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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels Sprouts are a side dish that normally get mixed reviews, but with bacon, they transform into everyone’s favorite. Serve them as an easy and delicious vegetable appetizer or tapas at a party and they double as a side dish for a quick weeknight dinner.

fork with a sprout on it above a plate of sprouts

I always think that Brussels sprouts are mini cabbages but they are really a cousin of broccoli! They grow on a stalk which is super cool but you usually find them in the store already cut and in a bag.

How do you trim Brussels sprouts?

To prepare the Brussels sprouts just peel off any yellow, brown, bruised or torn leaves on the outside and trim them.

With the cleaned Brussels sprouts on the board, just trim a small amount of the end where they were attached to the stalk. Don’t trim too much as this end keeps the leaves tightly packed and in one piece.

Depending on how large the whole sprout is, I may cut them in half or in quarters. Just be sure to cut vertically through the stalk so each section is still attached to some of the core.

Once the sprouts are trimmed and cut, it’s time to add them to the skillet. I prefer a cast iron skillet when I cook sprouts on the stove top or roast them in the oven, but for this recipe, any shallow pan will work.

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Most of the time I roast my sprouts in the oven with some garlic and finish with lemon juice. But when I’m in a hurry and don’t want to heat up the oven, a quick sauté in the pan is best.

How to make Sauteed Brussels Sprouts

First: Start with a shallow pan on medium heat. Add the cut bacon and cook until the bacon fat is rendered and the bacon pieces are crispy. Remove these to a paper towel-lined plate to drain leaving the fat in the pan.

Second: Add the trimmed and quartered Brussel sprouts and drizzle with olive oil. Cook, stirring often until the sprouts are fork tender. Add 1/4 cup of bourbon and cover. Let steam for 1-2 minutes.

Third: Remove from the pan and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with the crispy bacon pieces for added smoky flavor and texture.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

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sprouts in a white bowl

How do you know when sprouts are done?

Pan sear the Brussels sprouts are done when the leaves turn bright green and start to caramelize around the edges.

You will know they are done when you can a knife slides in and out easily.

These pan roasted Brussels sprouts are easy to make, and the addition of the bacon and bourbon add a saltiness and a caramel flavor that sweetens them up.

If you like to eat your sprouts raw, try this shaved sprouts slaw or change up your green beans with a skillet recipe with bacon like these crack green beans!

close up of sprouts with bacon
sprouts on a fork with text "bourbon bacon brussels sprouts"

These Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with bacon make a quick and delicious side dish that even the kids will love!

fork with a sprout on it above a plate of sprouts

Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts are a healthy side dish and with the addition of crispy bacon and a hint of sweetness from the bourbon. They are sure to please!
4.86 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Small Portion Comfort Foods
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 166kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and quartered
  • 2 slices bacon chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/8 cup bourbon

Instructions

  • In a pan, add the bacon and cook over medium heat until bacon is almost crispy and fat rendered.
  • Pour 1/8 cup bourbon and cook until all fat is rendered and bourbon has evaporated.
  • Remove bacon and leave fat in the pan.
  • Add the olive oil.
  • Add Brussels sprouts and cook until desired tenderness.
  • Add 1/4 cup bourbon and cover with lid or foil.
  • Cook for a few minutes or until bourbon is absorbed.
  • Remove to serving bowls and sprinkle with bacon.
  • Serve warm.

Video

Notes

*If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment and rate it with some stars.  Thank you!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 121mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g

More Easy Appetizers

{Originally published 4/11/15 – recipe and photos updated 4/13/20}

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Recipe Rating




Joann

Friday 22nd of May 2020

Unsubscribe me from this website as soon as possible. No interest

Jennifer

Friday 22nd of May 2020

Are you getting emails or push notifications? I don't see you on my email list currently.

Julie @ Texan New Yorker

Monday 14th of March 2016

I almost can't handle this, you've put some of my very favorite food things in one dish! I so want to try this!!

Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah

Monday 14th of March 2016

You're totally speaking my language with all this talk of bourbon and bacon :D I'm usually 50/50 when it comes to brussels sprouts, but I can definitely work with these!

chubcheeks@bellsouth.net

Tuesday 12th of April 2016

These will convert any brussels hater or those on the fence:)

Lisa (Panning The Globe)

Monday 14th of March 2016

I thought I'd tried every possible variation of brussels sprout recipe but adding bourbon is new and I love it! Can't wait to try it!

Lauren

Monday 14th of March 2016

Bourbon & Brussels sprouts? Sign me up!

chubcheeks@bellsouth.net

Tuesday 12th of April 2016

Anything with bacon!