I absolutely adore Brussels sprouts, that perfect balance between sweet and bitter is just divine. Of course, when you fry them up with bacon, they only get better! This is one of those side dishes I make constantly because it never fails, its easy and delicious!
There is a reason this is a beloved classic where caramelized, slightly crisped bitter brussel sprouts meet smoky, salty sweet bacon for a contrast of textures and that savory flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for roasted chicken, grilled pork, or steak. Heck, it even works wonderfully with fish, and you can pair it with a sandwich, both as a side or as a filling. It’s that good! The combination of the tender Brussels sprouts, the crispy bacon, and that golden sautéed onion creates something truly special that elevates any meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or something impressive for guests, this recipe delivers every time. The Brussels sprouts become perfectly tender while developing those delicious caramelized edges, and the bacon adds just the right amount of richness and smoke to tie everything together. Its fannnnntastic! Let’s check the recipe!
Easy Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon
This is the quintessential sidedish! Its a classic combination for a reason, the slight bitter Brussel sprouts with the sweet and savoury bacon is amazing.
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts – 300g
- Bacon – 2 slices
- Onion – 1/2
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Olive Oil – A pinch
- Sweet Paprika – A pinch
- Pepper – A pinch
- Salt – A pinch
Directions
- I used frozen Brussels sprouts, but if you have fresh ones, start by steaming them for about 10 minutes just to cook them faster. If you use frozen ones, you can put them directly into the pan.
- Start by placing the chopped onion, garlic, and bacon in a large frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the onion is golden brown.
- Now add the Brussels sprouts with another pinch of pepper, paprika, salt, and a few more drizzles of olive oil. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat.
- Taste a Brussels sprout to check when it is tender and to your liking, adjust the seasoning if need be, then it is ready to serve. Bon appétit!
The key to really delicious Brussels sprouts is patience. Don’t rush the sautéing of the onions and bacon, that 10 minute base creates so much flavor. When you add the sprouts, resist the urge to constantly stir them. Letting them sit for a minute or two between stirs allows those beautiful caramelized spots to develop.
Any bacon works here, but thick-cut bacon will give you meatier chunks, while regular bacon crisps up more and distributes throughout the dish more evenly. Both are delicious, it’s just a matter of preference!
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for tang, toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch, or finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You could even add a touch of maple syrup if you want to play up that sweet and savory contrast.
These reheat surprisingly well! Just warm them in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some of that crispy texture. They’re also excellent cold, tossed into a salad or grain bowl.
While this recipe serves 2 as written, it’s easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. Just make sure you use a pan large enough to avoid overcrowding, you want those sprouts to caramelize, not steam!
This recipe for Easy Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon was originally created on BakeAfter.com. Esta receita de Couves de Bruxelas Refogadas com Bacon foi publicada em português no Iguaria.com.
Nutrition
Per Serving: 179 calories; 12.9 g fat; 12.3 g carbohydrates; 7.1 g protein.Did you try this recipe?
Let me know how it turned out for you! You can leave a comment below ;D
