Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a simple, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. With a golden crust and savory bacon, this recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick way to add a tasty twist to your dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, washed, stems trimmed, and halved
- 6 slices thick-cut or regular bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
- Drizzle of pure maple syrup (for maple-glazed variant)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Sriracha or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
- Smoked paprika and roasted chickpeas (vegetarian alternative to bacon)
- Toasted walnuts or pecans (for added nutty crunch)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trim the stems, and cut them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and maximize the crispy surface area.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until nicely crisp. Remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- Step 3: Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut side down in the hot bacon fat. Cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes until tender.
- Step 4: Add minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Step 5: Crumble the cooked bacon back into the pan. Toss everything together so the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with flavorful bacon bits.
- Step 6: For variations, drizzle maple syrup, add lemon zest and juice, sriracha, or toasted nuts just before serving to customize the flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, swap bacon with smoked paprika and roasted chickpeas to add smoky flavor and crunch.
- Add a drizzle of pure maple syrup to balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- To introduce a fresh zing, include lemon zest and juice right before serving.
- For extra texture, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top.
- Adjust the heat by adding sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness, or microwave briefly if in a hurry. Avoid reheating in the oven for long periods to prevent drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for this recipe to achieve a crispy texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking to reduce excess moisture.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the bacon with smoked paprika and roasted chickpeas for a smoky, crunchy alternative. You can also add toasted walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
PrintCrispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a deliciously savory side dish featuring halved Brussels sprouts sautéed to a golden crisp in bacon fat. Enhanced with garlic and seasoning, and optionally finished with maple syrup, lemon, sriracha, or nuts for personalized flavor, this quick 25-minute recipe serves 4 and delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, washed, stems trimmed, and halved
Bacon and Fat
- 6 slices thick-cut or regular bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if needed)
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
Optional Flavor Variations
- Drizzle of pure maple syrup (for maple-glazed variant)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Sriracha or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
- Smoked paprika and roasted chickpeas (vegetarian alternative to bacon)
- Toasted walnuts or pecans (for added nutty crunch)
Instructions
- Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trim off the stems, and cut them in half lengthwise to promote even cooking and maximize the crispy surface area.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook them until they are nicely crisp. Remove the bacon pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the sprouts.
- Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut side down in the hot bacon fat left in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing a deep golden crust to form. Then stir and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add minced garlic to the pan and stir for about one minute until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and if desired, red pepper flakes to taste.
- Mix in the Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon back into the skillet with the sprouts. Toss everything together to evenly coat the Brussels sprouts with flavorful bacon bits.
- Optional Extras: Customize your dish by drizzling pure maple syrup, adding lemon zest and juice, a splash of sriracha or hot sauce, or sprinkling toasted walnuts or pecans just before serving. For a vegetarian alternative, swap bacon for smoked paprika and roasted chickpeas.
Notes
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are cut evenly for uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat without burning.
- Do not stir sprouts immediately to allow a crispy crust to form.
- Adjust seasoning and optional extras to your taste preference.
- For a vegetarian twist, omit bacon and add smoked paprika with roasted chickpeas.
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, crispy, bacon, sautéed vegetables, easy side dish, quick recipe, maple glazed, lemon zest, sriracha, nuts, vegetarian alternative
