This Skillet Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Shallots, and Garlic is a delectable way to prepare these often maligned vegetables!

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon is easily made in one skillet in less than 30 minutes make them perfect for an autumn side dish or a seasonal addition to your holiday buffet. If you prefer to roast your vegetables, we love these Honey Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Overhead view of a bowl of sauteed brussels sprouts with bacon

Why You Must Try these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

  • BACON!!! Bacon adds fabulous flavor to everything!!
  • Making Brussels sprouts in a skillet allows you to easily monitor them so they don’t overcook.
  • They’re a fun fall side dish! Maybe calling them baby cabbages will get your family to try them. It didn’t convince mine, but you can try!

Somewhere amidst the stacks of cookbooks and recipe print-offs is an extraordinary recipe for Brussels sprouts with bacon that I made for Thanksgiving years ago.

My parents were visiting and my dad dived into these with gusto. I’m certain I ate the rest of the batch myself, and they were fabulous. If you’re familiar with my family, you know they held out for a boiled bag of green beans. Since then, I’ve been trying to recreate the dish, and this delicious Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Shallots, and Garlic recipe comes close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Brussels Sprouts healthy?

Yes! They’re low in calories and high in many nutrients. They’re a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. They’re also rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. There is also some evidence they can keep blood sugar steady.

What's the most nutritious way to cook Brussels sprouts?

Steaming is a healthy way to cook Brussels sprouts as there is no additional fat (or bacon!). Roasting is also relatively healthy as long as the sprouts are just lightly coated in olive oil.

What do you look for when selecting Brussels sprouts?

Use your eyes and check for a vibrant green color, and a fresh, not wilted, appearance. They should feel firm and compact.

A white bowl of skillet brussels sprouts with bacon and two red handled forks

How to Make this Easy Skillet Brussels Sprouts Recipe

  1. Brown sliced bacon in a large skillet.
  2. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the bacon fat if needed and cook shallots till soft.
  3. Add garlic and Brussels sprouts, more olive oil as needed, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Cook until Brussels sprouts are just tender, 8-10 minutes (pierce with a knife to test…you don’t want them overcooked).

So please, give a chance to these mini-cabbages with a bad reputation. The key is not to overcook, you want to keep some of the vibrant green color. Nobody likes a grayish, mushy Brussels sprout. And bacon and the aromatics give these veggies a nice boost of flavor.

This is not a long, drawn-out recipe. It can be a simple second side dish for any of your holiday meals. Making it on the stovetop frees up your oven for all the other cooking you’ll be doing. I think you’ll change your mind once you give this Brussels sprouts recipe a try. 

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

Pan brussels sprouts in a white bowl with 2 forks

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Shallots and Garlic Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Yield 4 servings

An easy pan sauteed Brussels sprouts recipe with bacon, shallots and garlic!

Ingredients

  • 2-3 slices bacon, cut into thin slices
  • 1 large shallot, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half unless very small
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown bacon in a large saucepan. Add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed and cook shallots till soft.
  2. Add garlic and Brussels sprouts, more olive oil as needed, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Cook until Brussels sprouts are just tender, 8-10 minutes (pierce with a knife to test...you don't want them overcooked).

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 262mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 8g

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Shallots and Garlic in a white serving bowl