If you think Brussels Sprouts are boring, these Bacon Brussels Sprouts will change your mind fast. Crispy bacon, caramelized sprouts, and simple seasonings come together to create a side dish that’s bold, flavorful, and surprisingly addictive.
It’s an easy recipe that turns an affordable vegetable into something everyone actually wants to eat.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Brussel Sprouts!
When you’re feeding a big family, side dishes have to be simple, affordable, and something people actually want to eat. These Bacon Brussels Sprouts are one of those recipes I make again and again because the bacon makes them irresistible, and they pair with just about any meal.
Even kids who usually skip veggies come back for seconds. If you are looking for an easy side dish the next time you grill or make steaks in doors, add this healthy side. The cooking process is easy and you will be amazed how flavorful they turn out.
If you love these brussels sprouts, then you must try Green Beans and Bacon or Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe.
Ingredients
- Bacon – Use your favorite brand or type
- Brussel Sprouts – Trim and cut in half
- Simple Spices – All you need is salt and pepper
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Cook Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Step 1 – Cut the bacon into small pieces and trim the Brussel Sprouts by cutting the end off and then cut the Brussel Sprouts in half.
Step 2 – Fry the bacon in a large pan over medium high heat. Then remove the bacon pieces to a separate plate lined with paper towels but leave the bacon grease in the pan.
Step 3 – Add the halved Brussels Sprouts to the pan and toss them to thoroughly coat them in the remaining grease.
Step 4 – Reduce the heat to medium low, cover with lid and cook for 5-7 minutes until the Brussel Sprouts are the tenderness that you prefer. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the brussel sprouts.
Step 5 РAdd the bacon bits back to the pan. Then saut̩ the Brussel Sprouts for a few minutes uncovered to brown them slightly.
Step 6 – Then season the Brussel Sprouts with the salt and pepper and enjoy.
Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
- ½ pound Bacon
- 1 pound Brussel Sprouts
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
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Instructions
- Cut the bacon into small pieces and trim the Brussel Sprouts by cutting the end off and then cut the Brussel Sprouts in half.
- Fry the bacon in a large pan over medium high heat. Then remove the bacon pieces to a separate plate but leave the bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the Brussel Sprouts to the pan and toss them to thoroughly coat them in the bacon grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the Brussel Sprouts are the tenderness that you prefer.
- Add the bacon bits back to the pan. Then sauté the Brussel Sprouts for a few minutes uncovered to brown them slightly.
- Then season the Brussel Sprouts with the salt and pepper and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Tips for the Best Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Brussel Sprouts Size – Use small to medium size Brussel Sprouts for this recipe. If cooking larger size of brussel sprouts then they will need to cooked longer.
- Skillet – I used a cast iron skillet for this recipe but any should work great.
- Cooking – Make sure you allow the vegetable to cook long enough. If not, they will tough to eat.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Variations
- Add Cheese – Once the Brussel Sprouts are done, you can sprinkle with parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese.
- Stir in Nuts – You can mix in some chopped pecans or slice almonds for added crunch.
- Lemon Juice – Add in fresh squeeze of lemon juice. This gives the brussel sprouts so much flavor.
- Honey – Drizzle honey over the brussel sprouts and bacon when the mixture has finished cooking.
- Mix in Sauce – We recommending adding in Worcestershire sauce, or BBQ Sauce, or balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.
- Red Onion – Add in slice red onions to give the mixture color and flavor.
- Oil – Use olive oil if you prefer not to cook the brussel sprouts in the bacon grease. You can also drizzle the olive oil once the brussel sprouts are cooked.
- Air Fryer – You can also cook these brussel sprouts in the air fryer for another easy idea for about 15 minutes.
- Drizzle with Syrup – Another favorite that we have recently discovered is drizzling maple syrup on top of cooked brussel sprouts.
What to Serve with Bacon Brussel Sprouts?
There are many different main dishes that pair perfectly with brussel sprouts. We recommend to serve with Grilled Steak, Juicy Lucy Burger, Baked Chicken Bites, and Grilled BBQ Pork Chops.
It is also perfect to serve as a holiday side dish.
Bacon Brussels Sprouts FAQ
Yes, bacon adds salty, smoky flavor that balances the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts.
When cooking the brussel sprouts make sure you are cooking in enough oil. Hot oil with combination of the heat from the stove, allows for the brussel sprouts to be crispy. Continue cooking the brussel sprouts until they are the crispy texture that you prefer.
Before cooking the Brussel Sprouts on the griddle, make sure you cut the ends off and then slice in half. They cook better and trimming the ends off removes the tough part.
Yes, if you prefer to make this in your oven, it still will turn out perfectly. I would cook the bacon first on the stovetop or in the oven. Then place the brussel sprouts on a foil lined or parchment paper baking sheet.
Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 20 minutes to 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 400 degrees. Then add the bacon to the baking sheet and place back in the oven to cook together.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with sausage, shrimp, and chicken makes for a great sheet pan meal.
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
More Brussel Sprouts Recipe
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