If you’re searching for a vibrant side dish that pairs comfort and zest perfectly, this Brussels Sprouts in Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Bacon Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Tender Brussels sprouts bathed in a luscious Alfredo sauce, enhanced by crispy bacon bits, and finished with a hint of lemon brightens every bite. This dish balances richness and freshness in such a satisfying way you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain veggies before.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Brussels Sprouts in Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Bacon Recipe lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one brings something special: smoky bacon adds crunch and depth, fresh Brussels sprouts give hearty texture, and the creamy Alfredo sauce with Parmesan cheese creates a silky coating that makes every mouthful indulgent.
- Bacon (6 oz, chopped): Adds irresistible smoky flavor and crispy texture that complements the sprouts.
- Brussels sprouts (2 lbs, trimmed and halved): The star of the dish, providing a slightly nutty, tender bite when cooked just right.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings a subtle savory kick that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- Whipping cream (1 1/2 cups): Creates the rich, creamy Alfredo base that envelops the Brussels sprouts.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 Tbsp): Adds brightness to cut through the creaminess and highlight flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, shredded): Introduces a salty, umami punch to the sauce.
- Salt (3/4 tsp, or to taste): Essential for bringing all flavors into perfect harmony.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Offers a mild heat that rounds out the dish beautifully.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts in Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your chopped bacon and cook it until it’s golden brown and delightfully crisp. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate but keep about 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan — that fat is where the flavor magic begins.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Next, add your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the pan with the bacon fat. Season them with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Cover the pan and stir occasionally, letting the sprouts cook for about 8 to 9 minutes. You want them tender but with a lovely light brown sear that adds a subtle caramelized sweetness.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Cream
Once your Brussels sprouts are perfectly tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute or until you can smell that wonderful fragrant aroma. Then pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step builds the rich Alfredo sauce that makes the dish so luscious.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Now, stir in the fresh lemon juice to give the cream sauce a fresh brightness. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and stir until it melts into the sauce, thickening it just right. Taste and adjust the salt if needed (another quarter teaspoon often works wonders). Bring everything to a light simmer one last time, then remove from heat and fold in the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Your Brussels Sprouts in Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Bacon Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Brussels Sprouts in Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding an extra touch can elevate your dish even more. Sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley to add color and a hint of herbal freshness. Cracked black pepper on top also provides a lovely finishing texture and mild spice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a flaky salmon fillet. It’s rich enough to stand out on its own but also complements a main course by adding creamy complexity and a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this Brussels Sprouts in Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Bacon Recipe in a warm serving bowl garnished with extra bacon bits and Parmesan. You could also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or mix it through cooked pasta for a hearty vegetarian-friendly meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. Keep the Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Because the dish contains cream and bacon, freezing is not ideal as the texture of the cream sauce may separate. However, if needed, you can freeze the Brussels sprouts and bacon separately and combine them fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the creamy sauce. Stir frequently and add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving on low power also works well for smaller portions.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and dry them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can make the sauce watery and the sprouts less crisp.
Is there a substitute for whipping cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For the best flavor and texture, whipping cream is recommended.
How do I make the dish less salty?
Adjust the amount of salt to your taste, especially when adding Parmesan cheese since it already contains salt. You can always add salt gradually during cooking.
Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the Brussels sprouts. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor if you want to mimic the bacon’s taste.
What is the best way to trim Brussels sprouts?
Trim the stem end of each sprout and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Halving them helps them cook evenly and allows the sauce to coat them perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Brussels Sprouts in Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Bacon Recipe is pure comfort on a plate with a fresh twist. The combination of crisp-tender sprouts, smoky bacon, and rich, tangy sauce will wow your family and friends every time. I can’t recommend enough giving this a try—you might just find your new favorite way to love Brussels sprouts.
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Brussels Sprouts in Creamy Alfredo Sauce with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce recipe features tender Brussels sprouts cooked with crispy bacon and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and parmesan cheese. Perfect as a flavorful side dish, it combines savory bacon fat, zesty lemon juice, and creamy whipping cream to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing vegetable dish ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 6 oz bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Other
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3/4 tsp salt (divided, or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Place a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 6 oz chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy. Remove the cooked bacon to a plate and leave 3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- Cook Brussels Sprouts: Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the bacon fat. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-9 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic and Cream: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of whipping cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish Sauce and Serve: Stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed (about 1/4 teaspoon more). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer once more, then remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Brussels sprouts hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
Notes
- You can use pancetta instead of bacon for a slightly different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy whipping cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- If you prefer less tang, reduce the lemon juice to 1 teaspoon.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Make sure not to overcook the Brussels sprouts so they maintain a slight bite and don’t become mushy.
