Crispy Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon (Easy Side)

With a tender inside and crisp outside, it’s safe to say this brussel sprouts recipe with bacon is a favourite in our house! It’s a super easy 2-ingredient dish that tastes even better than roasted brussel sprouts made in the oven. Serve them immediately alongside my Best Air Fryer Gammon Joint for the ultimate holiday feast.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Here is why this is the perfect side dish for your weekly rotation:

• Simple: What’s simpler than a 2-ingredient brussel sprouts dish?! Check out the Jennifer Aniston Salad for another simple side.
• Delicious flavour: This makes for one of the best brussel sprout recipes because it is sweet, salty, and caramelised to perfection.
• Make ahead: I love this brussel sprouts recipe, as you can have everything prepped the night before. Like with my Easy Sauteed Savoy Cabbage, you can have these sprouts ready to throw in the frying pan with just a few steps.

Use leftover sprouts to make recipes like Roasted Brussel Sprout Carbonara, Hellman’s Creamy Brussels Sprout Pasta Bake, or Marmite Ham & Camembert Festive Toastie.

Ingredients

• Bacon: Bacon adds such a good flavour to this recipe, and you could easily swap it out for other proteins when learning how to cook brussel sprouts in a pan. Try using leftover bacon in this Easy Ragu Bianco.
• Brussel Sprouts: On the stalk or loose brussel sprouts will work. Ensure you prep the sprouts properly for this sprout and bacon recipe, and you’re good to go! In a pinch, you can also use frozen sprouts.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

• Change the meat: This recipe for brussel sprouts is quite versatile. You can try a different meat, like sausage or pancetta, to create your own roasted brussel sprouts recipe. You can even use meat-free bacon instead (though you will need to use a bit more oil).
• Add sweetness: To mimic baked brussel sprouts, add a balsamic glaze with some honey to create a deliciously salty and sweet treat. Or make this Honey-Roasted Carrots & Parsnips Recipe instead. You could also add some tanginess with balsamic vinegar.
• Add crunch: Finally, add roasted chestnuts or pine nuts to these brussel sprouts for a Christmas-worthy elevation.

How to make Pan-Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

1. Start by washing the Brussel sprouts and then chopping the tough base off.  Slice the Brussels lengthways, then thinly slice into shreds (Image 1).
2. Then slice the bacon and roughly chopping into small chunks (Image 2).

3. Now add the bacon into a non-stick frying pan with 1 tbsp of olive or rapeseed oil over a medium heat. Gently fry for around 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy (Image 3).

4. For the final minute of fry time, add a small drizzle of honey (around 1 tsp) to really get the bacon crispy. Set aside (Image 4).

5. Add the Brussel shreds into the pan along with another 1 tbsp of oil. Season generously with salt and pepper (Image 5).

6. Fry for around 7 minutes, until golden and crispy whilst still being vibrant and green (I added a sprinkle of thyme) (Image 6).

7. Then add the fried, crispy bacon bits back into the pan with the cooked Brussels (Image 7).

8. Mix together to incorporate all the bacon within the sprouts and you’re ready to serve (Image 8).

Serve with your Christmas Dinner, with the CRISPIEST Roast Potatoes and Goats Cheese Tart with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes.

How to Make the Perfect Brussel Sprouts

When making simple dishes with few ingredients, quality is key. Unlike a heavy baked brussel sprouts recipe where the flavor can get hidden, this stovetop method highlights the fresh veg. Here is what to look for at the grocery store:

• Size matters: Aim for smaller sprouts (around 1 inch wide). They are sweeter and more tender, whereas large sprouts can be bitter.
• Color: Look for bright green heads. Avoid any with yellowing leaves or brown stems.
• Tightness: The leaves should be tightly bundled. If they feel loose or puffy, they won’t crisp up as well.

Proper prep ensures your sprouts aren’t tough. Trim the woody bottom off each sprout and slice them in half lengthwise. While roasting brussel sprouts usually requires just halving them, for this pan-fried version, I sometimes like to shred them slightly for a hash-style texture. This ensures they caramelize quickly in the pan.

Cooking sprouts with bacon is the secret to winning over picky eaters. The fat from the bacon renders out, flavoring the sprouts as they cook. If you are wondering how to cook sprouts with bacon ahead of time, it’s super easy! You can fry the bacon and prep the sprouts the day before, then toss everything back into the hot pan just before serving. This frees up stove space for other mains like my Slow Cooker Gammon Joint.

Serving Suggestions

These caramelized brussel sprouts are a great side dish during the holidays. They pair well with roasts, ham, and other meaty mains. Since these sprouts and bacon recipes are cooked on the stove, they free up oven space for other dishes.

Try them with:

• Roasted Turkey Legs
• The BEST Crispy Bone-in Chicken Thighs
• Fluffy Yorkshire Puddings
• Lemon and Thyme Chicken Thigh Tray Bake
• Easy Turkey Steak Recipe
• TENDER Cast Iron Chicken Breast

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Refrigerator: Any leftover brussel sprouts you have, allow them to cool fully. Then, pack them in an airtight container for up to four days.

Freezer: These store better than oven roasted brussel sprouts. Freeze in a single layer, then pack into a bag for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Reheat this yummy dish by tossing it into a pan and frying for 3-5 minutes. You can use leftovers in this Delicious Chicken Bolognese.

FAQs

Have extra bacon? Try making these dishes: Creamy Bacon Pasta, Delicious Tagliatelle Carbonara or Easy Bacon and Lentil Soup.