Last Updated on August 16, 2025 by Michelle Mundy
Tender crisp Brussels sprouts lightly pan fried and deliciously flavored with bacon, garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Unfortunately, many people grew up in that world and they don’t know that if cooked properly, Brussels sprouts are delicious!
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon use bacon grease to as a base flavor and builds from there. The addition of garlic, paprika and Parmesan just makes them even better!
Are Brussels Sprouts really good for you?
Brussels sprouts are like little cabbages. They are packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants, high in fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
One of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, they may also come with added health benefits, including the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation, and improve blood sugar control.
Brussels sprouts are very underrated, mostly because they have a bad reputation This recipe is one of many that proves they can be delicious!
How to Make Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
With bacon grease to as a base flavor, and the addition of garlic, paprika and Parmesan, Brussels sprouts just got even better!

Cut the bacon slices into 1 inch pieces and set aside.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes, stirring often.

Remove the bacon from the pan to a paper towel and set aside. Carefully drain half of the bacon grease from the pan and set aside in a small bowl.
Don’t toss the extra grease – you will need to save it as you will slowly incorporate it back into the Brussels sprouts as you cook them!

Add Brussels sprouts into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes.

While cooking, slowly add the remaining bacon grease to the Brussels sprouts. Cook until the sprouts are crisp-tender and lightly browned and all of the bacon grease has been absorbed.
This will help to caramelize the Brussels sprouts develop the flavors in the dish.

Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika and parsley and stir until the sprouts are evenly coated.

Add the cooked bacon pieces and shredded Parmesan cheese into the pan.
Stir, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Other Tasty Side Dish Recipes You May Like
Melting Baby Potatoes – Melt in your mouth potatoes with crispy edges and flavorful, fluffy insides.
Simple Sauteed Zucchini with Lemon – Tender bites of zucchini cooked with Italian seasoning, a hint of garlic and a burst of fresh lemon.
Oven Roasted Cauliflower – High heat seals in the flavor in this oven roasted marinated cauliflower.
Smoked Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Tender, flavorful potato slices in a creamy thyme sauce, with a perfect smoky flavor and just the right amount of melty cheese.
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) – all the flavors of Grilled Mexican street corn (Elote) in a delicious, easy to share salad.
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the bacon slices into 1 inch pieces and set aside.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove the bacon from the pan to a paper towel and set aside. Carefully drain half of the bacon grease from the pan and set aside in a small bowl.
- Add Brussels sprouts into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes.
- While cooking, slowly add the remaining bacon grease to the Brussels sprouts. Cook until the sprouts are crisp-tender and lightly browned and all of the bacon grease has been absorbed.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika and parsley.
- Stir until the sprouts are evenly coated then add the cooked bacon pieces and shredded Parmesan cheese into the pan.
- Stir, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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