This brown sugar bacon brussels sprouts recipe will make anyone a believer in this amazing vegetable! The best brussels sprouts recipes are all about sautéing or roasting, NOT boiling. That’s the secret!
Brussels sprouts. We need to talk. My poor, neglected vegetable friend. Don’t listen to what others say about you sometimes. They clearly haven’t tried these brown sugar bacon brussels sprouts.
They just don’t understand what it’s like to be you. You’re unique and delicate. You should only be prepared in certain ways and sadly… there are many home cooks out there who don’t understand your special needs.
People have been cooking you incorrectly for generations.
No vegetable likes to be boiled in plain water and I don’t see why anyone would think you’re any different! Water makes you soggy and, oddly enough, makes you smell and taste rather sulfurous.
It’s ok, like I said you’re unique. You don’t HAVE to smell bad. Just stay away from the water and make sure other people don’t submerge you.
You like high heat in the form of a 425-450 degree F oven or a hot sauté pan. Some olive oil or bacon fat to help get you all nice and caramelized. Maybe a bit of salt to bring out your finer qualities.
And when I get my hands on you, you get the works. Brown sugar, bacon, and a bit of balsamic vinegar. My darling, you’ve never tasted better.
Looking for more brussels sprouts recipes?
You definitely don’t want to miss my Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts! These Brussels Sprouts Chips from All Day I Dream About Food are also pretty amazing.
Brown Sugar Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2 cups brussels sprouts
- 5 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2-4 tablespoons brown sugar (dark or light, though I prefer dark brown sugar)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper as needed
Instructions
- Cut off the root ends of the brussels sprouts and pull off any old outer leaves. Slice them in half.
- In a large skillet, render the fat from the bacon over low to medium-low heat. Once the fat has mostly melted down, turn up the heat and brown until caramelized and crunchy. Set aside to drain on a paper towel. Remove all but two tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the brussels and allow them to caramelize on one side. Deglaze the pan with the balsamic vinegar, using a spatula to scrape up any brown bits and incorporate them with the brussels. Continue to saute the brussels on high heat for a few minutes, shaking the pan, until they have softened up a bit. Add the bacon back to the pan along with 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and is evenly coating the brussels sprouts.
- Taste; add the remaining brown sugar if desired, allowing it to dissolve before removing the pan from the heat. Add kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. (Note: you might not need any salt because of the bacon).
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
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Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I love Brussels Sprouts since I was a kid! Your brown sugar and bacon combo has me drooling! Over a veggie! Look what you’re doing to me, Jen! :)
Tracey says
My favorite way to make brussels sprouts is with bacon and balsamic vinegar but I bet the addition of brown sugar would have me even more in love with them!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
I love brussels sprouts! You don’t have to convince me to eat them! :) Especially with bacon. I also prefer them roasted in the oven or on a very high heat on the stove top.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
Brussles sprouts are one of my absolute favorites and it kills me that so many people write them off because they’ve only had them boiled. Ick! Roasting is where it’s at! These look divine.
Tieghan says
Brussel sprouts are my favorite and these look killer!
Sophie says
I don’t get why peeps hate on brussel sprouts! Hahaha seriously, they’re my favorite! I make them for lunch all the time. Steam them, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. HEAVEN!
Kathryn says
Such a delicious way to eat brussel sprouts – I think these could convince even the most ardent hater that sprouts can be delicious!
movita beaucoup says
Gawd, I love Brussels Sprouts! And I’m the only one in my family who does, so… MORE FOR ME!!
Giovanna says
They look delicious!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
Is it strange that brussels sprouts make my mouth water? I love them, and this looks like no exception!
Marie @ Little Kitchie says
I could eat the entire pan!
Ruta says
Brown Sugar + Bacon + Brussels Sprouts? Sounds like an incredible pairing. I want it now!
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
Brussels sprouts are EASILY my favorite vegetable. My mom was convinced that she hated them (no doubt because they were boiled in the dreaded plain water). She now feels otherwise. I LOVE the brown sugar & bacon!!! Also– that photo is completely gorgeous.
ashley - baker by nature says
I’m happy to see sprouts going strong into the Spring! LOVE these.
Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today says
I had such a cravy for a brussels sprouts. I was looking for it but couldn’t find anywhere. Your recipe makes me want it even more :)