Amazing Brussels sprouts with bacon: 15 min

Oh, Thanksgiving! That classic spread is just waiting for those perfect side dishes, right? And if you ask me, nothing quite screams “holiday comfort” like a heaping pile of Brussels sprouts with bacon. It’s honestly one of those dishes that just *belongs* on the table. My Grandma Clara, bless her heart, could whip up a batch of these so fast, even when the whole house smelled like turkey and stuffing. She always said the secret was not overcomplicating things, and for her, that meant crispy bacon and perfectly tender sprouts. This recipe is a nod to her knack for making the everyday extraordinary, and trust me, it’s going to be your new favorite way to do Brussels sprouts. It’s so simple, you might even find yourself making it on a regular Tuesday night! I really love sharing these family favorites with you all and you can learn more about my kitchen journey here.

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Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a little bit of magic on a plate! Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again:

• So Easy! Seriously, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy holiday cooking or a quick weeknight win.
• Flavor Bomb! The smoky, salty bacon is the perfect foil for slightly sweet, tender-crisp Brussels — it’s a match made in heaven.
• Holiday Ready: It’s a total crowd-pleaser and fits right in with all those other Thanksgiving classics.
• Super Versatile: Goes with just about everything, from turkey and ham to roast chicken or even just a simple steak.

Gather Your Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Alright, let’s get everything ready so we can make this Thanksgiving classic happen! It’s pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of this in your pantry already. You’ll need:

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

4 slices bacon, chopped up nice and small

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Salt and black pepper, just to taste!

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Easy Steps to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Okay, let’s get this done! Making these Brussels sprouts with bacon is honestly so simple, it feels like cheating. But trust me, the flavor is anything but! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this Thanksgiving classic comes together. Here’s how we do it:

1. First things first, let’s get that bacon crispy! Toss your chopped bacon into a big skillet over medium heat. Let it do its thing until it’s nice and golden brown. Then, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel. Keep that yummy bacon grease in the pan – that’s pure flavor gold!
2. Now, if your skillet looks a little dry, add about a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your halved Brussels sprouts and your chopped onion. Give them a good stir. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until they start to get tender-crisp and those little cut edges get a nice bit of browning.
3. Next up, toss in your minced garlic. We only need about a minute for this, just until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Don’t let it burn!
4. Pour in your balsamic vinegar. This is where the magic really happens! Let it bubble for another minute, scraping up all those lovely browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. That’s where all the deep flavor is hiding!
5. Now, bring that crispy bacon back into the skillet. Give everything a good toss together. Season it all up with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Taste it – does it need a little more? You’re the boss!
6. And that’s it! Serve these gorgeous Brussels sprouts with bacon right away while they’re warm and everything’s nice and crisp. It’s such a delicious addition to your meal!

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Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Alright, let’s talk about getting these Brussels sprouts *just right*. It’s not rocket science, but a few little tricks can make all the difference between “okay sprouts” and “OMG I NEED MORE SPROUTS!” For starters, always use fresh Brussels sprouts. Those sad, withered ones in the back of the fridge? Skip ’em. You want firm, bright green ones for the best texture.

When you’re chopping the bacon, smaller pieces cook up crispier and distribute their deliciousness better. And please, *please* don’t toss that bacon grease! It’s your secret weapon for getting those sprouts beautifully browned and flavorful. If your sprouts seem a bit thick, you can even slice them in half or quarters so they cook more evenly. And if you don’t like onions, no worries, just leave them out! This recipe is totally forgiving.

Serving and Storage for Your Thanksgiving Classic

This dish is honestly at its absolute best when it’s warm and the bacon is still super crispy. It makes the perfect partner for your big Thanksgiving turkey, or maybe some of my Grandma Clara’s stuffing. It’s also amazing alongside a rich, silky gravy. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to pop them back in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, or a quick blast in the oven works too, just to get them warm again. Don’t microwave them, though – they can get a weird texture!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Got questions about whipping up this Thanksgiving classic? I’ve got you covered! Making easy Brussels sprouts with bacon is a breeze, but here are a few pointers:

Can I make Brussels sprouts with bacon ahead of time?

You totally can! The best way to make this ahead is to cook the bacon and sauté the sprouts and onions until they’re *almost* tender-crisp. Store them separately in the fridge, then toss them all together in the skillet with the garlic and balsamic vinegar right before serving to crisp everything up again. It still tastes amazing!

What are good substitutions for bacon in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re not a pork fan or just want to try something different, chopped pancetta or prosciutto would be delicious. For a complete vegetarian or vegan option, try some smoky-flavored tempeh bacon or plant-based bacon bits. You might want to add a tiny bit more olive oil to the pan if you skip the bacon grease, though.

How do I ensure my Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp?

The key is medium heat and giving them space! Make sure your skillet isn’t too crowded. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes after you add the onions. You want them to get a little browned and soft, but still have a nice little bite to them. If they’re too soft, they can get mushy!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Now, I’m not a registered dietitian or anything, but I like to give you a general idea of what you’re getting with this super tasty dish. These numbers are estimates, of course, because brands and exact measurements can change things up a bit! But for a serving of these delicious Brussels sprouts with bacon, you’re looking at roughly:

• Calories: Around 180
• Fat: About 12g (with 4g saturated)
• Protein: Roughly 7g
• Carbohydrates: Around 10g
• Fiber: About 4g
• Sodium: Approximately 350mg
• Sugar: Around 5g

It’s a pretty balanced side dish, packed with flavor and goodness!

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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A classic and easy recipe for Brussels sprouts with bacon, perfect for your Thanksgiving table or any family meal.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Add olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the Brussels sprouts and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a smoky flavor, use applewood smoked bacon.
• If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a teaspoon of honey along with the balsamic vinegar.
• This dish pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or pork.
• Consider this a simple addition to your meal planning for busy weeknights.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg