Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Diced Onion

This dish combines the earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts with the savory richness of bacon and the sweet, caramelized taste of roasted onions. It’s an easy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for holidays or any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
   • Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. If some of the outer leaves fall off, that’s fine – they’ll crisp up and add texture to the dish.
3. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
4. Sauté the Onion:
   • In the same skillet, add the diced onion to the remaining bacon drippings and cook over medium heat until softened and caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Roast the Brussels Sprouts:
   • While the bacon and onions cook, spread the halved Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are crispy on the edges and tender on the inside.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
   • Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a large serving bowl. Add the sautéed onions and crispy bacon to the bowl and toss everything together. If desired, drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• Add Garlic: For extra flavor, you can sauté a couple of minced garlic cloves along with the onions.
• Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when tossing the Brussels sprouts in olive oil for a bit of heat.
• Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted almonds or pecans over the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving.

This roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and diced onion is a hearty, flavorful side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy!