• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Stress Baking
  • Recipes
  • Baking Basics
  • Resources
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Baking Basics
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Baking Basics
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Appetizers & Sides

    Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    Published: Dec 14, 2015 · Last modified: Apr 29, 2022 by Leslie Kiszka / This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote
    Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    These brussels sprouts are pan-fried with crumbled bacon and butter for a light and flavorful side dish! Try my Pan Fried Gnocchi and Brussels Sprouts next.

    Fried brussels sprouts with crumbled bacon in a white bowl

    I feel like brussels sprouts are one of those foods that people either love or despise. Which side do you fall on?

    I absolutely adore them, and like to prepare them a bunch of different ways. My personal favorite is pan-fried, combined with some crumbled bacon, and topped with parmesan cheese.

    Yup… that’s the stuff.

    Fried brussels sprouts with crumbled bacon in a white bowl

    But brussels sprouts look gross when cooked!

    I’ve talked with non-brussels sprouts lovers and I’ve heard that they’re really turned off by the look of them once they’ve been cooked. I admit they’re not the prettiest girl in school – but they have a great personality!

    I’ll take something that’s less than Pinterest-perfect that tastes amazing over something that looks flawless and tastes like garbage. Wouldn’t you?

    Of course you would, because you’re a logical and wonderful human being <3

    Shredded parmesan cheese being sprinkled on top of fried brussels sprouts with crumbled bacon in a white bowl

    Boiled vs. pan-fried

    I’ll admit that brussels sprouts are not particularly amazing when they’re been boiled. That’s just not my wheelhouse. The smell, the texture, the flavor… I’m just not on board with it.

    But pan-fried? Yes. Oh, yes. It only takes a single pan and 15 minutes, which makes it the perfect side dish to pair with your weeknight entree.

    Bacon and cheese? This isn’t vegan!

    If you got here because you clicked on the “Vegan” menu option and you’re thinking to yourself, “OHMYGOD THIS HAS BACON AND CHEESE THIS IS TOTALLY NOT VEGAN”, calm down!

    Don’t like bacon or cheese? Don’t include it. Want an extra zing of flavor? Add some lemon juice. Feeling adventurous? Drizzle real maple syrup over them while they cook (just trust me on this one). 

    Overhead view of shredded parmesan cheese on top of fried brussels sprouts with crumbled bacon in a white bowl on a blue and white cloth

    What to serve with pan-friend brussels sprouts

    These will go well with any main course! Chicken, pork, steak and even pasta. It also makes for a delicious side dish on the table for Thanksgiving – just make sure you have enough for everyone!

    After you’ve made this recipe, please consider coming back to share your experience with others by leaving a comment below with a star rating!

    Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    5 from 1 vote
    These brussels sprouts are pan-fried with crumbled bacon and butter for a light and flavorful side dish!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 2 to 4 servings (side dish)

    Equipment

    • Skillet
    • Frying pans

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled (omit if vegan)
    • 2 Tablespoons butter, substitute for vegan butter or olive oil if vegan
    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
    • 12 ounces fresh brussels sprouts, rinsed and halved lengthwise
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Cook bacon in your preferred manner (skillet or baked in oven), let cool and crumble. Set aside.
    • In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.
    • Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for a minute until fragrant.
    • Add brussels sprouts, cut side down, in a single layer. Cover and let cook for 5 minutes without stirring.
    • Add crumbled bacon, stir lightly, and cover to cook another 5 minutes (without stirring) or until brussels sprouts are fork tender.
    • Add salt and/or pepper to taste and serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

    Notes

    Vegan: This dish is easily made vegan by omitting cheese and bacon, and using a butter substitute.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 382mg | Potassium: 752mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1646IU | Vitamin C: 146mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Author Leslie Kiszka
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating!
    Fried brussels sprouts with crumbled bacon in a white bowl

    Related Posts

    • Pan Fried Gnocchi and Brussels Sprouts
    • Maple Bacon Cupcakes
    • 15 Thanksgiving Side and Dessert Recipes
    • 20 Easy No Bake Energy Bite Recipes
    • Peanut Butter and Bacon Dog Treats
    « S’mores Toffee Bark
    White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels »

    Reader Interactions

    Let us know what you think! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi there! I'm Leslie. I use baking as an outlet for relieving stress and anxiety to provide you with easy to follow homemade recipes and a little humor. About Leslie ⟶

    SUMMER RECIPES

    • Stabilized Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting
    • Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
    • Paleo Samoa Bars
    • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

    FAN FAVORITES

    • Stabilized Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting
    • The Perfect Banana Bread
    • Fluffernutter Cookies (Peanut Butter and Fluff)
    • Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

    My Favorite Thermometer

    ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

    Footer

    List of different websites that Stress Baking has been featured on

    About

    • What is "stress baking"?
    • Meet Leslie
    • Work With Me
    • Servings of Reality

    Disclaimers

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers

    Resources

    • Recipes
    • Baking Basics
    • Shop my favorites

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for email updates
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    Blue Stress Baking logo

    Not responsible for computer or phone repairs caused by excessive amounts of drool ;)

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases - see disclaimers.

    COPYRIGHT © 2015-2022 Stress Baking

    345 shares