If you’ve been searching for a side dish that’s crunchy, savory, and just downright addictive, then you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts because the bacon adds this irresistible crispiness and smoky flavor that completely transforms the sprouts. Whether you’re new to Brussels sprouts or a longtime fan, this recipe will turn you into a convert – I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy Bacon: Crispy bits of bacon lend amazing texture and smoky depth that complement the Brussels sprouts beautifully.
- Simple and Quick: Just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes to make, yet it feels like a fancy side dish for any meal.
- Versatile Flavor: The method is easy to adapt with your favorite seasonings or add-ins without losing that signature crisp and savoriness.
- Family Friendly: Even my picky eaters can’t get enough of this, and it’s a great way to sneak in some greens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how this recipe keeps things super straightforward — just Brussels sprouts and bacon that marry perfectly thanks to the bacon fat. Once you have these basics down, you can totally experiment with extras to suit your taste. When shopping, try to pick fresh, firm Brussels sprouts that aren’t too giant, since size affects cooking time.
- Bacon: Go for regular cut bacon, not the really thick slices, because thinner bacon crisps up better and renders more fat to cook the sprouts.
- Brussels Sprouts: Trimmed and halved ones cook evenly and soak up that bacon flavor so well.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance everything and enhance the natural flavors.
Variations
One of the best parts about the Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to spice it up or make it a little lighter, there’s room to experiment. Here are a couple of ways I like to switch things up, depending on the occasion or what I have on hand.
- With Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Adding minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes in the last few minutes of cooking gives the sprouts a lovely kick and aroma – I discovered this trick when I wanted a bit more heat without overpowering the bacon flavor.
- Maple Glazed Version: For a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon, drizzle a little maple syrup over the sprouts at the end. My family goes crazy for this combo during fall dinners.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and roast the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. While it’s not quite the same, you’ll enjoy a tasty alternative that still has bold depth.
How to Make Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon Perfectly
Start by frying your bacon pieces over medium-high heat. Why? Because you want them crispy enough to add that crunch, but not burnt. I usually keep a close eye and stir occasionally so they cook evenly. Once they’re golden and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps soak up the excess grease, but you want to save that flavorful bacon fat in the pan for the sprouts.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts in Bacon Grease
Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet, making sure they’re well coated in the bacon fat. This is where all the magic happens. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let them cook for about 5 minutes — this steams them slightly while softening the insides without losing that crispy outside texture. You’ll smell that amazing aroma developing!
Step 3: Bring Back the Bacon and Finish Cooking
Now toss the crispy bacon back in with the Brussels sprouts, stirring everything together. Cook uncovered for a few more minutes so the sprouts get tender and browned to your liking. If you prefer them extra soft, you can cover the pan again here, but watch closely since the edges might burn more easily without stirring. Season with salt and pepper once you’re happy with the texture, then serve immediately for the best flavor and crisp.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Choose Medium-Sized Sprouts: Using smaller to medium Brussels sprouts cooks more evenly and crisps up nicely without needing extra time.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon Grease: That fat is flavor gold! It’s the secret to getting your sprouts both tender and savory without needing extra oils.
- Keep the Lid On for Steam, Off for Crisp: Covering traps steam to soften the sprouts, but removing the lid finishes them with the perfect browning and crunch.
- Watch the Heat: Too high and you risk burning the bacon or sprouts; medium-low heat ensures everything cooks through beautifully.
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
I often finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness of the bacon. It’s those little touches that elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a killer side for any protein — I love pairing it with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple salmon fillet. It also works great alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad for a more balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to serve these sprouts in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table—that crispy bacon and charred edges just look so inviting. Another fun idea is to toss them on a flatbread with a little goat cheese and bake briefly for a tasty appetizer everyone will devour.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which doesn’t last long in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, but I’ll be honest—sprouts taste best fresh out of the pan when they’re still crispy.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the texture of Brussels sprouts changes after freezing and reheating. If you do want to freeze, flash freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag, but expect the sprouts to be softer when reheated.
Reheating
To bring that crispiness back, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving. This reheats them evenly and helps restore some crunch, especially if you don’t cover the pan so the moisture can evaporate.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for crispiness, you can use frozen ones if that’s what you have. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess, and expect cooking times to vary a bit.
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How do I make this recipe vegetarian without losing flavor?
Skip the bacon and roast the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate that smoky flavor. Adding toasted nuts or crispy fried shallots can add some crunch and depth as well.
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What if I don’t have a lid for my skillet?
No lid? No problem! You can cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil or just cook the sprouts a bit longer on low heat to help them soften. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped onions, mushrooms, or even diced sweet potatoes can be tossed in with the Brussels sprouts – just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything gets tender and caramelized.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is truly one of those simple dishes that feel so much more than the sum of its parts. The first time I made it, I was blown away by how the crispy bacon and tender sprouts played off each other, and since then it’s become a regular in my dinner routine. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for Brussels sprouts a lot more often — you’re going to love it as much as I do!
Print
Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious Brussels sprouts and bacon recipe that combines crispy bacon with tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts cooked in bacon grease for maximum flavor. This easy stovetop dish makes a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 dozen Brussels sprouts, trimmed & halved
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy and browned to release flavorful fat.
- Remove Bacon & Retain Grease: Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the rendered bacon grease in the pan; this will be used to cook the Brussels sprouts.
- Cook Brussels Sprouts: Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the bacon grease. Stir well to coat the sprouts thoroughly. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 5 minutes to allow them to steam and soften.
- Add Bacon Back and Finish Cooking: Return the crispy bacon pieces back to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Cook uncovered for a few minutes more until the sprouts reach your desired tenderness and develop a nice browned exterior. Optionally, cover again briefly if you want softer sprouts but watch carefully to prevent scorching.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Use small-to-average size Brussels sprouts for best cooking results; larger sprouts require longer cooking time.
- This recipe is also featured on page 243 of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials hardcover cookbook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
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