Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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This fried Brussels sprouts with Bacon recipe has an irresistible taste and flavor that will keep you coming back for more! It is the perfect side dish for a meal at home, a Christmas dinner, or your next potluck.

Fried Brussels Sprouts bacon ready to eat

Why You’ll Love It

Frying Brussels sprouts is a game changer if you’re looking for a way to enjoy this vegetable.

For this delicious recipe, the Brussels sprouts are cooked in bacon grease and soak up its smoky and nutty flavors, resulting in an incredibly delicious side dish that will delight and surprise you.

Also, the crunchy, crispiness of the bacon adds another dimension of flavor that gives this dish another level of deliciousness. Bacon truly makes everything better!

This easy Brussels recipe makes a fantastic side dish for holiday dinners.

Ingredients Used

You only need a handful of ingredients for this pan-fried Brussels sprouts recipe.

Brussels sprouts: I use larger sprouts for this recipe so that I can cut it faster, but you can also use smaller Brussels sprouts.
Bacon: I use thick-cut bacon, but you can use any size.
Spices: cayenne pepper, bouillon powder, and salt.

How to make Fried Brussels sprouts with bacon

Stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts With Bacon first prep steps

Stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts With Bacon second prep steps

Here are detailed instructions on how to make this easy side dish.
First, trim the base off the brussels sprouts. This will look like a small stump at the end. Remove any outer leaves that look wilted or are falling off. Cut each brussels sprouts into halves.
Place the bacon in a skillet on medium heat in a single layer. Fry it till the grease comes out, and the bacon gets crispy. Take out the bacon but leave the grease in the skillet as this will be used for the brussels sprouts.
Place the crispy bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. When it cools down, break the bacon into smaller pieces. It does not have to be perfect, so just do whatever size you’re comfortable with.
Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the bacon grease, stir, then leave covered for about 5 minutes, till the color changes to a golden brown.
Add the fried bacon, salt, cayenne pepper, and bouillon powder, and stir everything together. The cayenne pepper gives a slightly spicy kick, and you can add as much or as little as you desire.
Leave for another 5 minutes but keep your eye on it so it doesn’t get too mushy. Serve and enjoy!

Storing and Reheating

Leftover fried Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days. I would not recommend freezing because it will lose its crispiness.

To reheat, use either a microwave or pan-fry with a splash of olive oil or avocado oil.

Tips and Variations

You don’t need to add any oils to make crispy sprouts. The bacon grease is enough to fry the Brussels sprouts. But if you don’t have enough grease, you can use a little bit of oil.
Experiment with spices and garnish with your favorite fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary.
You can omit the pepper if you don’t like spicy foods. This flavorful side dish will still taste great without it!

close up shot of fried brussels sprouts bacon

What can I eat Brussels sprouts with?

If you need a main dish to go with these crispy Brussels sprouts, try these!

Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast

Doro Wat (Ethiopian Chicken Stew)

Harissa Chicken

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Low Carb Crab Cakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are a type of miniature cabbage and are one of those polarizing vegetables that most people either hate or love. In fact, This cruciferous vegetable is often found in the list of America’s most hated vegetables and is constantly derided as a nasty-tasting vegetable.

Why are my Brussels sprouts bitter?

Cooked Brussels sprouts can be a bit bitter if not cooked properly but roasting or frying them brings out a nutty, delicious flavor that can be deliciously addicting.

Are Brussels sprouts healthy?

Not only is it a very healthy vegetable, but one cup of Brussels sprouts contains 53% of the daily values of Vitamin C! They are also low in carbs at 4.7 net carbs per cup and are rich in antioxidants. Other health benefits of cooked sprouts include boosting the immune system, improving digestion, improving bone health, and balancing hormone levels.

Enjoy Brussels sprouts with these holiday dishes!

Roast Turkey

Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Instant Pot Turkey Legs

Easy Turkey Necks Recipe

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Ninja Foodi Turkey Breast