Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Bacon - Just like Original Joe's

If you’ve never tried Original Joe's Brussels Sprouts, you have been missing out!

The restaurant chain offers this dish on the appetizer menu. It is a delish starter. I’ve even ordered this as a main meal, and devoured the leftovers cold the next day. It is so good, I’ve attempted to replicate it.

I will admit, there is nothing like the "Original", but give this recipe a try.

When I was asked to bring a side dish to a family Thanksgiving dinner, I was wavering between a broccoli dish and this one. You guessed it, I couldn't resist.

I'll warn you, roasting brussels sprouts is not great for the overall aroma of your home, but your family will adjust, because you are going to want this recipe on rotation.

To make this, you'll need to block off a little time, mainly for oven roasting. This recipe will require roasted red pepper, roasted brussels sprouts and pre-cooked bacon. (Bacon adds a smokey flavour and depth to the recipe, but you can do without if you'd like to keep it vegetarian)

Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Bacon

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Yields: 6-8 servings as a side dish

Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts

• 1.5 pounds Brussels Sprouts (halved)

• 6 Slices Thick-Cut Bacon (cooked or fried, but not too crispy)

• 2 small or medium sized Red Peppers (roasted)

• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 Shallot

• 4-5 tablespoons Olive 0il

• Salt and Pepper

Ingredients for Lime Cilantro Crema

• 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream

• 1/2 lime

• 1/4 cup cilantro

• Salt

Directions for Brussels Sprouts

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

Step 2

Pre-cook bacon in a pan or air fryer or on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper in the oven. My oven has an air fryer mode. 13 mins at 400-degree F crisped the bacon nicely. Just a little on the ends. Prevent the bacon from getting extra crispy (it will cook more in the oven with the spouts) Cool the meat for cutting.

Step 3

Slice red peppers in half. Remove stems and seeds.

Step 4

Place the red peppers on a cooking tray - insides down. Brush exterior of peppers with half a tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with coarse salt and place the tray of peppers on the mid-rack in the oven. Broil on high for about 4 -5 mins (Watch Carefully!)

Remove from oven. Once cooled, slice and set aside.

Step 5

Peel off the outer skin of the shallot. Dice and set aside.

Step 6

Grate fresh parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Step 7

Wash brussels sprouts. Once dried, halve the brussels sprouts with a sharp knife. Place halved brussels sprouts in a large bowl.

Step 8

Drizzle brussels sprouts with about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add about 1 1/2 teaspoons of coarse salt. Add sliced or crumbled bacon to the bowl. Add diced shallots to the bowl. Mix.

Step 9

Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour brussels sprouts mix onto the baking sheet (**Parm Cheese and Red Pepper will be added later**)

Step 10

Bake in 400-degree F oven for 23-25 minutes

*Time to prepare the Cilantro lime crema

This is easy.

• Scoop 1/2 a cup of plain yogurt into a bowl.

• Add the juice from half a lime

• Grate the outside of the squeezed lime to create about 1/2 teaspoon of zest. Add it to the bowl.

• Add 1/4 cup of cut cilantro

• add salt

• Mix

Once the brussels sprouts have finished roasting. Add the grated parmesan cheese and sliced red peppers to the roasted brussels sprouts. Set oven to broil high. Place baking sheet back in the oven on the mid-rack for about 2-3 minutes. Melt cheese. Watch carefully! Remove. Drizzle with cilantro lime crema for serving and ENJOY!