If you have been searching for a dish that brings together bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of indulgence, this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. The perfect balance of smoky, savory bacon crisped to perfection with tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds) every time. This recipe takes humble ingredients and turns them into a vibrant, crave-worthy side dish or even a light main that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the salty, crunchy bacon to the bright, slightly nutty Brussels sprouts, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Bacon (1/2 pound, cut into small pieces): Provides smoky, crispy goodness that infuses the dish with rich flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Brussels sprouts (2 dozen, trimmed & halved): Offers a fresh, slightly bitter bite that caramelizes beautifully when cooked properly.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that enhance and balance all the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
How to Make Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon until Crispy
Start by frying the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat. The goal here is to achieve that perfect crispness, which adds a wonderful texture and flavor base to the dish. As the bacon renders its fat, it creates a luscious grease that will later coat the Brussels sprouts, turning them into a caramelized delight.
Step 2: Remove Bacon and Keep the Grease
Once your bacon is beautifully crispy, transfer it onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease but be sure not to toss the bacon fat remaining in the pan. This flavorful grease is essential for cooking the Brussels sprouts and amplifying their taste.
Step 3: Cook the Brussels Sprouts in Bacon Grease
Add your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the hot pan with the bacon grease. Toss them around so they are evenly coated, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let them cook for about five minutes, allowing the sprouts to soften and soak up that irresistible smoky flavor.
Step 4: Return Bacon and Finish Cooking
With the Brussels sprouts just tender, add the crispy bacon back into the pan. Cook uncovered for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts reach your desired tenderness and develop lovely browned edges. If you’d like them softer, feel free to cover the pan again, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Because the bacon already brings saltiness, you’ll want to add seasoning carefully. Serve this dish right away to enjoy the perfect combination of flavors and textures while the bacon remains crispy and the Brussels sprouts tender.
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
To make this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe even more special, consider a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for a slight kick. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky bacon.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple roasted chicken or grilled steak, making it a fantastic accompaniment for a hearty meal. For vegetarian options, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these Brussels sprouts in small appetizer cups topped with a dollop of garlic aioli. Or toss them into a warm grain bowl with toasted nuts and dried cranberries for an elevated, colorful presentation that impresses at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon retains its flavor, and the Brussels sprouts stay tasty, though they may lose some crispness.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, be aware that the texture of Brussels sprouts changes upon freezing and reheating, often becoming softer. If you choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Brussels sprouts and bacon gently in a skillet over medium heat to help restore some of their crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the sprouts mushy and the bacon less crispy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen sprouts in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture and sogginess.
What if I want a vegetarian version of this dish?
If you want to skip the bacon, try using smoked paprika or smoked salt to mimic that smoky flavor. Roasting the Brussels sprouts in olive oil until extra crispy also helps add depth without the meat.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
They should be tender when pierced with a fork, with nicely browned edges and a bit of caramelization. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on their size and your stove’s heat settings.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Because it stores well and reheats nicely, it’s a great option for prepping sides ahead of busy weeks. Just be mindful to reheat gently to preserve the textures.
Can I add other ingredients to this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
Definitely! Some people love tossing in toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly irresistible about this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It takes simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into a dish loaded with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just jazzing up a weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to please. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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 delicious and simple Brussels sprouts and bacon recipe where crispy bacon is pan-fried and then used to flavor tender, sautéed Brussels sprouts. This easy skillet dish makes the perfect savory side, balancing the smoky richness of bacon with the slight bitterness and crunch of fresh Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 dozen Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. This renders out the fat which will be used to cook the Brussels sprouts.
- Remove Bacon & Reserve Grease: Transfer the crispy bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Keep the bacon grease in the pan as it adds rich flavor to the sprouts.
- Cook Brussels Sprouts: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Stir well so they are evenly coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking for about 5 minutes. This steams and softens the sprouts while infusing them with bacon flavor.
- Combine & Finish Cooking: Return the bacon to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Cook uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts reach your desired tenderness and have some browned edges. Optionally, cover the pan again to make the sprouts softer, but watch carefully to prevent scorching.
- Season & Serve: Taste and season the dish with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Trim and halve Brussels sprouts uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time depending on whether you prefer your Brussels sprouts crisp or tender.
- Keep an eye on the sprouts during the final cooking to prevent burning.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted meats or as a hearty side for holiday meals.
