Name: Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces of bacon (cooked and crumbled (omit if vegan)); 2 Tablespoons unsalted 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)

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5 from 1 vote

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.

Halved brussels sprouts and bacon in a skillet with a bowl of parmesan cheese

I feel like brussels sprouts are one of those foods that people either love or despise. Since you're here, I'm going to assume you love them like I do!

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.

Ingredients in bowls for pan fried brussels sprouts with bacon

Ingredients for pan-fried brussels sprouts

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

How to make pan-fried brussels sprouts

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!

Brussels sprouts sliced in half in a skillet

Halved brussels sprouts and bacon being browned in a skillet

Boiled vs. pan-fried brussels sprouts

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 entrée.

Halved brussels sprouts and bacon in a skillet and topped with parmesan cheese

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 – it's gonna be okay.

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).

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!

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