Balsamic, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Brussel Sprouts

Instead of stinking up your house with a big pot of bitter boiled brussel sprouts, why not instead make the best damn sprouts you've ever eaten? Bacon, Blue Cheese, Balsamic Glaze.... what's not to love? The flavors in this recipe compliment each other in a way you would never in a million years expect.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

•1-2 tbsp reserved bacon grease

•Your favorite salt-free seasoning blend, to taste

•8 slices bacon, extra crispy

•½ cup crumbled blue cheese

•Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F or preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.

3. Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Toss with the reserved bacon grease and your favorite salt-free seasoning blend until evenly coated. The bacon grease adds plenty of salt, so additional salt usually isn't needed.

4. To Roast: Spread the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender with deeply browned, crispy edges.

   To Air Fry: Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they're crispy and caramelized.

5. Transfer the hot Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl. Toss with the crumbled bacon and blue cheese while they're still warm. Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.

4-6 servings