The Best Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed with bacon, pine nuts, carrots, and fresh parsley create a savory, crunchy side perfect for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until the fat is rendered.
- Add the pine nuts and cook until the bacon is crisp and the nuts are golden, about 1 minute.
- Add the Brussels sprouts, carrots, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and browned, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped Italian parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon for a deeper taste. If you want a vegetarian option, replace bacon with olive oil and add some smoked paprika for a similar depth. Pine nuts can be swapped with walnuts or pecans if needed. Ensure Brussels sprouts are of uniform size for even cooking, and don’t skip on the fresh parsley to brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Brussels sprouts as a side dish to complement main courses like roast chicken or pork recipes. They pair beautifully with dishes such as Bride'S Dinner(Pork Chops) or even alongside a hearty Chili Burger Balls for a balanced meal. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also briefly microwave them, but be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Brussels Sprouts contains roughly 312 calories, with 11g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (230% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2233mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and other ingredients ahead of time. Simply cook everything as directed, allow to cool, and store in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat in a skillet for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you want a vegetarian dish, you can replace bacon with olive oil for sautéing. Alternatively, tempeh or vegan bacon can provide a similar savory flavor. Adding a splash of liquid smoke can also help mimic the smoky taste of bacon.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
Brussels sprouts are done when they are tender and have a nice golden-brown color on the outside. You can check by piercing one with a fork; it should go through with little resistance. Aim for about 10 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).