Bacon Brussels Sprouts
on Nov 01, 2021, Updated Oct 03, 2023
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These Bacon Brussels Sprouts are crispy, salty, garlicky, and everything in between. I can eat these every single day. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Brussels sprouts or a skeptic willing to give them a second chance, this dish is bound to win you over.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Brussels Sprouts
This easy dish makes a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner options. The blend of Brussels sprouts, bacon, and garlic creates the perfect balance of flavors. The Brussels sprouts are parboiled, yet crunchy. Bacon contributes smoky, salty richness, while garlic adds depth. If you were once a Brussels sprouts skeptic like me, this dish might just convert you into a fan of these delicious greens.
How to Prepare Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Start by washing the Brussels sprouts, trimming off their tips, and then cutting them in half. Give them a thorough rinse once more. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a generous pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the Brussels sprouts and let them simmer for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still retain a bite.
While the sprouts are cooking, chop 3-4 pieces of bacon 🥓 (you can use pancetta, guanciale, or even turkey bacon) into small pieces and begin to cook them in a large pan over medium-high heat. When the bacon turns beautifully crispy and golden, toss in the finely diced cloves of garlic 🧄 and immediately add the parboiled Brussels sprouts. Allow them to sear for a few minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt to taste. Enjoy!
Nonna’s Tip
Bacon adds a lot of flavor to this recipe but you can also use pancetta or guanciale.
Variations and Substitutions
Whether you’re looking to make it vegan-friendly, add a spicy kick, or introduce a burst of freshness, these creative options allow you to tailor your Brussels sprouts to your individual palate.
- For a vegan-friendly version, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing. You could enhance the smokiness with a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Grate some Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or your favorite cheese over the Brussels sprouts just before serving.
- Add a crunch by tossing in some toasted pine nuts, chopped almonds, or even crushed pecans.
- Introduce a touch of sweetness by drizzling some honey or maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts during the final minutes of cooking.
- Instead of sautéing diced garlic, consider using roasted garlic cloves.
Other Holiday Recipes
- Gravy
- Juicy Turkey
- Mac and Cheese
- Stuffing
- Sweet Potato Donuts
- Pumpkin Pie
- Cranberry Sauce
- Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Squash
- Turkey Noodle Soup
- Butternut Squash Pasta
- Baked Apples
- Mushrooms
- Green Beans
- Whole Roasted Sweet Potato
Common Questions
While fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for this recipe, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking, and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts up to the point of sautéing them with bacon and garlic. Finish the final cooking step just before serving for the best results.
Store any leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in a pan or the oven for the best texture.
Experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dish.
To avoid overcooking, watch the Brussels sprouts closely while boiling. They should be tender but still have a slight crunch. Be mindful not to over-sauté them in the pan to maintain their texture.
Simply double or triple the quantities of ingredients to serve a larger group. You may need to cook the Brussels sprouts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 Brussels Sprouts , cut in half
- 4 pieces bacon , can be pancetta guanciale, turkey bacon etc.
- salt , to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
Instructions
- Wash the Brussels sprouts, cut off the little tips, cut them in half and wash them again. Bring a big pot of water on the stove to a boil and add a big pinch of salt.
- Once it comes to a boil you can add in the Brussels sprouts and boil for 5 minutes or until they are tender, but still have bite to them.
- In the meantime you chop up your bacon into small pieces and begin to cook it in a big pan on medium-high heat.
- When the bacon is golden, add the garlic and immediately add in the cooked Brussels sprouts. Give them a nice sear for a few minutes and adjust for salt. Enjoy!
My Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Boiling the brussels sprouts for a few minutes before searing them with the bacon and garlic made a huge difference in tenderness and flavor! Thank you for this recipe!🙌
Love the bacon and garlic flavor! Such a delicious side I will have to add into the dinner rotation! Wonderful! Make these!