Experience the ultimate side dish with these perfectly sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon. Tossed in a savory blend of soy sauce, fresh garlic, and crunchy toasted sliced almonds, this recipe proves that just a few simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavor and texture!

Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast or seeking a quick, delicious vegetable side for a weeknight dinner, these Brussels sprouts with bacon are an absolute game-changer. They pair wonderfully with comforting classics like a hearty Crockpot Pot Roast, a rich Turkey Bolognese, or savory Porcupine Meatballs. Get ready to transform your perception of this humble green vegetable!

Contents

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Your New Favorite Side Dish

While Roasted Brussels Sprouts hold a special place in many hearts, our Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon recipe offers a delightful and equally loved alternative. Sautéing these vibrant green gems provides a quick and flavorful cooking method, making it ideal when your oven is busy, especially during holiday cooking extravaganzas. Picture this: a delicious Shepherd’s Pie baking away, and you need a superb side that doesn’t demand oven space. This dish is your answer, making it a perfect accompaniment for both Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, as well as a speedy addition to any weeknight meal.

This irresistible recipe masterfully combines the crispiness of savory bacon, the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, and the tender texture of Brussels sprouts, all sautéed together in a rich, smoky bacon grease. The addition of fresh garlic and a splash of soy sauce elevates the flavor profile, creating a side dish that’s smoky, nutty, umami-rich, and utterly satisfying.

Why You Will Love This Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Recipe

Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The salty, smoky notes of bacon perfectly complement the slightly earthy and sweet caramelized Brussels sprouts. Fresh garlic adds a pungent depth, while soy sauce introduces a fantastic umami kick, creating a truly harmonious flavor profile.
Irresistible Texture Variety: Each bite offers a symphony of textures – the tender-crisp sprouts, the chewy yet crunchy bacon bits, and the delightful snap of toasted almonds. This variety keeps every mouthful exciting.
Quick and Convenient: Unlike roasting, which can take longer, sautéing gets this dish on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you need a last-minute addition to a potluck or holiday meal.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This side dish is incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide range of main courses, from roasted meats and poultry to fish and even pasta. It’s a guaranteed hit with guests and family members, even those who claim not to like Brussels sprouts!
Nutrient-Packed: Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Combined with protein-rich bacon and healthy fats from almonds and olive oil, this dish offers a delicious way to enjoy nutritious vegetables.

The Perfect Pairing: Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Brussels sprouts and bacon are a classic culinary match for a reason. The slightly bitter, earthy flavor of the sprouts finds its perfect counterpart in the salty, fatty, and deeply savory notes of crispy bacon. When sautéed, the bacon fat renders down, infusing the sprouts with an unparalleled smoky depth that can’t be achieved with other cooking oils. This method also helps the Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully, bringing out their natural sweetness and reducing any perceived bitterness.

Beyond the primary duo, the addition of garlic enhances the savory character, while soy sauce introduces an unexpected yet welcome layer of umami, deepening the overall flavor. Toasted almonds provide not only a pleasant crunch but also a subtle nutty aroma that ties all the elements together. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Crafting this delicious side dish requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe a standout:

Bacon: The star flavor enhancer! Crispy bacon pieces provide a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly contrasts with the tender sprouts. Dicing the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces ensures even cooking and distribution throughout the dish. The rendered bacon fat is also essential for sautéing and infusing deep flavor.
Olive Oil: Used in conjunction with the bacon fat, olive oil helps cook the garlic and almonds without burning, contributing a subtle fruity note and ensuring even sautéing of the Brussels sprouts.
Fresh Garlic: Absolutely vital for its pungent, aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic provides a much brighter and more intense flavor compared to pre-minced jarred garlic, which can also burn more easily. It infuses the entire dish with an irresistible aroma.
Sliced Almonds: These add a wonderful nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, providing a textural counterpoint to the softer sprouts and bacon. Toasting them briefly in the pan brings out their full aroma. You can also experiment with other nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different twist.
Brussels Sprouts: The main vegetable, offering a slightly bitter, earthy base that softens and sweetens as it cooks. Choose firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves for the best flavor and texture. Trimming and quartering them ensures quick and even cooking.
Soy Sauce: A secret weapon for umami! Soy sauce adds a rich, savory depth and a touch of saltiness that beautifully complements the other ingredients. For a gluten-free option, use tamari, or for a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos work well.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Remember that bacon and soy sauce already contribute significant saltiness, so it’s always best to season gradually and taste as you go.

How To Make Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Step-by-Step

This recipe is surprisingly simple, yet yields incredibly impressive results. Follow these steps for a perfect batch of Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon every time:

