Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Transform your weeknight meals with this incredibly fast, flavor-packed side dish! Shaved Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon offers a delightful smoky taste and satisfying texture, making it a perfect Whole30-friendly, paleo, and gluten-free addition to any plate. Get ready for a vegetable side that truly excites!

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
• Key Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor
• How to Master Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
• Perfect Pairings: What Can I Serve with This Dish?
• Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Your New Go-To Side Dish

Are you searching for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly quick vegetable side dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore? Look no further! This recipe for shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon is an absolute game-changer. It’s not just a side; it’s a culinary experience that combines smoky, savory bacon with tender, slightly sweet Brussels sprouts, all coming together in less than 30 minutes. Imagine the convenience: you can easily whip up this flavorful accompaniment while your main course, be it a succulent roast in the oven or a hearty stew in the Instant Pot, cooks to perfection.

The magic truly lies in the combination of textures and flavors. Crispy, salty bacon bits intermingle with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts that achieve a perfect tender-crisp bite. The bacon fat renders down, infusing the sprouts with an unparalleled depth of smoky flavor, making them anything but boring. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to incorporate more nutrient-dense vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste or time. It’s also naturally Whole30-friendly, paleo, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Prepare to be amazed – this isn’t your grandma’s boiled sprouts!

Key Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor

Creating an exceptional side dish starts with quality ingredients. This recipe uses simple components that, when combined, produce a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is crucial:

• Brussels Sprouts: The star of our show! Fresh Brussels sprouts are essential for their slightly bitter, nutty flavor and delightful crunch. When shaved thinly, they cook rapidly and absorb the rich flavors around them beautifully. If you’re looking to experiment, thinly sliced white cabbage, Savoy cabbage, or even kale leaves can make excellent substitutes, offering a similar texture and a different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile. Always choose firm, bright green sprouts for the best results.
• Bacon Slices, cut into ¼-inch pieces: Bacon isn’t just for breakfast! Its smoky, salty, and savory notes are the foundation of this dish’s incredible flavor. Cutting the bacon into small pieces ensures that every bite gets a burst of crispy, irresistible goodness. Opt for a high-quality, uncured bacon for the best flavor and to ensure Whole30 compliance, if that’s your goal. The rendered bacon fat is also crucial as it’s what we’ll use to sauté the other vegetables, adding an amazing depth of flavor that oil simply can’t replicate.
• Shallot: Often overlooked, shallots are milder and sweeter than onions, providing a delicate aromatic base without overpowering the other ingredients. When thinly sliced and sautéed in bacon grease, they caramelize beautifully, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. If shallots aren’t available, half of a thinly sliced red, white, or yellow onion will work as a convenient substitute, though the flavor will be slightly more pungent.
• Magic Mushroom Powder: This is truly the secret weapon that elevates this simple vegetable side dish to gourmet status! Our Magic Mushroom Powder is a homemade umami bomb, packed with savory notes that enhance and deepen all the other flavors. It’s a blend of dried mushrooms, salt, and other seasonings that adds an incredible depth you won’t get from plain salt. While you can substitute Diamond Crystal kosher salt (using about 1½ teaspoons), we highly recommend trying the Magic Mushroom Powder for that extra special, irresistible taste. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
• Apple Cider Vinegar or Sherry Vinegar: A splash of acid is vital for balancing the flavors. Brussels sprouts naturally have a slight bitterness, and a touch of vinegar cuts through this, brightens the overall profile, and adds a refreshing tang. It rounds out the richness from the bacon and the earthy notes of the sprouts, creating a perfectly harmonious dish. Either apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar works wonderfully, offering slightly different nuances.
• Minced Italian Parsley and/or Chives: Fresh herbs are the perfect finishing touch. They add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the rich, smoky flavors. Parsley offers a clean, slightly peppery note, while chives provide a delicate oniony flavor. Using one or both adds a professional touch and enhances the overall sensory experience of the dish.

How to Master Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this incredibly flavorful side dish is remarkably straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly tender-crisp Brussels sprouts imbued with the irresistible essence of crispy bacon. Remember, the key to success lies in a few simple techniques that maximize flavor and texture.

1. Crisping the Bacon to Perfection:

   Begin by tossing your ¼-inch cut bacon pieces into a cold 12-inch skillet. This might seem counterintuitive, but starting with a cold pan allows the bacon fat to render slowly and evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon bits without burning them. Gradually crank the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, to ensure all sides get evenly browned and crisp. This process typically takes about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and delightfully crunchy. Resist the urge to crank the heat too high, as this can lead to burnt bacon and a less flavorful dish.

   
   

2. Preparing the Brussels Sprouts:

   While your bacon is busy crisping up in the pan, it’s the perfect time to prepare your Brussels sprouts. The “shaved” aspect of this dish is what makes it cook so quickly and evenly. The easiest method is to use the slicing blade of a food processor; it will shred them uniformly in seconds. If you don’t have a food processor, no problem at all! A sharp chef’s knife will do the trick just as well. Simply trim the stem ends and thinly slice the sprouts crosswise, aiming for consistent, delicate ribbons. This thinness ensures they cook through rapidly and absorb maximum flavor.

   
   

3. Reserving the Crispy Bacon:

   Once your bacon bits have reached that perfect state of crispiness, it’s time to remove them from the pan. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the crispy bacon to a platter lined with paper towels. This allows any excess grease to drain off, keeping the bacon delightfully crisp. It’s important to reserve these bacon bits aside; they’ll be added back at the very end to maintain their crunch and maximize their smoky flavor in the final dish. Leave the rendered bacon grease in the skillet – it’s precious for the next step!

