Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Pan-fried brussels sprouts with crumbled bacon and butter make a light and tasty side dish! Next, try my Pan Fried Gnocchi and Brussels Sprouts.

Brussels sprouts seem to be one of those things that people either love or loathe. Because you’re here, I’m assuming you like them as much as I do!

I truly appreciate them and like preparing them in a variety of ways. My personal favorite is pan-fried, with crumbled bacon and parmesan cheese on top.

That’s the stuff.

Ingredients for pan-fried brussels sprouts

2 cooked and crumbled bacon pieces (omit if vegan)
2 tablespoons butter (vegan butter or olive oil may be substituted if vegan)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1Tablespoongarlic,minced
12 oz. fresh brussels sprouts, washed and cut in half lengthwise
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional garnish: freshly grated parmesan cheese

How to make pan-fried brussels sprouts

Cook bacon in your favorite method (skillet or oven), cool, and crumble. Set aside.
Melt butter and olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
After the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and continue to whisk for a minute, or until fragrant.
Place the brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut side down. Cook for 5 minutes, covered, without stirring.
Stir in the crumbled bacon and simmer for another 5 minutes (without stirring) or until the brussels sprouts are fork tender.
or pepper to taste, then top with freshly grated parmesan cheese to serve. Serve right away and enjoy! Season with salt and pepper.

Boiled vs. pan-fried brussels sprouts

I’ll confess that cooked brussels sprouts aren’t especially delicious. It is just not my area of expertise. I’m simply not a fan of the scent, texture, or taste.

But what about pan-fried? Yes. Yes, absolutely. It simply takes one pan and 15 minutes to prepare, making it the ideal side dish to accompany your nightly entree.

Bacon and cheese? This isn’t vegan!

If you arrived here after clicking on the Vegan menu option and thought to yourself, OHMYGOD THIS HAS BACON AND CHEESE, you are not alone. THIS IS NOT VEGAN, but don’t worry, everything will be OK.

Do you dislike bacon or cheese? That should not be included.
Want to amp up the flavor? Mix with some lemon juice.
Are you feeling daring? As they’re cooking, drizzle them with genuine maple syrup (just trust me on this one).

What to serve with pan-friend brussels sprouts

They will complement any main course! Chicken, pig, steak, and even pasta are all options.

It also makes a tasty side dish for Thanksgiving; just make sure you have enough for everyone!

Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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Prep Time: 5mins

Cook Time: 15mins

Total Time: 20mins

Servings: to 4 servings (side dish)

✓ Read the recipe beginning to end

✓ Check oven calibration

✓ Check expiration dates

✓ Properly measure ingredients

✓ Check butter temperature

Description

These brussels sprouts are pan-fried with crumbled bacon and butter for a light and flavorful side dish!

Equipment

Skillet
Cooking pans

Ingredients

2 cooked and crumbled bacon pieces (omit if vegan)
2 tablespoons butter (vegan butter or olive oil may be substituted if vegan)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
12 oz. fresh brussels sprouts, washed and cut in half lengthwise
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional garnish: freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook bacon in your favorite method (skillet or oven), cool, and crumble. Set aside.
2 slices bacon
Melt butter and olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter
After the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and continue to whisk for a minute, or until fragrant.
1 teaspoon garlic
Place the brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut side down. Cook for 5 minutes, covered, without stirring.
12 oz. raw brussels sprouts
Stir in the crumbled bacon and simmer for another 5 minutes (without stirring) or until the brussels sprouts are fork tender.
or pepper to taste, then top with freshly grated parmesan cheese to serve. Serve right away and enjoy!
Season with salt and pepper, then top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Vegan: This dish is easily made vegan by omitting cheese and bacon, and using a butter substitute.

Nutrition Facts

FAQs

Should you parboil Brussel sprouts before frying?

Blanching the brussels sprouts should always be your initial step. This is when they are immersed in boiling water for a few minutes, not until completely cooked, but just long enough to remove some of the bitterness. Blanching also softens them and keeps their vibrant green hue.

Do you need to soak Brussel sprouts before cooking?

It is not necessary to soak brussels sprouts before roasting them. Just wash the brussels sprouts, remove the outer (dirty) leaves, and cut the bottoms. Throw away the excess leaves and bits. Clean brussels sprouts are cut in half and placed on a baking pan.

Why are my fried Brussel sprouts soggy?

If the weather is low or the Brussels sprouts are cold or wet, the temperature will be too low and the sprouts will be mushy rather than crispy!

Why are my brussel sprouts not crispy?

Turn increase the heat if you want your roasted Brussels sprouts to be truly crispy. Roasting at a low temperature will prevent them from browning correctly, so preheat your oven before placing in your baking sheet. Follow this advice: Roast Brussels sprouts at 400°F or higher.

Do you cook brussel sprouts face up or down?

Simply leave some space between your sprouts on the roasting pan so they can cook without steaming. Trim and half the sprouts, then roast them with the cut side against the baking sheet. As the sliced side caramelizes wonderfully, the surrounding leaves crisp.

How does Bobby Flay cook Brussel Sprouts?

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss Brussels sprouts with oil and season with salt and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until just cooked through.

How does Rachael Ray cook Brussel Sprouts?

Sauté Brussels sprouts for 2 to 3 minutes to soften before adding broth. Bring broth to a boil, then cover and lower to a medium low heat. Sauté for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sprouts to a serving dish and top with fried bacon pieces.

Why are restaurant Brussel Sprouts better?

The combination of methods, searing and roasting, offers restaurant Brussel Sprouts an advantage over the poor homemade type. Eureka! Use a glass baking dish with high edges to avoid trapping moisture within the pan and causing the sprouts to steam rather than roast.

Should you cut Brussel sprouts in half before cooking?

If the sprouts are little, you may cook them whole. If they seem to be particularly huge or have a heavy core, cut them in half or quarters to get consistent pieces. If there are some that are little and others that are bigger, leave the small ones alone and chop the larger ones in half. Some of the leaves will fall off.