I’m a stay-at-home mom turned home design and DIY expert. I've discovered the thrill of creating a beautiful, functional home, and I'm here to inspire and teach you to do the same
I used to be firmly in the “no thanks” camp when it came to Brussels sprouts. That is, until my sister Lolly introduced me to this game-changing recipe. Now, I find myself craving these crispy, flavorful sprouts multiple times a week.
What sets this recipe apart? It’s the harmonious blend of crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, a hint of lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The optional balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts
Even Slicing: Halve the sprouts uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
Bacon First: Cook the bacon until crispy and use the rendered fat to sauté the sprouts for added flavor.
Cut-Side Down: Place the sprouts cut-side down in the pan to achieve that coveted caramelization.
Season Thoughtfully: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving make all the difference.
These Brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. They’re especially popular during the holiday season but are simple enough for a weeknight dinner, as they only take around 20 minutes to whip up!
For all you visual learners, here’s the video of me making this Brussel’s Sprouts recipe!
Step 1 – Cook the Bacon
In a large frying pan, chop and saute bacon over medium heat until crispy and the fat is rendered. The easiest way I’ve found is to use clean kitchen shears to cut my bacon into pieces.
Step 2 – Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Remove the bacon. Lay the halved brussels sprouts cut side down in the bacon drippings in an even layer. Since I wanted to keep the drippings in the pan, I used a mini fine mesh strainer to scoop everything out.
Step 3 – Cover and Cook
Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 8 minutes. I get asked about my Caraway frying pan quite a bit. It’s beautiful, non-toxic, and non-stick.
Step 4 – Add Seasonings
Remove the cover to check the carmelization and tenderness of the sprouts. Add salt and pepper, the squeezed lemon, parmesan cheese, and bacon back into the pan (save a bit of bacon for the garnish).
Step 5 – Serve!
Transfer the brussles sprouts to a pretty dish and sprinkle crumbled bacon over the sprouts Drizzle with a squeeze of the best ever balsamic glaze. My kids also like to eat these with a little bit of lemon pepper sprinkled on top.
Are you interested in other Thanksgiving recipes or need ideas? If so, I created a complete guide on hosting a Friendsgiving / Thanksgiving dinner party. Download it below!
These Brussels sprouts are a delightful combination of crispy bacon, tender sprouts, and a touch of lemon and Parmesan.Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they make an excellent side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 lemon, halved
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, to taste
Balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the bacon drippings. Cook over medium-low heat, covered, for about 8 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Season and Combine: Uncover and season the sprouts with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and add the cooked bacon back into the pan, reserving some for garnish.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, top with the reserved bacon, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
