Easy Vegetable Side Dish – Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Honey

Easy brussels sprouts with bacon is the perfect vegetable side dish to add to your dinner party menu ideas. This skillet recipe is simple enough for family supper but special enough for a holiday meal. With the addition of bacon, butter, nutmeg and a honey drizzle, you’ll be begging to eat your veggies! 

Easy dinner side dish

I know what you’re thinking. “Brussels sprouts??!!” Well, don’t hate on these little guys until you’ve given them a real chance and eaten FRESH ones…sauteed in bacon drippings… and a little butter…and topped with bacon and a hint of honey.

Plus, they are very good for you and filled with antioxidants.

This is a simple side dish recipe to add to a family supper or a dinner party with friends. It’s sort of rustic and elegant at the same time.

Brussels sprouts pair well with beef, salmon, pork, and chicken or turkey, so it’s a great vegetable recipe for dinner.

Vegetable Side for Dinner Parties

Serve this vegetable side with confidence. It’s delicious for holiday entertaining or weekend gatherings. 

• Serve these alongside salmon with red pepper coulis for a fancy dinner.
• Make them for bbq brushed plank grilled salmon for a more casual dinner.
• Add these on the side of beef filet with balsamic glaze for an elegant celebration.
• They are easy to prepare and go great with slow cooker turkey breast for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• These can also accompany lamb and goat cheese polenta for an elevated rustic dinner.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

1. Start with clean brussels sprouts. We ususally buy them pre-bagged and ready to use. If you need to rinse them make sure you pat them dry before adding them to a pan of hot oil or they will “spit”.
2. Cut the stem ends off and remove any loose leaves. Slice in half lengthwise.
3. Meanwhile, cook the bacon until crisp. You can do this earlier in the day to save time. Just make sure you save the drippings.
4. Add butter to drippings and let melt over medium heat.
5. Add brussels sprouts to the pan and toss to coat.
6. Cover with a lid for a couple of minutes to help steam brussels sprouts.
7. Remove the lid and continue to cook for about 12 minutes. Stir them often until they’re tender and have a charred crust.
8. Add seasonings and toss to mix.
9. Spoon brussels sprouts into a serving dish, and sprinkle with crushed bacon, chopped nuts, and drizzle with honey to serve.

Add Honey for more flavor

This savory vegetable dish benefits greatly by the addition of sweet honey drizzled on top. The sweet and salty combination takes these brussels sprouts to another level.

• Pour a little drizzle of honey for a hint of sweet to balance the saltiness of the bacon.
• Sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a nutty crunch that compliments this dish.

NOTE: Toast the nuts before using them by heating in the oven at 375 degrees for 5 – 7 minutes. 

Learn more about the benefits of brussels sprouts here. And if you like this recipe PIN, Share, or sign up for our Newsletter at the top of the page. 

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon & Honey Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

An easy skillet side dish recipe that's elegant and rustic. Brussels sprouts combine with bacon and honey for a flavor combination perfect for weeknight supper, dinner parties and holidays.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh Brussels Sprouts
• 5 slices bacon cooked crisp
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1/8 teaspoon EACH salt, pepper, nutmeg
• chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or pistachios)
• honey

Instructions

1. Cut off stem ends, remove any loose leaves, and slice in half lengthwise.
2. Cook bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve drippings.
3. Add butter to drippings and let melt. Add brussels sprouts and toss in pan to coat.
4. Cook over medium heat, and cover with lid for about 2 minutes to help steam Brussels sprouts.
5. Remove lid and continue cooking for about 10-12 minutes, STIRRING OFTEN until tender and lightly charred.
6. Do Not Over Cook. Pierce the vegetables with a fork. They should be tender but firm.
7. Season the brussels sprouts with the salt, pepper, and nutmeg and toss. Spoon into a serving dish, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chopped nuts.
8. Drizzle honey lightly over brussels sprouts.
   

Notes

Toast the chopped pecans or walnuts before adding them. Heat in the oven at 375 degrees for about 5 - 7 minutes.