Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread in an even layer onto one of the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake in the preheated oven until crunchy, 15 to 20 minutes.
• While the croutons are baking, cut bottoms off Brussels sprouts and discard. Cut Brussels sprouts in half, then slice each half into shreds. Toss shredded Brussels sprouts in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the second prepared baking sheet.
• Remove croutons from the oven. Place Brussels sprouts in the oven and roast until wilted, 10 to 15 minutes.
• While Brussels sprouts are roasting, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease in the skillet. Crumble bacon when cool enough to handle.
• Remove Brussels sprouts from the oven and immediately transfer to the skillet with the bacon grease. Add croutons, blue cheese, and red wine vinegar and toss to coat.
• To serve, distribute salad into 4 serving bowls and top with crunchy bacon.