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    Home » Recipes » Sides » Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    Published: May 24, 2023 · Updated: May 24, 2023 Written by Alicia · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe

    Tender brown sugar caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy salty bacon. The perfect side dish to any meal, even the Brussels sprout skeptics will be won over.

    Caramelized Brussels sprouts and bacon in a cast iron skillet with a large spoon on top of a wire rack and towel with forks on the side.

    If you've ever been subjected to mushy overcooked Brussels sprouts and swore to never eat them again, these Brussels sprouts are here for redemption.

    They are tender but still have enough structure to hold up next to the crispy bacon. Tossed in a sweet and tangy brown sugar sauce, these Brussels sprouts will have even the most anti-Brussels sprout person you know asking for more.

    The side dish is handled. Now, what about the main meal? Try these Pan Seared Chicken Thighs along with Easy Yellow Rice. Or, for minimal cleanup, these Brussels would go great next to One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice or One Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Storage & Reheating
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for caramelized Brussels sprouts with bacon.

    Ingredient Notes

    Brussels Sprouts - look for ones that are firm and tightly packed with little brown or yellow leaves.

    Bacon - use your favorite kind here.

    Brown Sugar - the sweet element in these caramelized Brussels sprouts.

    Dijon Mustard - adds a depth of flavor to balance the sweetness.

    Worcestershire Sauce - also adds more complex flavors.

    Red Pepper Flakes - adds just a little warmth to the background.

    Butter - adds fat to help keep the Brussels sprouts moist and flavorful.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Note: Full list of ingredients, their amounts, and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

    Step 1:

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

    Step 2:

    Place cut bacon in a large cold pan, preferably cast iron. Heat over medium and cook, stirring often, until the fat has rendered out and the bacon is crispy.

    Turn off the heat.

    Drain or wipe out the drippings with paper towels leaving a thin layer on the bottom of the skillet.

    Bacon sautéing in bacon grease in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon and then with the grease removed.

    Step 3:

    Meanwhile, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.

    Melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes in a bowl next to a towel and then the ingredients mixed together.

    Step 4:

    Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan with the bacon.

    Halved Brussels sprouts and bacon in a cast iron skillet.

    Step 5:

    Add the sauce and toss until everything is coated.

    Halved Brussels sprouts and bacon tossed in a brown sugar sauce in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.

    Step 6:

    Roast for 20 to 25 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are cooked through and browned.

    Step 7:

    Serve warm and enjoy!

    Caramelized Brussels sprouts and bacon in a cast iron skillet with a large spoon.

    Tips & Tricks

    • To trim and prepare the Brussels sprouts, remove the woody stem and any brown or yellow leaves. Then, slice the sprouts from top to bottom.
    • Freeze the bacon slices for about 10 minutes before cutting them into ½-inch pieces. This will make it much easier.
    • Also, use a very sharp knife to cut the bacon.

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Use pancetta or prosciutto in place of the bacon.
    • Add crumbled feta for a creamy element.
    • Pecans and dried cranberries would be a great addition in the fall.

    Storage & Reheating

    Storage

    Store the Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Reheating

    Reheat in 30-second increments in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

    Freezing

    Cooked Brussels sprouts can be placed in a freezer-safe container and frozen for up to 12 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in a 350-degree F oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

    Note: The Brussels sprouts will likely be softer after freezing and reheating.

    Caramelized Brussels sprouts in a cast iron pan over a wire rack next to forks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?

    This happens when food is cooked too closely together. Rather than roasting, they steam. For this recipe, a large 12-inch skillet is perfect for giving the Brussels sprouts some room to roast.

    Why are my Brussels sprouts mushy?

    They were overcooked. When caramelizing the sprouts, we're trying to strike a balance between nicely browned and not overcooking them. Keep an eye on them for the last few minutes and pull them from the oven when they are browned but not too soft.

    My Brussels sprouts fell apart when cutting them. What happened?

    Too much was cut off the bottom. You want to trim away the woody stem but leave the base intact so that the leaves don't all break apart.

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    📖 Recipe

    Caramelized Brussels sprouts and bacon in a cast iron skillet with a large serving spoon.

    Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    Alicia
    Tender brown sugar caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy salty bacon. The perfect side dish to any meal.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and cut in half (see notes)
    • 3 slices bacon cut into ½ inch pieces
    • 1 tablespoon butter melted
    • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
    • Place the cut bacon in a large oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron. Heat over medium and continue cooking, stirring often, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy.
    • Meanwhile, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
    • Turn off the heat. Drain the bacon grease from the pan leaving only a thin coating on the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan with the bacon and toss in the sauce until everything is coated.
    • Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes stirring once halfway through. The Brussels are done when they have cooked through and browned.
    • Serve warm.

    Notes

    How to trim and prepare the Brussels sprouts:
    1. Remove the woody stem leaving a small bit to keep the sprouts from falling apart.
    2. Remove any yellow or brown leaves
    3. Slice in half from top to bottom
     
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 212mgPotassium: 505mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 989IUVitamin C: 97mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @ThisHomeKitchen or tag #thishomekitchen so I can see your photos!

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    Comments

    1. Debra Van Dyke

      May 25, 2023 at 11:00 am

      Can you use frozen brussel sprouts in Caramelized Brussel sprouts with bacon recipe??

      Reply
      • Alicia

        May 25, 2023 at 12:20 pm

        I haven't tested this recipe with frozen Brussels sprouts but you should be able to use them. Keep them frozen and whole and plan to allow them to roast for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. They will likely be a bit softer than fresh but should still brown nicely.

        Reply

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