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
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas says
This post is epic! I totally agree about the brussel sprouts. Just don’t make them the wrong way and they’re amazing!
kirsten@farmfreshfeasts says
Jen,
I love brussels sprouts! I also love bacon, and this combination sounds absolutely tasty.
Thanks!
Tracy | Peanut Butter and Onion says
I love brussel Sprouts
Helene D'souza says
I so enjoyed your little write up and I agree, Brussels sprouts can be amazing. I used to hate them as kids but then most children don’t like the flavor. Anyway, a brilliant idea to add brown sugar and bacon for the taste. A Good wine would fit here as well. ^.^
natalie @ wee eats says
Brussels sprouts and broccoli both have that sulfur-y tinge sometime, usually I get around it by (you’re right) NOT BOILING THEM! I bet the bit of brown sugar in here combined with the salty bacon makes these sprouts DIVINE! I’m definitely using this recipe next time I cook sprouts!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
Brussels sprouts are my favorite vegetable, hands down. I love them steamed, sauteed, roasted, you name it. And now?? NOW I will love them caramelized with brown sugar and bacon. HECK YES.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Brilliant, brilliant!! Love Brussels sprouts and love this recipe! Totally going to try this
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
by the way, love the post! Great writing! I love how you humanized my favorite veggie! :)
Jackie @ The Beeroness says
Seriously, what’s up with our parents and grandparents thinking boiling things (like brussels sprouts, pork chops, steak, carrots: gag) was a good idea? My grandparents used to boil steak! So strange, and so gross. I love Brussels sprouts once I figure out how easy it is to make them tasty. These little guys look awesome.
Susan says
I’m loving the addition of brown sugar with the brussels sprouts. Everything listed is my favorite combination, will have to just add the sugar next time!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Love the dark mood!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
I love the simple, smoky flavors that you combined with these Brussels sprouts! They look so delish, Jen!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Dude, I don’t even like brussels sprouts but I really want to try this! Look at you making me eat all healthy :)
Valerie says
Okay, I’m not a Brussels sprouts fan, but this…this I could do! Scrumptious looking dish! (Bacon makes everything better.)
Kate | Food Babbles says
I have long loathed brussels sprouts. I’m talking gagging, retching hatred for brussels sprouts. Only recently I decided to give them another chance. I found out that with bacon and balsamic vinegar I loved them!! I know that adding brown sugar to the mix will only make me love them more. I will definitely be giving this recipe a try!