Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love those crispy, savory dishes that make your taste buds dance, then you’re going to be obsessed with this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe. I absolutely love how the smoky crunch of bacon perfectly complements the caramelized, tender Brussels sprouts. This combo is a game-changer—you’ll find that these sprouts aren’t bitter or soggy but full of flavor and crispiness that even picky eaters adore. Stick around because I’m sharing all my secrets so you nail it every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These few ingredients work magic together. The bacon renders its flavorful fat to cook the sprouts, so each bite is rich yet balanced. When shopping, pick fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green, and go for good-quality bacon—it really makes a difference.

• Bacon: Use thick-cut for more robust flavor and crispiness, but any bacon works. The fat from bacon is what transforms the sprouts.
• Brussels Sprouts: Small to average size works best; large sprouts need more cooking time and might get mushy.
• Salt & Pepper: Go easy on salt initially since bacon is salty, then adjust to taste once cooked.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. It’s a wonderfully flexible recipe so don’t be afraid to make it your own. You could add a few things to elevate or simplify it.

• Variation: I sometimes sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top right before serving for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Adding crushed red pepper flakes while cooking really wakes up the flavors and adds warmth.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzling a little pure maple syrup in the last minute adds a sweet balance that’s incredible with the salty bacon.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap bacon for smoky smoked paprika and a drizzle of olive oil — it’s not quite the same, but still tasty!

How to Make Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Fry the Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Start by cutting the bacon into small pieces, about bite-sized so they crisp evenly. Place them in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium-high. I like to cook mine until they’re golden and crunchy, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds the base flavor for your dish, so don’t rush! Once they’re crisp, transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate, but keep that glorious bacon grease in the skillet—you’ll use it next to cook the sprouts.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts in Bacon Grease

Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts before tossing them straight into the hot skillet with the bacon fat. Stir so they’re well coated in all that flavor. Then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let them cook covered for about 5 minutes—this steams them gently, making the inside tender while the outside starts to brown. A tip I learned is not to skip covering; it ensures the sprouts cook evenly without drying out.

Step 3: Combine and Finish Cooking

After 5 minutes, uncover the skillet and add the crispy bacon back in. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes to get the Brussels sprouts nicely browned and caramelized to your preference. If you want them softer, cover them again briefly but watch closely so they don’t burn. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper—it’s easy to overdo salt because of the bacon, so taste as you go. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. The lemon adds a bright freshness that pairs wonderfully with the rich bacon. Sometimes, I even toss on a little toasted almond slivers for extra crunch. These garnishes make the dish feel a bit special without complicating things.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak. When I want a lighter meal, I pair it with a simple quinoa salad or mashed potatoes. It’s also my go-to green side for holiday dinners because it complements heavier mains so well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes serve these sprouts on a big rustic platter and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. It looks gorgeous and invites everyone to dig in family-style. Also, layering sprouts and bacon in a warm casserole dish with a sprinkle of crispy shallots on top adds an elegant touch that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, but be aware the Brussels sprouts soften a bit after chilling. To bring back some crispiness, reheat them properly (more on that below!).

Freezing

Full disclosure: I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the texture changes, making the sprouts a bit mushy when thawed. If you want to freeze, I recommend blanching the sprouts first and freezing cooked bacon separately, but fresh is best here.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, the stovetop is your friend. Pop the sprouts and bacon back in a skillet over medium heat and gently crisp them up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible crunch, as it tends to get soggy that way.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe has definitely become a favorite in my house—and trust me, that’s saying something since I run a tight ship when it comes to vegetables! There’s just something so satisfying about the crispy bacon pieces mingling with the caramelized, tender sprouts that makes every bite a delight. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, so it fits right into busy weeknights or special occasions. Grab your skillet and let’s make your kitchen smell amazing today!

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