SAUTÉED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON

Sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon will be your new favorite side dish! These green sprouts are topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and served with savory hickory smoked bacon.

INGREDIENTS
Breadcrumb Topping

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter , (14g)
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs , (28g)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Brussels Sprouts

• 4 cups water , (60ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt , plus more for seasoning
• 1 pound brussels sprouts , (454g) trimmed and halved
• 2 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup shallots , (122g) 1/8-inch thick slices
• black pepper , for seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS
Breadcrumb Topping

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until toasted and crisp, stirring frequently.
2. Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt, add more as desired. Transfer breadcrumbs to a sheet tray to allow to cool.

Brussels Sprouts

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until very crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
2. Turn off heat and transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the pan with the bacon fat. Allow bacon to cool, and then chop into small pieces.
3. In a medium-sized pot, add water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Add Brussels sprouts and cook 5 to 6 minutes, or until tender. Immediately drain the Brussels sprouts and shake to remove the excess water.
5. Turn heat to medium-high on the pan with the bacon fat drippings.
6. Add the shallots and sauté for 2 minutes, until tender, stirring occasionally. Push the shallots to the side of the pan, and add the Brussels sprouts.
7. Cook for about 5 minutes, searing each side of the Brussels sprouts until lightly brown. Turn off heat and season with salt and pepper.
8. Add the bacon to the pan and stir to combine.
9. Transfer Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and top with breadcrumb topping right before serving.

RECIPE NOTES
MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be substituted for regular breadcrumbs, or topped with sliced roasted almonds or toasted almond meal.

MAKE IT DAIRY-FREE: Olive oil can be substituted for butter.

MAKE IT WHOLE30 and PALEO: Substitute ghee or olive oil for butter. Add sliced roasted almonds or toasted almond meal instead of panko.