Bacon, garlic and Parmesan wrap tender crisp Brussels sprouts in layers of flavor in this Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe.
Most people seem to either love Brussels sprouts or hate them entirely. There is not usually any in between. I am lucky because I fall in the first category. I never had them forced on me as a kid, never had to eat boiled, bland, boring Brussels sprouts that ruined them for me forever. Unfortunately, many people grew up in that world and they don’t know that if cooked properly, Brussels sprouts are delicious!
This recipe for Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon uses bacon grease to as a base flavor and builds from there. The addition of garlic, paprika and Parmesan just makes them even better. As a bonus, these are a perfect Keto-friendly side dish!
Did you know that Brussels Sprouts are 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.
Brussels sprouts are one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids and they may also come with added health benefits, including the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation and improve blood sugar control.
They are very underrated, mostly because they have a bad reputation for not tasting good. This recipe is one of many that proves they can be delicious!
How to Make Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delicious and Keto friendly way to serve Brussels sprouts. With bacon grease to as a base flavor, and the addition of garlic, paprika and Parmesan, Brussels sprouts just got even better!
This recipe uses bacon and bacon grease to infuse flavor into the Brussels sprouts. Cut the bacon slices into about 1 inch pieces and heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stove top.
Add the bacon to the skillet and cook until browned and crispy, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
Remove the bacon from the pan to a paper towel and set aside. Carefully drain half of the bacon grease into a small bowl or measuring cup.
You will need to save it as you will slowly incorporate it back into the Brussels sprouts as you cook them!
Return the pan to the heat and add the Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the sprouts are crisp-tender and lightly browned.
Add the remaining bacon grease to the sprouts as you cook until it has all 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 bacon pieces back into the pan and stir until evenly distributed.
Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir to incorporate. It will melt from the heat of the Brussels sprouts and the heat of the pan.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Other Side Dish Recipes You May Enjoy
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
- 1/2 pound bacon about 8 slices
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts cleaned, trimmed and cut in half (or quartered if large)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cut the bacon slices into about 1 inch pieces and set aside.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until browned and crispy, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the pan to a paper towel and set aside. Carefully drain half of the bacon grease into a small bowl or measuring cup. Return the remaining bacon grease and pan to the heat.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the sprouts are crisp-tender and lightly browned. Add the remaining bacon grease to the sprouts as you cook until it has all been absorbed.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt & pepper, paprika and parsley and stir until the sprouts are evenly coated.
- Add the bacon pieces back into the pan and stir until evenly distributed.
- Add the shredded Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir to incorporate.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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