Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

These Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon are a quick and easy side dish recipe that’s ready in about 15 minutes!

Brussels sprouts are a lovely addition to any dinner table, we especially love them with my Creamy Garlic Pot Roast or Balsamic Grilled Chicken.

Cooked Brussels sprouts with bacon in black frying pan with spoon.

What I love most about this super simple recipe is that you just need 3 main ingredients (plus salt and pepper), just a few minutes of prep and you have a super simple side dish that everyone will enjoy.

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

This is an amazing side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also perfect for a busy weeknight because it’s SO EASY to make. It’s delicious and elegant enough for company or a cozy night in.

All you need is a frying pan and a pot for the Brussels sprouts because this recipe is made on the stovetop and comes together quickly with just a few basic pantry staples.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the basic list of ingredients you’ll need in order to whip up the brussels sprouts and bacon. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients located in the printable recipe card below.

  • Brussels Sprouts – trimmed and halved
  • Bacon – thick cut
  • Onion – sweet variety such as yellow or white work well for this recipe
Ingredients for bacon and brussels sprouts in bowls on marble countertop.

How To Make Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Part of prepping is to make sure the brussels sprouts are trimmed properly and halved so that they don’t take too long to cook. It’s not hard to do! I’ll walk you through the steps.

Prepare Brussels Sprouts

After washing them, cut off any ends that look brown and stumpy. Peel off any outer leaves that are browned or blemished and discard. Using a sharp knife, slice the brussels sprouts in half along the stem line.

Raw brussels sprout cut in half with blemished peelings around.

Cook Brussels Sprouts

Bring a pot of water with a steamer basket on top to a boil. Add the brussels sprouts and cover. Let them steam for about 5 to 10 minutes, until slightly tender.

Cooked brussels sprouts in steamer basket in metal pot.

Cook Bacon and Onion

Add bacon and onion to a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until the fat is rendered and the bacon is starting to crisp.

Cooked bacon and onions in cast iron frying pan.

Remove the brussels sprouts from the steamer basket and add to the pan with the bacon and onion . Let the brussels sprouts brown and caramelize in the bacon drippings for about 3-4 minutes.

Caramelized brussels sprouts and bacon.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and then serve immediately. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

  • You can use a purple onion in place of the yellow/white onion for a pop of color and a bit of a different flavor profile.
  • Turkey bacon works well in place of regular bacon for a healthier option, but you may need to add a little oil to the pan to help crisp the brussels sprouts.
  • Caramelizing the Brussels sprouts will amp up the flavor immensely! It’s delicious when it’s browned on the bottom.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerate: After cooling, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freeze: After cooking, cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating in a frying pan for a few minutes to crisp up the bacon.

Common Questions

How do you trim brussels sprouts?

Cut off the brown end to reveal the bright green stem underneath. Peel off any brown or blemished outer leaves.

What is the best way to cook brussels sprouts?

There are so many options when it comes to cooking Brussels Sprouts, but caramelizing them, like we do in this recipe, brings out a delicious flavor that even the pickiest of eaters can enjoy.
The trick is to use a heavy bottomed skillet, such as cast iron, so it can hold in the high heat and really give the Brussels Sprouts that beautiful char and caramelization.
If you only have a non-stick skillet, make sure you increase the heat a little extra and try to not stir very frequently to allow the vegetables time to char.
The texture of the Brussels Sprouts will be a crisp-tender, not extremely soft. If you prefer your Brussels Sprouts softer, you can boil or steam them for a few minutes longer prior to tossing them in the bacon grease.

What meat goes best with brussels sprouts?

This recipe uses bacon, but chicken and brussels sprouts also go well and bratwurst and brussels sprouts.

What pairs well with brussels sprouts?

Lots of things!! They go well with most meats like chicken, pork, beef, or fish.

Brussels sprouts with bacon in black pan with spoon.

More Recipes for Brussels Sprouts:

Here are a few of our favorite recipes that use brussels sprouts. Make sure to try at least one!

This is one of my favorite ways to cook brussels sprouts, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Cooked brussels sprouts and bacon.
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5 from 3 votes

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

These sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon are a quick and easy side dish recipe that's ready in about 20 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 194 kcal
Author: Shawn

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Brussel Sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 8 oz bacon, thick cut, chopped
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • salt and pepper

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Instructions

  • Bring a pot of water with a steamer basket on top to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cover. Let them steam for about 5 to 10 minutes, until slightly tender.
  • Meanwhile, add bacon and onion to a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until the fat is rendered and it is starting to crisp.
  • Remove the Brussels sprouts from the steamer basket and add into the pan with the bacon and onion. Let the Brussels sprouts brown and caramelize in the bacon drippings for about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and then serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
The Brussels Sprouts should be crisp-tender when finished. If you prefer them softer, you can steam them for a few minutes longer prior to adding to the bacon grease.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 269mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 584IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords: Brussels Sprouts and Bacon, Brussels Sprouts Recipe
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?don’t forget to share a picture and mention @iwashyoudry on Instagram or tag #iwashyoudry!
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5 from 3 votes

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7 Comments

  1. Hello.

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  2. 5 stars
    I had almost given up on Brussels Sprouts, but this recipe/technique has saved me! Brilliant, Shawn, as usual!

  3. 5 stars
    This the kind of thing I could get carried away with and eat it and only it for dinner. I love your site.

  4. 5 stars
    I made the brussel sprouts and bacon, my great grandchildren love it. They saw me bite into a raw brussel sprout, now they eat them raw on occasion.

  5. I make this but I slice my brussel sprouts and blanche them first then cook them in the chopped bacon drippings. I also add parmesan cheese once done.

  6. I make this all the time. Love it. I have always made it for years with asparagus cut into bite size pieces in it. I can literally sit down and eat the whole skillet full !
    I recently found your site and totally love it !