If you love hearty, flavorful side dishes that steal the spotlight, this Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine Brussels sprouts seared to golden perfection, with a delightful crispiness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky, savory bites of bacon. Each forkful balances sweetness, salt, and a hint of garlic for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is addictive. Whether you’re serving it alongside a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a holiday table, this recipe never fails to impress and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe shines because of its simple, quality ingredients that each bring something special to the pan. From the rich bacon fat that infuses the sprouts with flavor, to the subtle sweetness of coconut sugar, every element plays a crucial role.
- 4 oz. bacon: Provides smoky, savory fat that crisps up the Brussels sprouts perfectly.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts: Fresh, trimmed, and halved, they’re the hearty star of this recipe.
- 1 clove garlic: Crushed to release aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar: Adds a subtle, caramel-like sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- ½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the Brussels sprouts just right.
- ¼ tsp. pepper: Adds a gentle mild heat to round out the taste profile.
How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Begin by heating a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add your bacon pieces and cook them for 8-10 minutes until they turn beautifully crisp and golden. This step sets the flavor foundation by rendering the bacon fat you’ll need later.
Step 2: Reserve Bacon Grease
Carefully remove the cooked bacon pieces from the skillet and set them aside. Keep about 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. If you don’t have enough, feel free to supplement with a little olive oil to ensure the Brussels sprouts won’t stick or dry out.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Add the crushed garlic clove to the reserved bacon fat and sauté over medium-low heat for about a minute. This step releases the fragrant garlic oils, infusing the base flavor before adding the sprouts.
Step 4: Crisp the Brussels Sprouts
Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overlap them. This careful arrangement allows the flat cuts to develop a crispy, caramelized crust. Sauté for 8-10 minutes without stirring to build this lovely texture.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Sprinkle the coconut sugar, salt, and pepper evenly over the sprouts in the skillet. Toss gently to coat all the pieces; the sugar will begin to caramelize slightly, adding a perfect sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
Step 6: Finish Cooking in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400-degree oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 7-10 minutes. This step softens the interiors while keeping that irresistible crisp on the outside. The result is tender yet crunchy, bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Serve with Bacon
Once done, return the crispy bacon bits to the skillet or sprinkle them over your plated Brussels sprouts. The marriage of smoky bacon and crispy, caramelized sprouts is pure magic.
How to Serve Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a handful of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can add an extra layer of crunch and depth. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice also brightens the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, and is fabulous alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa salad for a complete meal that feels both hearty and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve these Brussels sprouts in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table for a cozy, communal vibe. You can also toss them into a warm grain bowl or stack them on crostini with a dab of goat cheese for a delightful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sprouts hold their texture well, and the flavors deepen over time, making for excellent next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked Brussels sprouts, their texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze leftovers from this Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe, it’s best to consume within one month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat to revive their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make them soft and soggy instead of crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are definitely best for this Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe to achieve that perfect crisp. Frozen sprouts tend to be softer and can release excess moisture, which may prevent crisping.
Is there a substitute for coconut sugar?
Yes! You can use brown sugar or even maple syrup to add sweetness, but coconut sugar imparts a unique caramel flavor that complements the bacon beautifully.
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can substitute with smoked paprika and a drizzle of olive oil to mimic the smoky depth bacon provides.
What pan is best for cooking this recipe?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat evenly, helping the Brussels sprouts crisp up perfectly while infusing them with bacon flavor.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
Look for a caramelized golden-brown crust on the cut sides and tender insides. They should be crisp on the outside but soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and homey at the same time. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a favorite whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests. Give it a try and watch how these humble vegetables transform into something extraordinary!
Print
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon offers a deliciously savory and slightly sweet side dish that combines the crispy texture of sautéed and oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with the smoky flavor of bacon. Enhanced by a touch of garlic and the subtle sweetness of coconut sugar, it’s perfect for a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 oz. bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
Vegetables
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and cut in half
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
Seasonings
- 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts later in the cooking process.
- Cook bacon: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes until crispy and browned, rendering out the fat.
- Reserve bacon grease: Remove the bacon pieces from the skillet and set aside. Keep 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet; if less grease remains, add olive oil as needed to reach 3 tablespoons.
- Sauté garlic: Add the crushed garlic to the reserved bacon grease in the skillet. Sauté over medium-low heat for 1 minute, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the fat.
- Add Brussels sprouts to skillet: Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap for even crisping.
- Sauté sprouts: Cook the Brussels sprouts for 8-10 minutes over medium heat, allowing the cut sides to become crispy and golden brown.
- Season: Sprinkle the coconut sugar, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Toss the Brussels sprouts gently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Roast sprouts: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 7-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, add the crispy bacon pieces back in, toss lightly, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and substitute with olive oil or vegan bacon alternatives.
- If you do not have coconut sugar, brown sugar or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for sweetness.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when sautéing Brussels sprouts to ensure they crisp up nicely.
- Use a skillet or oven-safe pan to seamlessly transfer the sprouts from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust roasting time for softer or crunchier sprouts to suit your personal preference.
