As the bacon crackles in the skillet, the Brussels sprouts are waiting for their turn in the oven. Cooking the bacon first gives you crisp pieces for the finish and a spoonful of savory drippings to coat the sprouts. The first time I made these, I was surprised by how much that small bit of rendered fat added without making the vegetables greasy.
Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts keep the ingredient list short, but each part has a job: the sprouts turn tender, the flat cut sides brown, and the bacon brings a salty crunch. I like this as a simple side dish that still feels complete on the plate. The contrast is what makes it work: browned edges against soft centers, with little crisp bites of bacon tucked throughout.
