If you’re looking for a dish that brings together the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon and the vibrant, caramelized goodness of roasted Brussels sprouts, you’ve got to try this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe. It’s a simple, quick, and utterly satisfying way to transform humble veggies into a savory side that steals the show at any meal. The salty, smoky bacon pairs beautifully with the tender yet slightly crispy Brussels sprouts, making every bite a flavor-packed delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture in this skillet recipe. From the rich bacon fat that perfectly crisps the Brussels sprouts to the simple seasoning that ties it all together, every component counts.
- Bacon (1/2 pound, cut into small pieces): The star flavor and fat source that crisps up beautifully and seasons the veggies.
- Brussels sprouts (2 dozen, trimmed & halved): Fresh, bright, and green, they turn tender and caramelized in the skillet.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The essential seasoning to enhance every bite without overpowering the main ingredients.
How to Make Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by frying the bacon pieces over medium-high heat in your skillet. Cook them until they reach that perfect golden crispness, releasing all their smoky, savory goodness. This step not only gives you crispy bacon bites but also creates the flavorful bacon grease that will take your Brussels sprouts to the next level.
Step 2: Set the Bacon Aside
Once the bacon is crispy, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat. Be sure to keep the precious bacon grease in the pan—this is the magic ingredient that will infuse the Brussels sprouts with unbeatable flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Brussels Sprouts in Bacon Grease
Next, add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Toss them so they’re fully coated in that warm, bacon-infused grease. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. This gentle cooking steams the sprouts inside while letting the outsides start to caramelize nicely. Let them cook this way for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Reintroduce Bacon and Finish Cooking
After the initial cooking, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the sprouts. Cook uncovered for a few more minutes until the Brussels sprouts are tender and achieve a gorgeous browned finish. If you prefer your sprouts extra soft, you can cover the pan again, just watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, give your dish a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. The balance of smoky bacon, tender sprouts, and a simple seasoning will surely delight your palate. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting feast you just created.
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for a little heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a bright contrast that makes the flavors pop beautifully. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley can also add a lovely touch of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is wonderfully versatile alongside a variety of meals. Pair it with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty dinner, or add it next to a creamy mashed potatoes dish for a comforting holiday plate. It’s also a fantastic companion to scrambled eggs or an omelet if you want to jazz up your breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving the Brussels sprouts and bacon over a bed of creamy polenta or mix them into a warm grain bowl with quinoa or farro. You can also use the mixture to top a flatbread pizza for a unique twist that brings a delightful crunch and savoriness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for this recipe, you can freeze the cooked Brussels sprouts and bacon in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing, and remember that the texture may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to help maintain some of the crispy texture. Warm gently until heated through, and if needed, add a tiny splash of olive oil or butter to revive the sprouts’ crispness and keep the bacon tasty.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Frozen Brussels sprouts can work in a pinch, but fresh ones are best for the Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe. Fresh sprouts hold their texture better and develop that perfect caramelized crust you want.
Is it necessary to use bacon grease for cooking the sprouts?
The bacon grease adds incredible smoky richness and helps get the Brussels sprouts beautifully browned. While you could use oil instead, the flavor depth wouldn’t be the same, so bacon grease is definitely recommended.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done perfectly?
You want the Brussels sprouts to be tender inside but still have a slightly crispy, golden exterior. Cooking them covered at first then finishing uncovered helps achieve that balance wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. You might add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic some of the smoky flavors from bacon.
What are some good additions to the recipe?
Try tossing in some caramelized onions, garlic, or toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end also brings a lovely sweet contrast to the savory bacon and sprouts.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s effortless, quick, and packed with flavor that everyone loves. Whether you’re making a weekday side or a special dish for guests, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy. Give it a try—you just might discover your new go-to vegetable dish!
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Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brussels Sprouts and Bacon recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish that combines crispy bacon with tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, this dish balances smoky, savory flavors and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or holiday dinner accompaniment.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 dozen Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat until they become crispy, rendering their fat to use for cooking the Brussels sprouts.
- Remove bacon and retain grease: Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving the bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.
- Cook Brussels sprouts in bacon grease: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the pan and stir them so they are evenly coated with the bacon grease. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for about 5 minutes to soften the sprouts.
- Combine bacon and Brussels sprouts: Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Cook uncovered for a few more minutes until the Brussels sprouts reach your desired tenderness and develop a nice browning. You may cover the pan again if you prefer softer sprouts, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper as needed, then serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of tenderness for the Brussels sprouts.
- Using the bacon grease to cook the Brussels sprouts adds rich flavor, but you can drain excess grease if you want a lighter dish.
- Be cautious with the salt since bacon is already salty; taste before adding extra seasoning.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
