Roasted Bacon with Celery
Prep
12 mins
Cook
28 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and impresses everyone at the table. Crispy roasted bacon paired with tender celery creates an unexpectedly delicious combination, and the garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar layer in so much depth. Celery is packed with antioxidants and fiber, making this comfort food surprisingly nutritious. Best of all, you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already, so it's budget friendly and easy to pull together whenever the craving hits.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 12bacon strips(thick-cut)
- 6celery stalks(cut into 3-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoonsbutter
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 teaspoonsfresh thyme(chopped)
- 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper(freshly ground)
- ¼ teaspoonsea salt
- 2 tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoonhoney
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Tip: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes the dish easier to serve directly from the pan.
- 2
Arrange bacon strips on one side of the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them apart so they cook evenly.
Tip: Don't overlap the bacon—it needs air circulation for optimal crispiness.
- 3
Roast the bacon in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until it reaches your desired crispiness. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Tip: Thick-cut bacon takes slightly longer than standard bacon, so check at 12 minutes.
- 4
While bacon cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Tip: Don't let the garlic brown—it should be golden and aromatic.
- 5
Add celery pieces to the skillet and stir to coat with garlic butter. Sprinkle with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Tip: The celery will release moisture as it cooks, creating a light glaze.
- 6
Sauté celery for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and tender with slightly caramelized edges.
Tip: Listen for a gentle sizzle—if it's too quiet, increase heat; if too loud, lower it slightly.
- 7
Deglaze the skillet by pouring in balsamic vinegar and honey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
Tip: The balsamic and honey create a sweet-savory glaze that complements both the bacon and celery.
- 8
Break the roasted bacon into bite-sized pieces and add to the celery mixture. Toss gently to combine and coat everything with the glaze.
Tip: Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy rather than absorbing moisture.
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