Throughout my entire childhood the one vegetable I have always stayed away from were brussels sprouts. I have stated how much I hated them over and over again. However as of late, I am becoming extremely fond of them, especially during their peak season. Even though the season for this particular vegetable lasts for more then half the year, I enjoy them most in Autumn! They’re the perfect speck of green to adorn your Thanksgiving table with considering most of the other dishes on the menu aren’t very colorful. If you are like I was and you feel strongly about your hatred for brussels sprouts, you have to give them a final try by recreating this recipe! These might really surprise you and change your the way you feel about this miniature ball of cabbage forever! The best way to indulge in brussels is to treat them like french fries by covering them in a thick cheese sauce and salty bacon bits. It’s a magically combination! They become semi-soft and super crispy! Plus the toppings take them over the edge!! I promise you Diamonds you’ll love them, even if you do claim yourself to me a brussels sprout hater!

Let’s start by creating the cheese sauce!

• Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium low heat.
• Whisk in one tablespoon of flour for at least 30 seconds before adding any other ingredients.
• Pour in 2 cups of whole or 2% milk.
• 1/4 block of whole fat cream cheese.
• 8-10 slices of American cheese.
• 1/2 bag of white cheddar cheese.
• 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
• Season with seasoned salt, lots of freshly cracked black pepper, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Turn the heat off and add in 1/3 cup of sour cream!

While your cheese sauce is simmering on low cut your brussels sprouts in half and place them face down in a frying pan. Coat the bottom of the pan with three tablespoons of vegetable oil. Depending on how many you’re making you”ll need to fry them in batches. These absolutely do not need to be deep fried. We just want a nice crisp on the outside and a beautifully brown color all around!

• Fry each batch of brussels sprouts over medium heat for five minutes and they’ll come out looking perfectly golden!
• As these continue to fry and cook you can crisp up three pieces of bacon in a separate pan.
• Chop the bacon up into little bite sized crumbs to resemble old fashioned bacon bits.

When the brussels finish frying, lay them on a paper towel lined plate and season with salt & pepper while they’re still piping hot!

After the brussels are all fried it’s time dress them up! Pour as much of the peppery cheese sauce over top of them as you would like. Then finish with the homemade bacon bits.

Another amazing Thanksgiving dinner side dish! The richness from the cheese sauce and the savoriness from the bacon is going to go wonderfully with all of the other traditional sides that have some sweetness incorporated into them. The contrast between different foods and dishes is something I love to consider when planning a menu, especially a special one for a holiday table. This bowl filled with fabulous fried brussels will please any of your guests and loved ones, even the brussels sprout haters! I promise.

xoxo