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This Brussels sprouts and bacon recipe is a super delicious 2-ingredient side dish that the whole family will love. It’s easy and fast!

I have even more Brussels sprout side dish recipes on the blog, including my Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Brussels Sprouts Gratin.

closeup of brussels sprouts and bacon in a skillet

Why you’ll love it

Bacon and Brussels sprouts just go together. This simple side dish is definitely worth making. I’m a big fan of just plain ‘ole Brussels sprouts, but dressing them up every now and then is good as well. The crispy, savory quality the bacon adds is a game changer.

I cook the Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat for extra flavor. Yes, that’s why they’re completely irresistible! These babies are ideal for pairing with any meal, and my readers especially enjoy them around the holidays because they’re just so simple and satisfying.

What you’ll need

  • Brussels sprouts – choose fresh ones with a bright green color and no yellow leaves. In general, the smaller ones will be a little bit sweeter. Make sure they’re roughly similar in size.
  • Bacon – the leftover grease from frying helps get the sprouts beautifully browned and infused with flavor
brussels sprouts and bacon on a marble countertop

Helpful tips

  • Brussels sprouts can be a bit tough, so the first part of the cooking process is done with the pan’s lid on. This traps the steam and cooks them faster. I keep the heat relatively low so they don’t brown too quickly. There’s no need to boil them first.
  • You finish the cooking process with the lid off and then brown them even more to your liking if you wish.
  • I used small-to-average size Brussels for this recipe. If you use larger ones, cooking time will need to increase from what I suggest in the recipe.

How to make Brussels sprouts with bacon

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

frying bacon and brussels sprouts in a skillet

Cut the bacon up into small pieces. In a skillet, fry until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel, making sure to leave the remaining grease in the pan. Add the halved Brussels sprouts, and stir to coat them.

returning bacon to a skillet with brussels sprouts

Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat, and cook for about 5 minutes. Return the bacon to the pan. Cook, uncovered, until the sprouts are golden brown and tender. Season with salt & pepper if desired, and serve right away.

Tools for this recipe

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Substitutions and variations

  • The beauty of this recipe is that it only needs two ingredients, but readers have successfully changed it up!
  • Try a hint of maple syrup or balsamic glaze for a sweet touch towards the end of the cooking time.
  • We haven’t tested with frozen Brussels sprouts, but they may turn out mushy. If they’re all you have, let them thaw before cutting into halves, and perhaps cook for less time.
a cast iron skillet with brussels sprouts and bacon

What to serve with Brussels sprouts and bacon

Leftovers and storage

  • Leftover Brussels sprouts will keep in an airtight container stored in the fridge for a few of days. Keep in mind they will soften up over time.
  • Reheat in a saucepan over a low heat until they’re warmed through again, or you could even use the oven.
  • You could try freezing leftovers, but the bacon may come out less crispy.
a bowl of brussels sprouts

I hope you’ll give this easy Brussels sprouts side dish recipe a try! Questions, or want to leave a review? Let me know in the comments below. You can also find me on Instagram.

closeup of brussels sprouts and bacon in a skillet
4.93 from 93 votes

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Recipe

This Brussels sprouts and bacon recipe is a super delicious 2-ingredient side dish that the whole family will love. It's easy and fast!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 pound bacon cut into small pieces
  • 2 dozen Brussels sprouts trimmed & halved
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
  • Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate, and leave the grease in the pan.
  • Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan, stir them until they’re nicely coated in the bacon grease, and cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 5 minutes. 
  • Add the bacon back into the pan. Cook, uncovered, for a few more minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are as tender and/or browned as you want. You can cover the pan again if you wish (especially if you want the Brussels to be super soft); just keep an eye on them so they don’t scorch.
  • Season with salt & pepper if needed. Serve immediately. 

Notes

  • I use small-to-average size Brussels sprouts. If you use giant ones, cooking time will definitely need to increase.
  • You can also find this recipe on page 243 of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials hardcover cookbook.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 37mg, Sodium: 404mg, Potassium: 556mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 881IU, Vitamin C: 97mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.

Leave a star rating and comment below!

This recipe was originally published on September 21, 2018. It’s been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!


Hi! Iโ€™m Natasha.

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4.93 from 93 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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245 Comments

  1. Ashante says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe! This side dish was a hit at Thanksgiving dinner. I sautรฉed the brussels sprouts in bacon drippings and a little ghee. So tasty! We brought the dish to a pot luck Thanksgiving dinner and even though there were leftovers, the host insisted that we leave all the extras at their place so they could finish them up ๐Ÿ™‚ Will definitely be making this dish again.

    1. Natasha says:

      I’m so happy to hear you made it for Thanksgiving!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Dawn says:

    Making as we speak. Always loved just with butter…cannot wait to try!

    1. Natasha says:

      Me too!! Hope you enjoy this recipe, Dawn! Happy Thanksgiving! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. twiddly says:

    5 stars
    perfect!

    1. Natasha says:

      Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving! โค๏ธ

  4. Barbie says:

    Making for Thanksgiving xo

    1. Natasha says:

      Enjoy! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Susan says:

    How can you make this using frozen Brussels sprouts ? Thaw first or cook frozen ?

    1. Natasha says:

      Hi! I’d at least partially thaw them so you can cut them into halves. Let me know how it goes!

  6. Berta Ronda says:

    5 stars
    NEVER had Brussels sprouts! Omg! Delish! Thank you!

    1. Natasha says:

      So happy you enjoyed the recipe!! ๐Ÿ™‚ That’s awesome!

  7. Mirian D says:

    5 stars
    Nicely worded and delicious!

    1. Natasha says:

      So glad you enjoyed it!

  8. Lisa says:

    Can they be reheated in the oven? I would love to make for thanksgiving but i would have to reheat.

    1. Natasha says:

      I think that would be fine ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Jeff the Chef says:

    What a great combination. I love that you’ve got so much bacon in there.

    1. Natasha says:

      Thanks, Jeff! Yeah, I didn’t want to skimp on it for this recipe haha. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    2. Val W says:

      I like this recipe very much. I sprinkle Amino liquid instead of salt. Itโ€™s taste like soy sauce. And then I will sprinkle some stevia on stop and maybe som Parmesan too! ๐Ÿ˜

      1. Natasha says:

        So glad you enjoy this recipe, Val!

  10. Carolyn says:

    Delicious!

    1. Lakiesha small says:

      Omg something said pick up some Brussels sprouts mind you I haven’t had them in 10+ yrs, but I just made this recipe and I’m eating them before the main course is done lol๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿ˜‹

      1. Natasha says:

        I am soo pleased to hear that! ๐Ÿ™‚