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Super simple recipes like these sauteed Brussels sprouts with bacon are essential on those busy weeknights where you just don't have the time to make a whole complicated balanced meal, but still want to get some veggies on the table. Plus...bacon, need I say more?
This recipe was originally published in August 2018. It has been updated for content, photos and I've added a step-by-step video.
These tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised Brussels sprouts with bacon are just incredible. Plus, it's sooooo easy to make and mostly hands off.
Bacon, onions, garlic, wine....what more can you ask for when cooking vegetables?
All the ingredients are easy to find too - this is the perfect quick and easy weeknight side dish, but also an awesome recipe to serve for Thanksgiving dinner, or any other holiday!
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- Braising the brussels sprouts in a liquid of wine and chicken broth makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender;
- The bacon adds the perfect salty, meaty flavor to the brussels sprouts;
- It's ready in under 30 minutes, and super easy to make.
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Step By Step Instructions
**Make sure to scroll down and watch the video!
Heat the bacon grease in the skillet over medium heat and add the onions and garlic. Saute 1-2 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the garlic just starts to brown.
Add the Brussels sprouts and bacon and cook until they are lightly browned on the outside. This browning helps give them that delicious caramelized flavor.
Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is absorbed. Then add the chicken broth and pepper, bring to a simmer, lower the heat and cover. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
**Periodically check the Brussels sprouts to make sure they are not burning. If chicken broth absorbs before sprouts are tender, just add more broth.
Add salt to taste. Be careful with the salt. Bacon has plenty of salt and the sprouts likely will not need more salt, but it all depends on your taste.
Expert Tips
- Make sure the brussels sprouts are browned before adding the wine and broth - the caramelization gives them an amazing flavor!
- Periodically check the pan while the sprouts are braising to make sure they aren't burning. If the liquid cooks off before the brussels sprouts are tender, just add more broth;
- Add salt to taste at the end. The bacon already has salt, so be careful when adding salt;
- Pierce the brussels sprouts with a fork to detemerine if they are done. If the fork easily pierces them, they are done. The larger the brussels sprouts, the longer they may take to cook.
Serving Options
Make it a meal and serve the brussels sprouts with some of these favorite recipes:
- They are awesome with this Bechamel Lasagna or this creamy Mushroom Lasagna;
- Serve the alongside this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup;
- This Pumpkin Fettuccine Alfredo is incredible, and these brussels sprouts go wonderfully with it!
- And as always, they are a great Thanksgiving Day side to this delicious Herb Roasted Turkey from Dinner at the Zoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you get the bitterness out of brussels sprouts? I find that cooking them using the recipe below eliminates any bitterness. The sugars in the white wine help to remove any bitterness. You can also saute them with a pinch of brown sugar or coconut sugar to counteract any bitterness. Roasting them will bring out the natural sugars, which is another way to eliminate bitterness.
- Do you cut the bottom off brussels sprouts? I always trim the bottom of the brussels sprouts because it can be tough and sinewy. You don't need to cut the whole bottom off, just up to the base of the brussels sprout.
- How do you know if brussels sprouts are bad? By smell - bad brussels sprouts with have an unpleasant odor, similar to old cabbage.
- Can I make braised brussels sprouts in advance? This is a great dish to make in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet.
- Can I freeze sauteed brussels sprouts? While you technically can freeze them, they will become mushy when thawed. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or in a skillet.
More Amazing Vegetable Recipes
- Crispy Oven Fried Squash (Video);
- Leek and Mushroom Tart;
- Sauteed Mushrooms (Best Ever!!!);
- Winter Roasted Vegetables;
- Korean Cauliflower Wings;
- Browse all the Vegetable Recipes!
Did you make these sauteed Brussels sprouts? Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out!
Recipe
Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. Brussels sprouts, cut in half
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 sliced cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tbsp. bacon grease
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the bacon grease in the skillet over medium heat and add the onions and garlic. Saute 1-2 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the garlic just starts to brown.
- Add the Brussels sprouts and bacon and cook until they are lightly browned on the outside. This browning helps give them that delicious caramelized flavor.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is absorbed.
- Then add the chicken broth and pepper, bring to a simmer, lower the heat and cover. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add salt to taste. Be careful with the salt. Bacon has plenty of salt and the sprouts likely will not need more salt, but it all depends on your taste.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure the brussels sprouts are browned before adding the wine and broth - the caramelization gives them an amazing flavor!
- Periodically check the pan while the sprouts are braising to make sure they aren't burning. If the liquid cooks off before the brussels sprouts are tender, just add more broth;
- Add salt to taste at the end. The bacon already has salt, so be careful when adding salt;
- Pierce the brussels sprouts with a fork to determine if they are done. If the fork easily pierces them, they are done. The larger the brussels sprouts, the longer they may take to cook.
Leanne
I'm a huge fan of brussel sprouts, but my husband is a bit skeptical. I would definitely be able to change his mind with this recipe. The bacon seals the deal! I'm adding these to the list to make for the upcoming holiday season!
Danielle
Bacon always seals the deal LOL!
Emmeline
Oh yummy!! I just started liking brussels sprouts last year (thanks to another food blogger haha) and this year I think your recipe will be the winner. Looking forward to trying it!
Danielle
Thanks!
Byron Thomas
I am a big time Brussels sprouts fan! I eat them every which way, but tend to be more inclined to eat them without the bacon. But, that white wine braising idea has me thinking quite differently. Saving this recipe so that I can have a delicious November night dinner side!
Danielle
The white wine braising is definitely delicious!
Scarlet
There is just something about bacon that makes brussel sprouts taste even better. Yum!
Danielle
I totally agree!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
These brussels look absolutely perfect!!!! This is exactly how I like mine.
Danielle
Thanks so much Jocelyn!
Alisa Infanti
I love the idea of adding bacon to brussel sprouts and how the bacon fat helps to carmelize the sprouts. Your pics have me drooling!
Danielle
Thanks Alisa 🙂 I'm a huge fan of bacon!!
Dannii
I love finding new ways to eat sprouts. These look delicious.
Danielle
Thanks Danni!
Mahy
I've just found a great PR recipe that I want to cook, so these sprouts will be an ideal side dish to it. Love how they look - just the way I prefer mine. With a bit of bacon, these will be almost too good for the side 🙂
Danielle
Thanks Mahy!
Angela
Bacon and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven! This recipe is perfection!! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Danielle
I totally agree! Thanks Angela!
Veena Azmanov
This combination sounds good. Love the caramelized flavor to it. The anion and garlic to it adds more flavor too. Best for my Dinner table.
Danielle
Thanks Veena!
Sara
This looks like my kind of dish! I love bacon and Brussels sprouts! I am going to add this to my Thanksgiving menu plan!
Danielle
Thanks Sara! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Sprouts n bacon go hand in hand, don't they? What a yummy side....though, I could pretty much make a meal out of these alone 😉
Danielle
Totally! I've def made a meal of them before 🙂
Demeter
I"m always surprised when people say they don't like brussels sprouts but I'm sure having trying them like this, they'll quickly change their mind! Looks fantastic!
Danielle
Right? I love brussels sprouts. Plus, if you put bacon on it, it has to be good.
Kelly Anthony
Adding these brussels sprouts to our dinner rotation. I'm with you I get tired of roasting them all the time and would love to try them in a new way. Thanks for sharing.
Danielle
Hope you love them Kelly!!
Alexis
This dish looks absolutely delicious and your photography is gorgeous. I'll be adding this dish to our weekly meal plan.
Danielle
Thank you so much Alexis!!