The Best Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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This recipe combines the salty smokey flavor of bacon with delicious Brussels sprouts to make an easy side dish that is packed with flavor!

If you think you do not like Brussels sprouts, there is a good chance you just haven’t had them prepared well! When I used to think Brussels sprouts I would think of them being steamed and lacking flavor, but this recipe is exactly the opposite of that! The edges of sprouts get nice and crispy with this cooking method and the bacon and garlic add so much flavor. With this recipe, Brussels sprouts may just become one of your new favorite vegetables! Some recipes will use balsamic vinegar or brown sugar with the Brussels, but I like the simplicity of this recipe. It only has four ingredients, but where it is lacking in ingredients, it makes up for in its flavor. 

A great side dish for the holidays 

The peak season for Brussels sprouts is October through December, making this dish a great side dish for holiday meals! I love making it on Thanksgiving because it is a recipe that is made on the stovetop instead of in the oven. Freeing up some space in the oven for your turkey and other side dishes! 

How to select Brussels sprouts

When buying Brussels sprouts at the grocery store you’ll most often find them sold individually or in a plastic bag sold by the pound. Look for Brussels sprouts that have tight outer leaves and do not have black spots, browning, or yellow leaves. It is also best to buy sprouts that are smaller in size. Smaller sprouts are the sweeter and more tender. Larger sprouts tend to take on a bitter taste.

If you happen to notice Brussels sprouts on the stalk in the fresh produce section of the store or at the farmer’s market next time you go, it is well worth it to buy the large stalk! Brussels sprout stalks will stay fresher longer and have a better flavor because they maintain their freshness. 

Have an abundance of Brussels sprouts? Make this easy sheet pan dinner that features fall produce!

How to store raw Brussels sprouts

To store raw Brussels sprouts, keep the whole and unwashed in your vegetable drawer. They will last uncooked for a couple of weeks, but as they age they will start to lose their sweetness. 

You’ll know if the Brussels sprouts are no longer fresh if they have a squishy texture or a strong, unpleasant smell to them. 

When you are ready to use your Brussels sprouts, rinse them under cold running water and remove any outer dark leaves or any that are discolored. 

How long do cooked Brussels sprouts last?

With proper storage in an airtight container, cooked Brussels sprouts will last up to 5 days. But in my house, this recipe never lasts that long!

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

This is a recipe that I recommend making fresh rather than making ahead of time for meals. The bacon or Brussels sprouts just aren’t as crispy as they are fresh. If you are making this for a holiday meal, plan to prepare it right before serving the meal. 

Is this Bacon and Brussels Sprouts recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes, they are! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free because it is made with only four simple ingredients! It is also a great low-carb option as well. 

Nutrition benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a great nutrient-dense cruciferous vegetable! They are full of vitamin K and vitamin C, and high in fiber and antioxidants. It is important to eat a diet rich in antioxidants to help protect your cells from free radicals and prevent disease. Eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies will help you get a range of nutrients that your body needs to be healthy and thrive. 

Tools to make this recipe

A cast iron skillet will help you get crispy Brussels sprouts. A cast iron skillet has so many uses, and while you can easily substitute it with a regular skillet, it is a tool I highly recommend to have in your own home! 

Ingredients to make Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Bacon- you will cook the bacon and reserve the fat to cook the Brussels in for maximum flavor! You can cook the bacon whole and crumble later, or slice it when it is raw and after it is cooked remove it with a slotted spoon so you leave the remainder of the bacon fat. 
• Shallot- you can sub for red onion if that’s all you have on hand but the shallots have a nice garlic flavor to them
• Garlic – adds even more flavor
• Fresh Brussels Sprouts – ends trimmed and cut in half
• Salt and black pepper- I don’t give a measurement for the salt because it depends on how salty your bacon is. Add a pinch and give it a taste before adding more. I always recommend using a mineral-rich salt like Redmond Real Salt.

How to make Bacon Brussels Sprouts

To prepare the Brussels Sprouts remove any loose leaves or leaves with brown spots. Then cut off the bottom end of Brussels sprouts with a sharp knife and then cut down the middle to cut it in half. Then, dice the shallot and mince the garlic.

Add the bacon to a cast iron skillet (or just a regular skillet if you do not have one) over medium heat and cook until your desired crispness. Remove from the pan and set aside. Keep the bacon fat because you will cook the remainder of the ingredients in this fat for extra flavor. Chop the bacon into pieces to sprinkle over the Brussels sprouts after they are done cooking. 

Add the shallots to the bacon fat and cook for 2-3 minutes or until translucent. Then add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, this will only take about a minute. 

Add the Brussels Sprouts to the skillet and mix them around to evenly coat with the bacon fat and mix the shallots and garlic in. 

Try to add them to a single layer with the cut sides down as much as possible. This doesn’t need to be perfect, but it will help you get crispy brown edges. Turn the heat up to medium-high heat to crisp up the edges. 

Leave them undisturbed for a few minutes, and then mix them around to ensure even cooking. Cook them until they are golden brown and can be pierced with a fork. If they are browning too quickly reduce the heat back down to medium. I like to keep them a little al dente to prevent them from getting mushy. When they are ready, remove the skillet from the heat and then sprinkle on the cooked bacon.   

Serve immediately and enjoy! If desired you can top with parmesan cheese for garnish. 

How to store bacon and Brussels sprouts

Add the Brussels sprouts to an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

How to reheat Bacon and Brussels Sprouts 

For best results, add the Brussels sprouts back to a skillet to reheat. This is the best way to help the bacon and Brussels sprouts both stay crispy. Add a little oil to a skillet, such as avocado oil, over medium heat and add in the Bacon and Brussels Sprouts. Cook until the bacon and re-crisped and the Brussels sprouts are warmed through. Then enjoy!