ensure even cooking. • Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the best browning and flavor development. • Don't rush the caramelization process - letting the sprouts sit undisturbed creates that gorgeous golden crust. • Use high-quality sherry for a more complex sauce flavor. • Save some crispy bacon bits for garnishing to add extra crunch. • Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and sprouts at their most tender-crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
