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Super simple recipes like these pan fried Brussels sprouts with bacon are essential on those busy weeknights where you just don't have the time to make a whole complicated balanced meal, but still want to get some veggies on the table.

These tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised Brussels sprouts with bacon are just incredible. Plus, this brussels sprouts recipe is sooooo easy to make and mostly hands off.
Bacon, onions, garlic, wine....what more can you ask for when cooking vegetables? Even your brussels sprouts haters will like this recipe (as well as these honey balsamic brussels sprouts and roasted sweet and spicy brussels sprouts)
All the ingredients to make these pan-fried brussels sprouts with bacon are easy to find too - this is the perfect quick and easy weeknight side dish, but also an awesome recipe to serve for Thanksgiving dinner, or any other holiday!
Why this pan fried brussels sprouts with bacon recipe works
- Braising the brussels sprouts in a liquid of wine and chicken broth makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- The bacon adds the perfect salty, meaty flavor to the brussels sprouts.
- It's ready in under 30 minutes, and super easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
We keep this fried brussels sprouts recipe as simple as possible, using just fresh brussel sprouts (halved) wine, broth, crisp bacon and some seasoning like salt and pepper, and aromatics.
Variations and substitutions
- Use salt pork instead of bacon, or even chopped up pieces of pork belly or any kind of pork. Ground pork works great as well.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to add some spice to the dish.
- Use duck fat and/or butter in place of the bacon fat.
- Omit the bacon to keep this vegetarian.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ta the end to add a touch of umami.
Step by step instructions to cook brussels sprouts
- Heat the bacon grease in the skillet (stainless steel or cast iron both work) over medium heat and add the onions and garlic. Sauté 1-2 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the garlic just starts to brown.

- Add the Brussels sprouts and crumbled bacon and cook until they are lightly browned on the outside. This browning helps give them that delicious caramelized flavor.

- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is absorbed. Then add the chicken broth and pepper, bring to a simmer, lower the heat and cover. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
Periodically check the Brussels sprouts to make sure they are not burning. If chicken broth absorbs before sprouts are tender, just add more broth.
Remove from heat, add additional salt to taste and serve.

Expert tips
- Make sure the brussels sprouts are browned before adding the wine and broth - the caramelization gives them an amazing flavor!
- Periodically check the pan while the sprouts are braising to make sure they aren't burning. If the liquid cooks off before the brussels sprouts are tender, just add more broth.
- Add salt to taste at the end. The bacon already has salt, so be careful when adding salt.
- Pierce the brussels sprouts with a fork to determine if they are done. If the fork easily pierces them, they are done. The larger the brussels sprouts, the longer they may take to cook.
Serving options
Make it a meal and serve the pan roasted brussels sprouts with some of these favorite recipes:
- They are awesome with this sous vide boneless ribeye or this crispy whole roast duck.
- Try it with this imperial rice or dutch oven whole roast chicken.
- Honestly, they work as a side dish to so many great meat and vegetarian dishes!

Frequently asked questions
It is not necessary to boil brussels sprouts before sauteing them for this recipe. Because we cook them in broth, they become nice and tender during the cooking process.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet.
While you technically can freeze them, they will become mushy when thawed. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or in a skillet.
More popular recipes with vegetables
If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below and let us know your favorite thing about it. We'd also love to connect on Instagram! Follow us at @went_here_8_this for awesome recipes and all sorts of fun food stuff 🙂
Recipe

Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the bacon grease in the skillet over medium heat and add the onions and garlic. Sauté 1-2 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the garlic just starts to brown.
- Add the Brussels sprouts and bacon and cook until they are lightly browned on the outside.
- Add the white wine and cook until the liquid is absorbed.
- Then add the chicken broth and pepper, bring to a simmer, lower the heat and cover. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add salt to taste and serve.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure the brussels sprouts are browned before adding the wine and broth - the caramelization gives them an amazing flavor!
- Periodically check the pan while the sprouts are braising to make sure they aren't burning. If the liquid cooks off before the brussels sprouts are tender, just add more broth.
- Add salt to taste at the end. The bacon already has salt, so be careful when adding salt.
- Pierce the brussels sprouts with a fork to determine if they are done. If the fork easily pierces them, they are done. The larger the brussels sprouts, the longer they may take to cook.
Nutrition

Leanne says
I'm a huge fan of brussel sprouts, but my husband is a bit skeptical. I would definitely be able to change his mind with this recipe. The bacon seals the deal! I'm adding these to the list to make for the upcoming holiday season!
Danielle says
Bacon always seals the deal LOL!
Emmeline says
Oh yummy!! I just started liking brussels sprouts last year (thanks to another food blogger haha) and this year I think your recipe will be the winner. Looking forward to trying it!
Danielle says
Thanks!
Byron Thomas says
I am a big time Brussels sprouts fan! I eat them every which way, but tend to be more inclined to eat them without the bacon. But, that white wine braising idea has me thinking quite differently. Saving this recipe so that I can have a delicious November night dinner side!
Danielle says
The white wine braising is definitely delicious!
Scarlet says
There is just something about bacon that makes brussel sprouts taste even better. Yum!
Danielle says
I totally agree!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
These brussels look absolutely perfect!!!! This is exactly how I like mine.
Danielle says
Thanks so much Jocelyn!
Alisa Infanti says
I love the idea of adding bacon to brussel sprouts and how the bacon fat helps to carmelize the sprouts. Your pics have me drooling!
Danielle says
Thanks Alisa 🙂 I'm a huge fan of bacon!!
Dannii says
I love finding new ways to eat sprouts. These look delicious.
Danielle says
Thanks Danni!
Mahy says
I've just found a great PR recipe that I want to cook, so these sprouts will be an ideal side dish to it. Love how they look - just the way I prefer mine. With a bit of bacon, these will be almost too good for the side 🙂
Danielle says
Thanks Mahy!
Angela says
Bacon and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven! This recipe is perfection!! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Danielle says
I totally agree! Thanks Angela!
Veena Azmanov says
This combination sounds good. Love the caramelized flavor to it. The anion and garlic to it adds more flavor too. Best for my Dinner table.
Danielle says
Thanks Veena!
Sara says
This looks like my kind of dish! I love bacon and Brussels sprouts! I am going to add this to my Thanksgiving menu plan!
Danielle says
Thanks Sara! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Sprouts n bacon go hand in hand, don't they? What a yummy side....though, I could pretty much make a meal out of these alone 😉
Danielle says
Totally! I've def made a meal of them before 🙂
Demeter says
I"m always surprised when people say they don't like brussels sprouts but I'm sure having trying them like this, they'll quickly change their mind! Looks fantastic!
Danielle says
Right? I love brussels sprouts. Plus, if you put bacon on it, it has to be good.
Kelly Anthony says
Adding these brussels sprouts to our dinner rotation. I'm with you I get tired of roasting them all the time and would love to try them in a new way. Thanks for sharing.
Danielle says
Hope you love them Kelly!!
Alexis says
This dish looks absolutely delicious and your photography is gorgeous. I'll be adding this dish to our weekly meal plan.
Danielle says
Thank you so much Alexis!!