Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Beer
Long gone are the days of eating over-boiled Brussels Sprouts that made you cringe as a kid. Adult-you is going to LOVE this Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Beer recipe.
Say Hello to Your New Favorite Side Dish
For me, the words “brussels sprouts” immediately evoke dark childhood memories of stubbornly sitting at the kitchen table… Refusing to eat slimy, off-colored greenish orbs.
Was this your early experience with brussels sprouts as well? Then have no fear, I have got a game-changer for you today, my friend!
I realize this is going to sound awfully cocky, but I’m going to say it anyway.
If you do not like Brussels Sprouts, it’s only because you haven’t eaten MY incredible Brussels Sprouts Recipe.
There it is. I said it.
It’s not that I have some magic power to enhance their flavor. Believe it or not, Brussels sprouts are actually quite tasty and refreshing little veggies when treated with the love they deserve.
Yet, I do have two magical flavor enhancing ingredients that can elevate nearly any dish known to mankind…
BEER and BACON.
That’s right. Grownup you is absolutely going to love these perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts, caramelized with mouthwatering bacon and beer.
Brussels Bacon and Beer – Best Friends Forever
Why do bacon and beer make such a wonderful combination for this Brussels sprouts dish?
The salty essence of thick-cut bacon and sweet hoppy notes from the beer are more than these stubborn little sprouts can handle.
As they bathe in the richness of the bacon and beer, the sprouts grow tender and lose their bitter edge. They evolve into something more than the sum of the components. They become intensely Sprout-astic!
Crispy, savory, and bursting with flavor, these Brussels sprouts with bacon and beer are going to be your new B.F.F.
What You’ll Need to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Beer
Brussels sprouts with bacon alone are something to be relished. Brussels sprouts with bacon and beer can turn even the toughest Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans of this humble little cabbage. Guaranteed.
I mean, really, what isn’t made better by adding bacon and beer?!
Here’s everything you need to make true Brussels Sprouts believers out of your family and friends:
- Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 shallot, peeled and sliced
- 6 ounces of thick-cut bacon – about 6 slices, chopped
- One bottle of your favorite light and crisp beer.
- Crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper
- Large skillet
How to Make The BEST Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Beer
This savory recipe takes about 30 minutes total start to finish, and is a one skillet side dish. So it’s as easy to cook as it is delicious to eat!
Here’s how to make my Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Beer:
1. First, prep the Brussels sprouts, shallots, and bacon: Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut in half lengthwise, thinly slice your shallots, and chop bacon into roughly ½ inch pieces.
2. Next, sauté the bacon in a large, heavy skillet over medium high heat, until bacon is just crispy but not overcooked or burnt.
3. To the skillet add sliced shallots and continue to cook for a few minutes until translucent; then, add the Brussels sprouts.
4. Add the bottle of beer and spices, and bring to a gentle boil on medium-low heat.
5. Continue to stir occasionally until the beer reduces to a glaze, about 12-15 minutes.
Serve as a hearty side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or at any meal worth celebrating!
Get The Full Brussels Sprouts Recipe Below
Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQ
What is the best beer to use with brussels and bacon?
I used an I.P.A. (India Pale Ale) to make this recipe, as I think the bright hops add a great flavor profile to the Brussels sprouts and bacon. You can use whatever beer you prefer, like a stout or pilsner; however, I wouldn’t recommend anything that would be too overpowering, like porters or flavored beer.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
To keep the Brussels sprouts optimally fresh, I would not prepare in advance.
Does this dish freeze well?
No, I do not recommend freezing. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days and reheat in the oven, but unfortunately the Brussels sprouts will not be quite as perfectly delicious as when you first serve them.
Is it possible to make this a vegetarian Brussels Sprouts and Beer side dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute 1/4 cup of your preferred cooking oil for the bacon. Or you can add some sort of tofu-bacon substitute.
Can this recipe be made non-alcoholic without beer?
Yes! You can use alcohol-free and/or gluten free beer. You can also substutute 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth for the beer. The dish is is then paleo, gluten free, and keto-friendly!
More Delicious Side Dishes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Gratin
- The Best Sauteed Mushrooms Recipe
- Garlic Butter Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Beer Mac and Cheese Recipe
- 7 Ingredient Company Potatoes
- HomeGrown’s Collard Greens
- Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Almonds – from Love and Olive Oil
- Roasted Broccoli with Soy and Sesame – from Kalyn’s Kitchen
- Rosemary Roasted Beets – from Guilty Kitchen
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Beer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
- 6 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 shallot, peeled and sliced
- 12 ounce bottle beer, something light and crisp
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Pinch crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Trim the ends of each Brussels sprout, removing excess leaves. Cut the sprouts in half, leaving the smallest sprouts whole.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and saute until crisp.
- Add the sliced shallot. Saute another 2-3 minutes to soften. Then add the Brussels sprouts. Stir and sear the sides of the sprouts for 4-5 minutes.
- Pour the bottle of beer into the skillet. Add the salt and both peppers. Bring to a simmer and lower the heat a little. Stir and simmer until the beer has reduced to a glaze and the sprouts are cooked through—12-15 minutes.
oh, my, here’s hoping this will be the recipe to win my Hubby back to eating Brussels sprouts! thx, Spicy!
I used to despise brussel sprouts… and then I sautéed them in butter …. and I added the bacon. TOTAL brussel sprout 360!! This is a fabulous recipe
I believe that the Brussels sprouts waiting in my fridge must be used for this recipe! It looks incredible!
I just tried Brussels sprouts for the first time this weekend, and they were way better than I thought they would be – even got hubby to agree I could make them again! Add bacon and beer? YES Please!
I love Brussels sprouts anyway but with bacon and beer? Yes, please!
I love Brussels Sprouts already so you don’t have to convince me. These look fantastic though and I will be sure to try it out next time. The bacon will be an added bonus for my husband.
Looks delicious! I’ve made sprouts before with bacon. But never beer! I’m going to have to add some the next time.
These look stupid good! I used to be that guy who hated brussel sprouts until my wife made them for me with bacon. Now I’m a believer. Seriously, what’s not to love? Next time we make them we’re adding the beer. Thanks Sommer!
These look so appetizing! Bacon, Beer, Brussels’ Sprout…3B delicious!
Look forward to making these for a friend who loves beer..she needs to learn to like brussels too! Thx sounds awesome!
Are you kidding me Sommer?? Bacon and Beer?? My heart just went pitter patter! Love this!!
Those are the most gorgeous Brussels sprouts I’ve ever seen and if they look that good then they must taste good too!
For a girl who already loves Brussels Sprouts, this looks like heaven. Thank you for the tempting post. After a very stressful day, I’m finally sitting down to tea, and it is so relaxing to see these deliciously treated sprouts and read your words. I hope you are having a blessed start to your new year. Much love from Austin!
Who could resist brussels sprouts with beer and bacon!
Dear Sommer, This looks simply irresistible :) And absolutely love the addition of bacon!
HUGS <3
For real??? You added beer???? I. LOVE. YOU!
Great side to any meal!
They look gorgeous, but still don’t think my husband would like them.
:)
V