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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!
I have even more Brussels sprout side dish recipes on the blog, including my Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Brussels Sprouts Gratin.
Why you’ll love it
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. The crispy, savory quality the bacon adds is a game changer.
I cook the Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat for extra flavor. Yes, that’s why they’re completely irresistible! These babies are ideal for pairing with any meal, and my readers especially enjoy them around the holidays because they’re just so simple and satisfying.
What you’ll need
- Brussels sprouts – choose fresh ones with a bright green color and no yellow leaves. In general, the smaller ones will be a little bit sweeter. Make sure they’re roughly similar in size.
- Bacon – the leftover grease from frying helps get the sprouts beautifully browned and infused with flavor
Helpful tips
- 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. There’s no need to boil them first.
- 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.
How to make Brussels sprouts with bacon
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Cut the bacon up into small pieces. In a skillet, fry until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel, making sure to leave the remaining grease in the pan. Add the halved Brussels sprouts, and stir to coat them.
Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat, and cook for about 5 minutes. Return the bacon to the pan. Cook, uncovered, until the sprouts are golden brown and tender. Season with salt & pepper if desired, and serve right away.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- I use this Le Creuset cast iron skillet for this recipe.
- It’s effortless to cut the bacon into bite-size pieces with kitchen shears.
Substitutions and variations
- The beauty of this recipe is that it only needs two ingredients, but readers have successfully changed it up!
- Try a hint of maple syrup or balsamic glaze for a sweet touch towards the end of the cooking time.
- We haven’t tested with frozen Brussels sprouts, but they may turn out mushy. If they’re all you have, let them thaw before cutting into halves, and perhaps cook for less time.
What to serve with Brussels sprouts and bacon
- This side dish is the perfect accompaniment to a pot roast or Simple Filet Mignon for a special occasion or even a Thanksgiving Turkey.
- It goes with pretty much any main course, in my opinion! Try it with my Creamy Chicken in White Wine Sauce for a delicious, quick weeknight meal.
Leftovers and storage
- Leftover Brussels sprouts will keep in an airtight container stored in the fridge for a few of days. Keep in mind they will soften up over time.
- Reheat in a saucepan over a low heat until they’re warmed through again, or you could even use the oven.
- You could try freezing leftovers, but the bacon may come out less crispy.
I hope you’ll give this easy Brussels sprouts side dish recipe a try! Questions, or want to leave a review? Let me know in the comments below. You can also find me on Instagram.
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 use small-to-average size Brussels sprouts. If you use giant ones, cooking time will definitely need to increase.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This recipe was originally published on September 21, 2018. It’s been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!
Great recipe! This side dish was a hit at Thanksgiving dinner. I sautéed 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 🙂 Will definitely be making this dish again.
I’m so happy to hear you made it for Thanksgiving!! 🙂
Making as we speak. Always loved just with butter…cannot wait to try!
Me too!! Hope you enjoy this recipe, Dawn! Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
perfect!
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving! ❤️
Making for Thanksgiving xo
Enjoy! 🙂
How can you make this using frozen Brussels sprouts ? Thaw first or cook frozen ?
Hi! I’d at least partially thaw them so you can cut them into halves. Let me know how it goes!
NEVER had Brussels sprouts! Omg! Delish! Thank you!
So happy you enjoyed the recipe!! 🙂 That’s awesome!
Nicely worded and delicious!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Can they be reheated in the oven? I would love to make for thanksgiving but i would have to reheat.
I think that would be fine 🙂
What a great combination. I love that you’ve got so much bacon in there.
Thanks, Jeff! Yeah, I didn’t want to skimp on it for this recipe haha. 😉
I like this recipe very much. I sprinkle Amino liquid instead of salt. It’s taste like soy sauce. And then I will sprinkle some stevia on stop and maybe som Parmesan too! 😍
So glad you enjoy this recipe, Val!
Delicious!
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 lol💗💗💗😋😋😋😋
I am soo pleased to hear that! 🙂