These savory Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are buttery, caramelized, and loaded with smoky bacon in every bite. This quick and flavorful side dish transforms Brussels sprouts into a tasty dish the whole family will love.
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Jump to:
- ❤️ Why You'll Love These Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
- 🛒 Ingredients for Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
- 🔪 How to Make Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- 💡 Tips for Making Brussels Sprouts
- ☑️ Storage Instructions
- 🍴 What to Serve with Caramelized Brussel Sprouts
- 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Why are My Brussels Sprouts Mushy?
- Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
- Can I Make This Recipe Ahead?
- Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
- 🍽️ More Tasty Side Dish Recipes
❤️ Why You'll Love These Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
- Tender Brussels sprouts
- Sautéed in smoky bacon and butter
- Caramelized in a skillet, giving them incredible flavor
- Tossed with chunks of crispy bacon
- Flavorful quick and easy side dish
- Low carb and family friendly
These flavorful Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon take a humble vegetable to a whole new and amazing level. The sprouts are first caramelized to perfection, then tossed in smoky bacon grease, giving them incredible flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that turns Brussels sprout skeptics into fans with just one forkful.
But can we talk about the bacon? This perfectly crispy and smoky addition is the star ingredient that makes this dish so irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a holiday spread, these sprouts will be the first side to disappear.
IF you're a Brussels fan, be sure and check out my easy recipe for this Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad.
🛒 Ingredients for Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels sprouts
- Bacon (with grease)
- Butter
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
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🔪 How to Make Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Wash, dry and slice your Brussels sprouts in half. Peel and discard the outer leaves that are damaged.
Chop the bacon into small pieces, then add them to a skillet over medium heat.
Fry until crispy, then remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Add the butter, Brussels sprouts, salt and pepper into the skillet and toss in the bacon grease.
Cover with a lid and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until they reach the texture you desire.
Remove the lid, toss in the bacon grease and butter, then add the reserved crispy bacon over the top and serve.
💡 Tips for Making Brussels Sprouts
- Use fresh sprouts: Look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Give the sprouts room to brown evenly. Overcrowding can make them soggy.
- Cut sprouts evenly: Halve them for faster cooking, and to help each piece caramelize perfectly.
- Dry sprouts well: Pat the Brussels sprouts dry after washing to ensure they caramelize evenly.
- Stir occasionally: Toss the sprouts in the skillet to coat them fully in bacon grease and butter as they cook.
☑️ Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because the sprouts can lose their texture.
🍴 What to Serve with Caramelized Brussel Sprouts
This is a very versatile side dish that you can serve with any main course. Because of the rich smoky flavor, I like to serve it with a simple protein like these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or these Pan Fried Pork Chops.
For special occasions or a holiday meal, you could serve them with this Pan Seared Filet or this Honey Glazed Ham.
🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Add garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the sprouts for an extra layer of flavor.
- Maple-glazed: Drizzle with sugar-free maple syrup for a sweet and savory twist.
- Cheesy topping: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan for a nutty, salty topping.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Citrus zing: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sprouts before serving.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon and instead use a little olive oil and season with smoked paprika.
Why are My Brussels Sprouts Mushy?
Overcrowding the skillet can trap steam and make the sprouts soggy. Cook in batches if needed.
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw them first and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead?
Yes! Cook the sprouts and bacon separately, then reheat them in the skillet together before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Sure! Toss the sprouts with bacon grease and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
🍽️ More Tasty Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Glazed Carrots
- Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
- Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
- 6 slices bacon, with the bacon grease
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the bacon into small pieces, then add them to a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry until crispy, then remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Wash, dry and slice your Brussels sprouts in half. Peel and discard the outer leaves that are damaged.
- Add the butter, Brussels sprouts, salt and pepper into the skillet and toss in the bacon grease.
- Cover with a lid and sauté for 5-6 minutes or until they reach the texture you desire.
- Remove the lid, toss in the bacon grease and butter, then add the reserved crispy bacon over the top and serve.
*Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.
*Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.
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