3-Ingredient Sweet and Smoky Brussels Sprouts

From the kitchen of Carly

Crispy brussels sprouts meet smoky bacon and sweet chopped dates that melt into a silky glaze. Sear them hard for caramelized edges, then let the dates dissolve into a sauce that's simultaneously savory and sticky. Simple, deeply satisfying.

Prep
n/a
Cook
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Total
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Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 14 ounces bacon (about 4 slices), cut crosswise into 1/4" strips
  • 12 tablespoons (or more) olive oil
  • 11 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved
  • 11/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 11/4 cup dates
  • 1pitted
  • 1chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until partially crisped, 5–7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels, reserving fat in skillet.

  2. Add 2 Tbsp. oil to fat and heat over medium. Working in batches and adding more oil if needed, add brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut side down, and sear, without stirring, until well-browned, about 3 minutes. Season with salt, toss to coat, then stir in bacon and dates. Stir in 3/4 cup water, increase heat to medium-high, and cook, mashing dates with the back of a wooden spoon, until dates have dissolved and brussels sprouts are well-glazed, about 2 minutes.