An easy side dish, which is incredibly flavorful and savory thanks to simply pan-frying Brussels Sprouts in rendered bacon fat. Bacon Brussels Sprouts are smokey, salty, and a comforting side dish to serve during cooler months.
This recipe for crisp-tender brussels sprouts is a versatile accompaniment to most entrees and is suitable for a variety of diets or even the pickiest eaters.
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Brussels Sprouts and Bacon is a classic, delectable combination – even my teenager enjoys this side dish! Sprouts are sautéed in rendered bacon fat, which they soak right up; the essence of bacon permeates the entire dish.
Not only does this pan-fried method give the brussels sprouts even more bacon-y flavor, but it softens them and gives them the perfect crisp-tender texture. Just like this recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries and Apples, the smokey, savory addition of bacon to fresh brussels sprouts is irresistible.
This recipe for Bacon Brussels Sprouts is easy to prepare and pairs well with most main dishes. It’s a great recipe to try if you’re short on time and looking for a healthy compliment to many entrees. All you need to do is slice, sauté, season, and serve.
A simple side dish, which is wonderful for the fall season, Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a healthier comfort food. However, if you would like to try roasting brussels sprouts, rather than pan-frying, check out this similar seasonally appropriate recipe for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots.
Why This Recipe Works
Bacon Brussels Sprouts are easy to make and require only a handful of ingredients. You’ll just need to slice the sprouts and bacon, sauté, and season.
This delicious side dish pairs well with a huge variety of main dishes. Each pan-fried sprout soaks up plenty of bacon-y flavor. Pretty much everyone loves bacon, so this recipe is sure to be enjoyed by most!
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are gluten free, low carb, and keto friendly. You may serve this flavorful, vegetable side to almost any dinner guest and feel good about it being such a healthy, savory choice.
How To Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: fresh Brussels sprouts are strongly recommended.
- Bacon: you can use any kind that you like. I find that thick-cut bacon is easier to dice and stays relatively thick after cooking, as well.
- Onion and Garlic Powder: these are optional, but I like to use them to add a little flavor. I don’t use fresh onion or garlic in this recipe because of the risk of burning it and the bitterness that can bring to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: even though bacon is salty, you may find that you still need to add a pinch of salt.
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Trim the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half, lengthwise. Dice the bacon.
Chef’s Tip: to quickly and easily dice the bacon, leave it in a stack and slice it all at once.
Create!
Add the bacon to a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook until crisp, about 7-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel lined plate and set aside.
Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan and return to the stove top.
Carefully place the Brussels sprouts in the pan, cut side down and season with salt and pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned and caramelized.
Turn over, season with onion and garlic powder (if using) and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until they are crisp-tender, about 2-4 minutes depending on the size of your sprouts.
Stir the bacon back in and cook an additional minute or two to warm through.
Present!
Serve warm.
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best results. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sprouts.
- To quickly and easily dice the bacon, leave it in a stack and slice it all at once. Thicker cut bacon works great for this!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days.
FAQ’s
What Do You Serve with Brussels Sprouts?
You can serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts as a side dish to just about any meat or fish. Some suggestions are:
- A perfectly cooked steak with Garlic Herb Steak Butter
- Easy Garlic Chicken
- Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Turkey Cutlets with Rosemary and Thyme
- Maple Apple Pork Chops
- Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes
Why Are My Brussels Sprouts Mushy?
Cooking methods like steaming and boiling will result in mushy Brussels sprouts. If roasted Brussels sprouts turn out mushy, they have likely been over-cooked.
How Many Carbs are in Brussels Sprouts?
One cup of Brussels sprouts has 8 grams of total carbohydrates and approximately 5 grams of net carbohydrates once you subtract the fiber.
More Side Dishes With Bacon
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon (diced)
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- salt
- pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, about 7-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel lined plate and set aside.8 ounces bacon
- Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan and return to the stove top.
- Carefully place the Brussels sprouts in the pan, cut side down and season with a pinch salt and pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned and caramelized.1 pound Brussels sprouts, salt, pepper
- Turn over, season with onion and garlic powder (if using) and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until they are crisp-tender, about 2-4 minutes depending on the size of your sprouts.1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Stir the bacon back in and cook an additional minute or two to warm through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best results. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sprouts.
- To quickly and easily dice the bacon, leave it in a stack and slice it all at once. Thicker cut bacon works great for this!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days.
Teresa Woodall says
have fixed this 3 times & is always a big hit
sonia says
This vegetable is my favorite, I want to make your recipe tonight !
Tavo says
my Brussels sprouts came out super yummy! thanks for the recipe!
Katherine says
Now THIS is how to make brussels sprouts awesome! Thanks so much!
Jacqueline Debono says
I hated brussels sprouts when I was young because we only ever had them boiled! Now I love them, especially roasted or pan fried. Great idea to add bacon. It adds such a wonderful flavour!
Maria San Juan says
Brussel sprouts and bacon are a good combination! Love this recipe! Thanks for sharing!