   
   

4. Sautéing the Shallots:

   With the skillet still hot and rich with bacon grease, it’s time to add the thinly sliced shallots. Dump them directly into the pan. Sauté the shallots, stirring frequently, until they become soft, translucent, and beautifully browned. This caramelization process typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The shallots will absorb the incredible bacon flavor, creating an aromatic base that will infuse the Brussels sprouts with extra depth and a hint of sweetness.

   
   

   
   

5. Cooking the Shaved Brussels Sprouts:

   Now, it’s time for the star vegetable! Add the freshly shaved Brussels sprouts to the pan with the sautéed shallots and bacon grease. Season them generously with 1½ teaspoons of your chosen seasoning. If you’re using the miraculous Magic Mushroom Powder, you’ll infuse the dish with a profound umami flavor. Alternatively, use Diamond Crystal kosher salt (if using Morton’s kosher salt or a fine-grain salt, reduce to ¾ teaspoons to avoid over-salting). Stir-fry the sprouts frequently over medium heat until they become tender-crisp, bright green, and slightly caramelized. This usually takes around 5 minutes, thanks to their thin shaving. You want them cooked through but still retaining a pleasant bite – avoid overcooking them into mush!

   
   

   
   

   
   

6. Finishing with Vinegar and Fresh Herbs:

   Once the Brussels sprouts are tender to your liking, turn off the heat. This is important to prevent the vinegar from becoming too harsh or evaporating completely. Add the 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar to the pan and stir it in thoroughly. The vinegar will deglaze the pan slightly, picking up all those flavorful browned bits, and its acidity will brighten the entire dish. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning. You might want a little more Magic Mushroom Powder for extra umami, more salt, a grind of black pepper, or an additional splash of vinegar to perfectly balance the flavors to your preference.

   
   

7. The Final Touch:

   Finally, sprinkle on the minced Italian parsley and/or chives, along with your reserved crispy bacon bits. The fresh herbs add a burst of color and a final layer of freshness, while the bacon bits provide a delightful textural contrast and an extra punch of smoky flavor that will make every mouthful memorable. Serve this exquisite side dish immediately with your favorite main course and savor every bite!

   
   

   
   

Perfect Pairings: What Can I Serve with This Dish?

The beauty of Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon lies in its incredible versatility. Its rich, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor profile makes it a superb companion to a vast array of main courses, from simple weeknight meals to more elaborate Sunday dinners. Here are some fantastic main dishes that harmoniously complement this vibrant side:

• Poultry Perfection:

  • Air Fryer Cracklin’ Chicken: The crispy skin and juicy meat of this chicken create a wonderful textural contrast with the tender sprouts and bacon.
  • Orange Dijon Chicken: The bright, zesty notes of orange and the piquant kick of Dijon mustard in this chicken dish provide a delightful counterpoint to the savory Brussels sprouts.
  • Spatchcocked Chicken with Herb Butter: A whole roasted chicken, especially one infused with aromatic herb butter (use ghee for Whole30 compliance), offers a hearty and satisfying main that pairs beautifully with the light yet flavorful sprouts.
  • Umami Roast Chicken: Echoing the umami notes from our Magic Mushroom Powder, this roast chicken creates a deeply satisfying and cohesive meal.
  • Weeknight Roast Chicken: For a simple yet flavorful meal, a classic roast chicken is an ideal partner, making your weeknight dinner feel special with minimal fuss.

• Hearty Beef Dishes:

  • Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Beef Stew: The rich, slow-cooked flavors of a beef stew find a refreshing balance with the quick-cooked, tangy Brussels sprouts.
  • Instant Pot Yankee Pot Roast: A tender, flavorful pot roast provides a comforting foundation for this zesty green side.

• Quick & Easy Options for Busy Nights:

  Sometimes, you just need something fast and satisfying. This side dish is so versatile that it elevates even the simplest mains:

  • Rotisserie Chicken: Pick up a cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, chop it up, and serve alongside your fresh Brussels sprouts for an instant, wholesome meal.
  • Fried Eggs: For a delightful brunch or a lightning-fast dinner, fry up some eggs and serve them with a generous portion of the Brussels sprouts. The runny yolk mingling with the crispy bacon and tender sprouts is heavenly!
  • Whole30-Compliant Sausages or Hot Dogs: Grill or pan-fry your favorite compliant sausages or hot dogs for a quick protein fix that pairs perfectly with this flavorful vegetable.

No matter what you choose, Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon adds a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly tasty dimension to your meal!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

One of the many benefits of this delicious Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon dish is how well it stores and reheats, making it excellent for meal prep or enjoying a second (or third!) helping. Proper storage ensures your leftovers remain fresh and tasty, ready to be enjoyed again.

How to Store:

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Brussels sprouts and bacon into a sealed airtight container. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. When freezing, ensure the container is freezer-safe and leaves minimal air space to prevent freezer burn.

How to Reheat:

The best way to reheat these Brussels sprouts is in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps to re-crisp the bacon and warm the sprouts evenly without making them soggy. Stir occasionally until the Brussels sprouts are thoroughly warmed through and the bacon pieces are once again crispy. Avoid using a microwave if you want to preserve the texture; it tends to make the bacon soft and the sprouts less appealing.

Transforming Leftovers into a Hearty Breakfast:

Here’s a fantastic tip for transforming your leftovers into an entirely new, incredibly satisfying meal! When reheating the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a skillet, push them to the sides of the pan to create a “nest” in the center. Crack an egg or two into the nest and cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still wonderfully runny. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. This combination creates an amazing and hearty breakfast or brunch dish, perfect for starting your day with flavor and nutrients!