This Brussels sprouts and bacon recipe is a super delicious 2-ingredient side dish that the whole family will love. It's easy and fast.
Bacon and Brussels sprouts just go together. This simple side dish is definitely worth making.
I'm a big fan of just plain 'ole Brussels sprouts, but dressing them up every now and then is good as well.
I have a few more Brussels sprout side dish recipes on the blog, including my Brussels sprouts gratin, these maple pecan Brussels sprouts, my creamy baked Brussels sprouts, and these roasted Brussels sprouts. Brussels are definitely one of my favorite veggies, and they're good cooked or raw.
In unrelated-to-this-recipe news, my interview for the Dishing with Delishes podcast went live on Wednesday. If you're interested in hearing my voice or getting to know me a bit better, have a listen. 🙂 I talk about growing the blog and how Salt & Lavender was named (among other things).
Tips for making Brussels sprouts with bacon
- I cook the Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat for extra flavor.
- Brussels sprouts can be a bit tough, so the first part of the cooking process is done with the pan's lid on. This traps the steam and cooks them faster. I keep the heat relatively low so they don't brown too quickly.
- You finish the cooking process with the lid off and then brown them even more to your liking if you wish.
- I used small-to-average size Brussels for this recipe. If you use larger ones, cooking time will need to increase from what I suggest in the recipe.
What to serve with Brussels sprouts and bacon
This side dish is the perfect accompaniment to a roast (chicken, beef, or pork), or even a Thanksgiving turkey. It goes with pretty much any fall/winter main course in my opinion.
I hope you'll give this easy Brussels sprouts side dish recipe a try!
Questions? Let me know in the comments below.
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon cut into small pieces
- 2 dozen Brussels sprouts trimmed & halved
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate, and leave the grease in the pan.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan, stir them until they're nicely coated in the bacon grease, and cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the bacon back into the pan. Cook, uncovered, for a few more minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are as tender and/or browned as you want. You can cover the pan again if you wish (especially if you want the Brussels to be super soft); just keep an eye on them so they don't scorch.
- Season with salt & pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- I used small to average size Brussels sprouts. If you use giant ones, cooking time will definitely need to increase.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
AZ says
Do I cut the bacon into small pieces before frying?
Natasha says
Yes - the ingredients section of the recipe card specifies: "1/2 pound bacon cut into small pieces". Hope you enjoy the recipe! Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Nina says
Really delicious. I cannot believe it was so easy and so good. I doubled the recipe for a Thanksgiving side. Thanksgiving is tomorrow but I’m confident it will be a hit?
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂 Yessss I think it'll definitely be a Thanksgiving hit!
April B. says
Hands down, my new favorite brussel sprout recipe Tonight I am making it for my family for the 2nd time!
Natasha says
Awesome!! 😀
Mercy says
This is definitely an easy recipe w/c I love since I am not a good cook. The only thing is I'm not really into Brussels sprouts. What can I substitute for this? thank you.
Natasha says
Maybe green beans? You'd probably have to adjust cooking time, though.
Ash says
Would you boil sprout first to soften them a bit prior to frying?
Natasha says
You can if you like. I cook it as the recipe is written.
Rachel says
Recipe was very tasty! I just don't understand how there can be 11 carbs when every ingredient is less than 2 carbs. Oh well, still delicious!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Hi Rachel! So pleased you enjoyed it. According to a quick Google, 1 Brussels sprout has 1.7 grams of carbs. This recipe is for 24 Brussels sprouts, and it has 4 servings, so one serving is 6 Brussels sprouts (so approx. 11 grams of carbs). That's the number you're looking at. 🙂
Frankie says
I wasn't going to comment since I have nothing new to add but..............This recipe is absolutely sensational!! My husband is NOT a fan of vegetables yet he looks forward to this recipe every time!
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that!! And reviews help us small businesses out a LOT, so I really appreciate it. 🙂
Robbin says
This was so good! I make this and my husband and I eat this as a main course! Yummy!
Natasha says
I'm so happy it's a hit, Robbin! 🙂
joe lopez says
After i am finished can i freeze it and save it for later ?
Natasha says
Hi! The bacon will become less crisp once thawed, but I don't see why you couldn't give freezing leftovers a go.
Carolyn says
Absolutely love this recipe!! Have made it twice now and each time it’s so delicious 😋! Added garlic and mushrooms this time - wonderful!
Natasha says
That's awesome!! 🙂 So happy it's a new favorite. Love those additions! Thanks for your review.
Amy Brisson says
My whole family loved this and said “I wish there was more!”
Natasha says
That's so nice to hear, Amy!!
Ann Marie Fredrick says
What an easy recipe and it made a big hit with our corned beef dinner store was out of cabbage so I substituted and got Brussels sprouts everyone liked it much more than cabbage thank you so much for the recipe!!!!!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
You're welcome, Ann Marie!! So pleased it was a hit!
Lynne says
My grandson told me about this recipe. He was served this at his uncle's home on many occasions and asked me to try it. I am not a fan of brussel sprouts but this is a great recipe. I will be making these more often for the two of us. Thank you for posting it.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Thrilled to hear you and your family enjoyed the recipe, Lynne! Thanks so much for trying it!
Kevin says
So the sprouts aren't parboiled first?
Natasha says
That's right.
Dianne says
If I do reheat can I do it in the microwave .
Natasha says
I think that would be fine, but I'd probably not do it on full power. You could try on the stove in a saucepan too or even in the oven. If you cover it and it steams, the bacon won't be as crispy.
Dianne says
Please can I make this a day in advance and reheat.?
Natasha says
Sure!
Carole Geary says
can this be made ahead and then reheated. Sounds delish
Natasha says
Hi! That should be fine. 🙂
Diane Duda says
Thanks for this recipe. It turned out great. Much easier tha the way I previously made them.
Natasha says
Excellent!! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!!
Lisa says
I made this tonight and it was easy and delicious. Some of my Brussels sprouts were on the large side so I halved them. I will definitely be making this again!
Natasha says
Wonderful!! 🙂
Karen Roncone says
I've made this for thanksgiving, the last few years.My famliy Loves it.:)
Natasha says
Wonderful!! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Miranda Carpenter says
I'm making this for my family's Thanksgiving dinner thank you so much for the recipe I can't wait
Natasha says
Enjoy!! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Miranda!