Prepare the Bacon: Begin by dicing your bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. For easiest dicing, ensure your bacon is cold and use a sharp knife. Place the diced bacon in a large pan over medium heat and fry until it’s beautifully crispy and all the fat has rendered.
Drain the Bacon: Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. This allows the excess grease to drain off, keeping the bacon perfectly crisp. Set the bacon aside for later.
Cool the Skillet (Important!): Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial step prevents the garlic and almonds from burning when you add them. If there’s more than about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat remaining in the pan, carefully pour off the excess (see Note 1 in the recipe card for guidance on draining and saving bacon fat).
Sauté Garlic and Almonds: Return the cooled pan to medium heat. Add the olive oil, freshly minced garlic, and sliced almonds to the pan. Sauté over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the almonds are lightly toasted and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Add Brussels Sprouts and Soy Sauce: Introduce the trimmed and quartered Brussels sprouts to the pan along with the soy sauce.
Cook Until Tender-Crisp: Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 6-8 minutes. The goal is for the Brussels sprouts to become tender-crisp – cooked through but still retaining a slight bite and vibrant green color.
Season to Taste: Taste the sprouts and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that bacon and soy sauce already add saltiness, so start with a small amount (e.g., 1/4 teaspoon each) and adjust.
Reincorporate Bacon and Serve: Finally, stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the pan. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring the bacon bits are evenly distributed. Serve your glorious Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon warm and enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips For Perfect Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Achieving the best results with this recipe is easy with a few insider tips:

Cool the Skillet: As mentioned in the steps, allowing the skillet to cool for about 5 minutes after cooking the bacon is vital. This prevents the delicate garlic from burning, which can lead to a bitter flavor.
Use Fresh Garlic: Opt for freshly minced garlic over jarred alternatives. Fresh garlic delivers a superior, brighter flavor and is less likely to burn quickly during sautéing.
Season Gradually: Both bacon and soy sauce are inherently salty. Always taste your dish before adding salt. This helps prevent over-salting and allows you to adjust to your personal preference. Add salt and pepper gradually, as needed.
Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: For an additional layer of deliciousness, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the finished dish. The salty, nutty cheese perfectly complements the flavors of the Brussels sprouts and bacon. This can also be a great way to add flavor instead of extra salt.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure your Brussels sprouts cook evenly and develop a nice caramelization rather than steaming, avoid overcrowding the pan. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider cooking in batches or using two large skillets.
Properly Prepare Sprouts: Trim the woody ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. Quartering larger sprouts ensures they cook quickly and absorb more flavor.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t rush the bacon cooking process. Frying it until truly crispy adds essential texture and flavor to the final dish.

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs:

Different Nuts: Instead of sliced almonds, try toasted pecans, walnuts, or even pine nuts for a slightly different nutty profile.
Add a Touch of Sweetness: A drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or balsamic glaze (added at the very end) can balance the savory notes and enhance the caramelization of the sprouts.
A Hint of Heat: For those who enjoy a little spice, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or chives for an aromatic boost.
Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can add a bright, zesty finish.
Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon. Instead, use smoked paprika to replicate a smoky flavor, and consider adding a touch of liquid smoke or a vegetarian bacon alternative. You might need a bit more olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

These Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon are a versatile side dish that complements a variety of meals:

Holiday Feasts: They are an absolute showstopper for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, offering a fresh, flavorful contrast to richer holiday dishes.
Weeknight Dinners: Pair them with roasted chicken, pork chops, pan-seared steak, or baked salmon for a complete and wholesome meal.
Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, quiche, or a breakfast casserole for a savory brunch addition.
Potlucks: Easy to transport and reheat, making them a fantastic dish to share.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious side dish, here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Allow the Brussels sprouts and bacon to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps the sprouts retain some of their texture and the bacon to re-crisp slightly. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but they may become softer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? While fresh sprouts are highly recommended for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before adding them to the pan to prevent excess water from steaming them instead of sautéing.
What if I don’t have soy sauce? You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or even just a bit more salt and pepper can also work in a pinch, though the umami profile will differ.
How do I choose good Brussels sprouts? Look for sprouts that are bright green, firm, and tightly packed. Avoid any that are yellowing, soft, or have loose outer leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the Brussels sprouts (trim and quarter) and dice the bacon ahead of time. Cook the bacon and then cook the sprouts, but ideally, the final dish is best served immediately after stirring in the bacon to ensure maximum crispiness and freshness. If making ahead, store bacon separately and add just before serving for best texture.

More Delicious Holiday & Everyday Sides

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Fresh Thanksgiving Salad
Perfectly Roasted Carrots
Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Brussels sprouts and bacon on a plate, cooked to perfection and ready to be enjoyed.

Pin
Print

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 3 users

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

By Chelsea Lords

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon, tossed with soy sauce, garlic, and toasted almonds, make for a simple yet flavor-packed side dish!

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 35

Servings: 6 side dishes

Equipment

Large pan

Ingredients

5 slices bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 to 2 cloves
1/2 cup sliced almonds
7-1/2 cups large Brussels sprouts trimmed and quartered (2 pounds before trimmed; 1.8 pounds after trimmed)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Dice bacon into 1/2-inch pieces (this is easiest with cold bacon and a sharp knife!). Fry bacon in a large pan over medium heat until the fat renders and bacon is crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Remove pan from heat and let cool about 5 minutes.
If there is more than 1 tablespoon bacon fat, pour it off the pan (see note 1 below).
Once the pan is cool, return it to medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, and almonds and sauté over low heat until garlic is fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Add trimmed and quartered Brussels sprouts and soy sauce.
Cook, stirring frequently, until the sprouts are tender, about 6–8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper (start with 1/4 teaspoon each and adjust as needed).
Stir in the bacon and serve warm.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: To drain off extra bacon grease, line a small cup or bowl with heavy-duty foil. Carefully pour bacon fat into the lined bowl immediately after removing bacon. Let this bowl stand at room temperature until bacon grease solidifies. At this point, you can fold the foil around it and discard it or save it to use in future recipes.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through for best texture.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!