Savory Brussels Sprouts for the Pickiest Eaters

Years ago, my husband would scrunch up his nose at brussels sprouts and refuse to go anywhere near them. That is, until I created this recipe.  Now days, it ranks as one of his top favorite side dishes. 

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With bacon, garlic, onion and butter this savory side dish is bursting with flavor and texture.  Even your pickiest eaters will be delighted.  With just a few minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time this dish comes together very quickly. It’s the perfect side dish for those busy weeknight meals.

*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assure, I only recommend products I have personally used and genuinely love, so you’re in good hands.

For this recipe you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound of fresh brussels sprouts

4 slices of thick cut bacon (cut in half)

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

1-2 cloves of minced garlic

1/2 medium sliced onion

1/2 tsp salt (add to taste)

Pinch of pepper (add to taste)

Of course, my favorite way to make this recipe is in my grandma’s iron skillet.  If you don’t have your grandma’s iron skillet no worries, any skillet will work just fine. 

1. First, warm your pan over medium-high heat.  Add 4 slices of thick cut bacon and cook until crispy. I like to cut my pieces in half, so they fit into the pan better.  Once the bacon is fully cooked removed from pan and set aside.  Pat excess grease on bacon with a paper towel.  Turn heat off and let pan cool down. While the pan is cooling, prep the remainder of your ingredients.
2. Wash brussels sprouts thoroughly and trim ends.  Cut in half. Slice half a medium sized onion.  Then, mince garlic.  My family loves garlic dishes so I use 2 cloves of garlic.  You can get a very nice flavor from just one clove if that better suits your taste.
3. By the time you have completed prepping the reminder of the ingredients, the pan should be cool down enough to handle.  Careful though, it will still be hot. Drain most of the bacon grease from pan and return to burner on medium heat. Don’t wash the pan. You want all the bacon dripping still in the bottom of the pan for flavor.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt.  While butter is melting scrap the bacon dripping from bottom of the pan. 
5. Add minced garlic and sliced onion.  Sauté until caramelized, about 2 minutes.
6. Push onions and garlic to side. Next, add brussels sprouts to bottom of pan. Then spoon onions and garlic on top of brussels sprouts. 
7. Cover with lid and cook on medium heat-high for 3 minutes. 
8. Remove lid. 
9. Add salt and pepper. 
10. Stir and cook 5-7 more minutes uncovered.  Brussels sprouts will be a bright green.  They will be cooked but not too soft or mushy. 
11. Remove from heat. 
12. Crush up crispy bacon into bits and sprinkle on top of dish just before serving. 

You’ve been warned, if you make these brussels sprouts, your family and friends will be asking you for more.  The good news, they are a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with a variety of flavors.  We enjoy eating with grilled chicken or pork but my very favorite dish is paired with my husband’s grilled steak and a fluffy baked potato.  

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*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assure, I only recommend products I have personally used and genuinely love, so you’re in good hands.

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