• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Laura Fuentes
  • Healthy Eating
  • Cookbooks
  • Recipes
  • About
  • #MOMLIFE
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Eat Healthy
  • Fasting
  • Meet Laura
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Eat Healthy
  • Fasting
  • Meet Laura
  • Contact
×

Easy Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These caramelized Brussels sprouts are pan-seared with bacon and finished with balsamic vinegar and cheese for a delicious side dish that’s full of flavors.

Unlike steamed Brussels sprouts, these are crispy on the outside with tender centers you can sink your teeth into, it’s a delicious side dish you can make in one skillet.

caramelized Brussels sprouts on a plate with bacon

Similar to roasted vegetables, these pan-seared Brussels sprouts have that toasty flavor in every bite. Add blue cheese and a splash of balsamic vinegar, and this veggie side dish checks off all the boxes. 

Caramelizing Brussels Sprouts

As fancy as caramelized Brussels sprouts sound, this recipe is simple to make. Caramelizing is nothing more than cooking with enough heat until the natural sugars are extracted and reduced into a nutty flavor that coats the Brussels sprout.

This method gives ample flavor and texture without burning or overcooking the ingredients. It’s similar to what happens when roasting vegetables and meats in the oven, but with a good skillet and bacon grease- you can also do it on the stove-top.

caramelized Brussels sprouts on a plate with bacon

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up this quick side dish:

  • thick-cut bacon
  • chopped onion
  • Brussels sprouts
  • salt & pepper
  • blue cheese- optional
  • balsamic vinegar

Feel free to swap blue cheese for goat cheese, feta or omit completely if tangy cheese isn’t your thing. The sprouts are delicious enough on their own, but I do love the complex of tangy-creamy-roasted flavors in each bite. 

Prepping the Brussels Sprouts

To prep Brussels sprouts, give them a rinse under water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Use a pairing knife to carefully remove the woody stems and any yellow or bruised leaves. Slice each sprout in half through the stem.

Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

caramelized Brussels sprouts on a plate with bacon

How to Caramelize Brussels Sprouts

This is the part, where we cook down Brussels sprouts with bacon, onion, and toppings for one heavenly recipe. 

  1. Brown the bacon
    In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat. 
  2. Add the onion
    Once the bacon is cooked through, add the onions and cook until golden and translucent. 
  3. Add the Brussels sprouts
    Add the sprouts and toss to coat with the onion and bacon drippings. Cook for 10 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are softened. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and steam for an additional minute. 
  4. Season and drizzle
    Remove the skillet from heat, and season the veggies with salt and black pepper. Top with blue cheese, if using, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, toss to combine. 

Ready to see just how easy these are? Watch this quick video.

Tips for Perfectly Caramelized Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts 

Turning Brussels sprouts into a delicious recipe your family will love isn’t complicated. For perfect results every time, follow the recipe and these simple tips below: 

  • Any sprout will do
    You can make this recipe using Brussels sprouts from the produce section, farmer’s market, or directly plucked of the long-stem. Just make sure to prep them following the steps above. 
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan
    A heavy skillet/pan ensures even heat distribution and cooking. A cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan are excellent options. 
  • Don’t get rid of those drippings
    We use bacon drippings instead of oil in this recipe to give the sprouts a beautiful sear and richer flavor.  
  • Cook them face down
    Place the sprouts in the skillet in an even layer, cut side down. This will help them cook through and gain crispy, lightly charred edges. 

Serving Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

These pan-seared Brussels sprouts make a great sidekick to other healthy comfort food recipes like: 

  • Roasted Chicken
  • Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
  • Over a Winter Salad
  • Sriracha Chicken Thighs

No matter what dish you serve them with, they’ll be the real star of the meal. 

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover veggies can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. That means caramelized bacon brussels sprouts for topping salads, alongside leftover roasted chicken, or by themselves as an afternoon snack.  

Here’s how to store and reheat them for later: 
Place the room temperature Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. 

Reheat in a microwave-safe container for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. 

Alternatively, place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and reheat in a 375F oven for 10 minutes or heated through. 

Print

Bacon Caramelized Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

These caramelized Brussels sprouts are pan-seared with bacon and finished with balsamic vinegar for delicious tangy-savory perfection.

  • Author: Laura Fuentes
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: Stove-top
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon
  • ½ large onion, chopped
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup blue cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon. Once the bacon is cooked but not yet crispy, add in the chopped onions. Continue cooking, for another 3 minutes, until the onion is golden and translucent.
  2. Add in Brussels sprouts, and toss to combine. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring often until Brussels sprouts have softened. Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow them to steam for about a minute.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle blue cheese on top, drizzle balsamic vinegar, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet

Buy Now →

Notes

Recipe from Sunny Anderson.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 131
  • Sugar: 2.8 g
  • Sodium: 166 mg
  • Fat: 8.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.9 g
  • Fiber: 3.2 g
  • Protein: 6.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 4.2 mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @MOMables on Instagram and hashtag it #momables

More Dinner

  • Salads without Lettuce
  • Simple Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce with Cream
  • The Best Tacos Rancheros
  • What to Do About Freezer Burn Chicken

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. lanitia

    November 23, 2018 at 6:58 pm

    we are trying the brussel sprout thing this year and found your recipe we hope its good

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      November 25, 2018 at 5:31 pm

      We made this too this year. I hope your family enjoyed it.

      Reply
  2. Frances

    October 09, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    I see you have butter with the ingredients yet you don’t say when to use it….could you please specify when to use it? thank you

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      October 10, 2016 at 10:16 am

      my apologies Frances. I’ve revised the recipe. Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Liz @ Tip Top Shape

    November 17, 2014 at 8:39 am

    Brussels sprouts are such an under appreciated vegetable. I really think it’s because people have experiences like your first time eating them and turn off them for good. So glad you got to have them again and recognize they’re awesomeness 😉

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      November 17, 2014 at 8:58 am

      You are right Liz. Had I tasted them like this the first time, I would have made them part of my meals much sooner!

      Reply
  4. Justin Knight

    November 16, 2014 at 10:36 am

    I will be making these this year!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      November 16, 2014 at 7:03 pm

      let me know how you enjoy them Justin!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I'm Laura.
I inspire moms to live a healthy lifestyle while juggling their family and work with fresh recipes and practical advice.

More about me →

Let's Be Social!

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram YouTube
Download The Busy Mom's Guide to a Healthier Life

Fresh Favorites

  • Authentic New Orleans Chicken Gumbo
  • Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes
  • 20+ Low Carb Lunch Ideas
  • Crispy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Trending Now

  • Teen Girl Gift Ideas for New Drivers
  • Paleo Chili Recipe | All Meat Veggie Chili
  • How to Roast Vegetables
  • Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Women

Footer

^ back to top

Browse

  • Recipe Index
  • Weekly Meal Plan
  • Clean Eating Program

Download the Busy Mom's Guide to a Healthy Life

laura holding meal plan guide in front of prepped food

Useful Links

  • Contact
  • Permissions
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

COPYRIGHT © 2023 LAURA FUENTES · DESIGN BY FUENTES MEDIA