Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Worth cooking

No more boring brussels sprouts! The addition of bacon makes this truly special. Our kids totally love it when we cook it this way, and we love to serve it for Thanksgiving. You’ll love this vegetable side dish for many reasons:

• It is simple yet sophisticated. This side dish can be on the table in just 15 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Despite the recipe’s simplicity, you’ll be amazed at how flavorful and satisfying it is.
• It doesn’t require any special equipment. All you need is one skillet to get the job done! You don’t need a deep fryer or special tools since you can pan-fry the ingredients instead.
• Even picky eaters enjoy it. This recipe lets you see Brussels sprouts in a new light! Even those who aren’t the biggest fans of the vegetable will surely enjoy it. There’s just something about the combination of crunchy bacon, seasonings, and tender Brussels sprouts that makes it downright satisfying.

Ingredients Needed

You won’t believe how short the ingredient list is for this notable side dish! Our motto is simple ingredients, extraordinary results, and this one does not disappoint! Here is all you need, aside from salt and pepper:

• Bacon: the rich, smoky flavor and the crispy texture complement the earthy Brussels sprouts. More importantly, the bacon grease penetrates the vegetables to give them a deeper flavor while preventing them from sticking to the pan. So you don’t need olive oil for this recipe.
• Brussels Sprouts: For the best quality, use fresh Brussels sprouts. If you must use frozen, allow them to thaw first. However, they might not taste as fresh.
• Onion Powder: This versatile seasoning is an effortless way to add more depth to the dish without having to chop up a fresh onion.

Fun fact: It’s called brussels sprouts, not brussel sprouts.

The exact measurements for the ingredients are in the recipe card below!

Cook smaller sprouts whole instead of cutting them in half.

How it comes together

This brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is the easiest ever! In fact, it’s easy enough for beginners and one of the best ways to cook this cruciferous veggie. Here is the cooking process and step-by-step photos:

1. Cut bacon into small pieces and fry it in a large skillet on medium high heat until golden.
2. Remove the crispy bacon from the frying pan using a slotted spoon and leaving the bacon grease. Set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate.
3. Add the halved brussels sprouts to the skillet with the bacon grease.
4. Toss to coat the vegetables and cook covered on low.
5. Add onion powder, salt, and black pepper, and continue cooking the Brussels sprouts until golden.
6. Put the cooked bacon back in the pan and toss everything well. Then, serve!

Brussels sprouts sprinkled with salt and pepper

Bacon added to pan fried Brussels sprouts

A cast-iron skillet is great for this recipe as it caramelizes the sprouts, making them resemble crispy roasted brussels sprouts.

Pantry notes

We encourage you to have fun with this pan fried Brussels sprouts recipe and modify it to your liking! Here are some variations you can try out:

• Pancetta: If you would rather use pancetta instead of bacon, you can certainly do so. Since pancetta is not smoked like bacon, it has a unique flavor that is less sweet and smoky (but meatier). Typically, it is cured with spices such as juniper, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Therefore, you may need to reduce the salt and pepper in this recipe when using it.
• Dried Fruits or Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, and dried cranberries are common accompaniments to Brussels sprout side dishes. The fruit and nuts create a symphony of various flavors and textures!
• Make it spicy. You can always add cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want hints of spiciness in your Brussels sprouts. Just remember that a little goes a long way.
• Add some garlic. Who doesn’t love garlic? It is one of those ingredients that is impressively adaptable! You can add fresh minced garlic halfway through cooking the Brussels sprouts, just long enough to make the garlic fragrant and nutty.
• Balsamic Vinegar: For a rich yet tangy addition, add some balsamic vinegar to the pan when adding the Brussels sprouts. It will reduce and slightly thicken, coating the vegetables and creating a glaze. You can also simply drizzle balsamic onto the Brussels sprouts when serving!
• Maple Syrup: For a bit of sweetness, drizzle with maple syrup and toss to combine after the brussels sprouts have cooked and before adding back the bacon. You can also add a little brown sugar for some sweetness.

Cook notes

• Choose a skillet that is large enough. You don’t want to crowd the pan because the vegetables will cook unevenly. Make sure to use a pan where you can comfortably toss the ingredients.
• Want to get ahead of the game? You can prep the ingredients in advance. Chop the Brussels sprouts and store them in a sealed container until you make the recipe. You can also chop and cook the bacon beforehand, as long as you save the grease for later!
• Cutting off the Brussels sprouts’ bottom stem is optional. They are edible, but not everyone enjoys the texture. Thick stalks can be tough and chewy, so it is up to you and what your Brussels looks like!

How To Pick The Best Brussels Sprouts

If you are new to cooking with brussels sprouts, you might wonder what to look for when buying them. To select the best ones, you should examine their appearance and texture.

In terms of color, they should have a bright green shade. Avoid ones with blemishes such as discoloration, dry texture, or holes. You can gently squeeze them to make sure they are firm.

You can use either small or larger ones, but it’s best to cook sprouts of similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Smaller Brussels sprouts tend to be on the sweeter side. You might find that larger ones are slightly bitter, and more cabbage-like but either is fine for this recipe since they are cooked on low and with bacon fat and seasonings; it brings out their best qualities!

• Yield: 6 servings
• Prep: 5 minutes
• Cook: 10 minutes
• Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ pound bacon
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, each cut in half lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Method

1. Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces.
2. Fry bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave half of the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet and toss to ensure the grease coats the Brussels sprouts. Cook covered on low heat for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the onion powder and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring from time to time until Brussels sprouts are golden.
5. Add back bacon to the pan and toss to combine. Serve.