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 my shredded Brussels sprouts and kale salad. 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. π 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
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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon cut into small pieces
- 2 dozen Brussels sprouts trimmed & halved
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
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Take the bacon out of the pan (set aside until needed) and leave the grease in there.
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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.
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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.
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Season with salt & pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- I used small to average size Brussels sprouts. If you use giant ones, cooking time will definitely need to increase.
Marie says
I have made Brussels Sprouts this way for years with fantastic flavor to the dish. The pass couple of years I have added cran raisin and sweet onion, not only do I get the original great flavor but now the dish pops even more.
Natasha says
Ooh I like those additions! I should try.
B.Thompson says
Excellent! Had to figure out preparing frozen ones opposed to the fresh.
Natasha says
I'm glad it worked out!
Jocelyn says
I love Brussels sprouts, this has become my absolute favorite way to make them! Since finding this recipe I have made them twice and can't wait to make them again! My husband who isn't a Brussels sprouts lover likes them too!
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!!
Jeff Bellucci says
Great recipe. For a flair, at very end of cooking, drizzle with honey, stir and serve. Bacon & Honey a nice salty sweet affair.
Natasha says
Ooh love that idea, Jeff!
Monica says
My few in my house topped this with parmigiano reggiano
Susan says
I love brussel sprouts cooked any way possible but hubby, not very much. I used your recipe, adding onions and my husband said to cook them ANYTIME! Thank you for allowing me to enjoy brussel sprouts regularly.
Natasha says
That's what I like to hear!! Thanks for letting me know! π
Kyle says
Omg i disliked brussle sprouts my whole life until i seen this recipe and woow not sure why i disliked them tbey were delicious with the bacon two thunbs up! Ty :o)
Natasha says
Haha that's awesome!
Margaret says
Great recipe! I sauteed a chopped yellow onion in the bacon fat before I added my fresh halved brussel sprouts. The onion added a bit of sweetness to the dish. SO GOOD! We're having this with grilled pork tenderloins after spliting 2 cords of wood today. Mixed grain pilaf too.
Natasha says
I'm so happy you liked it! π Good idea to add the onion!
Andrew says
Great recipe! Tried mine a little different by making bacon bits for Caesar salad and reserving the bacon fat. Then followed yours without adding any bacon back in, but hit them with a splash of fresh lemon juice left over from the Caesar dressing once done. Sprinkled some of the already made bacon bits over top and it was a hit.
Natasha says
Ooh good idea!!
Becky says
Hi, planning on making these for our belated christmas can I fry up the bacon and reserve the fat the day before?
Natasha says
Hi! That should be fine! π
Happy Mom says
In the past, my teenager pretended to gag when he ate Brussel sprouts with just salt and pepper. Tonight, I tried your recipe and I am super surprised and very happy he ate 12 without being dramatic at all. Then he thanked me for dinner!!! I want to thank you for sharing your recipe!
Natasha says
Haha that's so funny. I'm glad he enjoyed these! π
Ingvor Franklin says
This recipe was wonderful! I live alone, but like to make myself a thanksgiving dinner. Just turkey (for the aroma) stuffing, sweet potato, and a veggie. Decided to try roasted Brussels sprouts this year. These were so good, I ate half of them for dinner (Skipped the stuffing and potatoes), and the rest for breakfast the next day. Really easy to make - cooked the whole thing in the oven in a casserole in three steps.
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Natasha says
Sounds good to me... I am so happy that you enjoyed them! π
annalynn says
How old are you Ingvor? You must love cooking.Great recipe!
Ashante says
Great recipe! This side dish was a hit at Thanksgiving dinner. I sautΓ©ed the brussels sprouts in bacon drippings and a little ghee. So tasty! We brought the dish to a pot luck Thanksgiving dinner and even though there were leftovers, the host insisted that we leave all the extras at their place so they could finish them up π Will definitely be making this dish again.
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear you made it for Thanksgiving!! π
Dawn says
Making as we speak. Always loved just with butter...cannot wait to try!
Natasha says
Me too!! Hope you enjoy this recipe, Dawn! Happy Thanksgiving! π
twiddly says
perfect!
Natasha says
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving! β€οΈ
Barbie says
Making for Thanksgiving xo
Natasha says
Enjoy! π
Susan says
How can you make this using frozen Brussels sprouts ? Thaw first or cook frozen ?
Natasha says
Hi! I'd at least partially thaw them so you can cut them into halves. Let me know how it goes!
Berta Ronda says
NEVER had Brussels sprouts! Omg! Delish! Thank you!
Natasha says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe!! π That's awesome!
Mirian D says
Nicely worded and delicious!
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Lisa says
Can they be reheated in the oven? I would love to make for thanksgiving but i would have to reheat.
Natasha says
I think that would be fine π
Jeff the Chef says
What a great combination. I love that you've got so much bacon in there.
Natasha says
Thanks, Jeff! Yeah, I didn't want to skimp on it for this recipe haha. π
Val W says
I like this recipe very much. I sprinkle Amino liquid instead of salt. Itβs taste like soy sauce. And then I will sprinkle some stevia on stop and maybe som Parmesan too! π
Natasha says
So glad you enjoy this recipe, Val!
Carolyn says
Delicious!
Lakiesha small says
Omg something said pick up some Brussels sprouts mind you I haven't had them in 10+ yrs, but I just made this recipe and I'm eating them before the main course is done lolπππππππ
Natasha says
I am soo pleased to hear that! π