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.
Nutrition
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I made this recipe with some pork chops and they were the best brussel sprouts I have ever had. I used a more fruity IPA and it tasted delicious. I will make this again!
I LOVE your recipes, they are such an inspiration for me. keep up the great work :)
Love this! I made it with a Guinness stout beer because that’s what I had in the fridge.. YUMMY!!
Loved it
I made this for my GF and she loved it. I saw the IPA in your photos so I also brewed it with an IPA. The recipe was fantastic and I will make it again, but I think it’s best to use a less bitter beer. I could taste the bitterness from the hops concentrated in this recipe as the ipa cooked down. I have a doppel bock in my fridge for the next batch. Thanks for posting this great recipe.
OMG !!! I made these for a holiday dinner potluck this afternoon and am standing in the kitchen picking away at them they are so good!!!!!! (by the way its 9 am )
Those pictures are ridiculous! Spot on!
I’m gonna make this tonight… stay tuned
I bought 2 lbs. of baby brussels sprouts the other day and I made your recipe this evening. Mind you, I have made and eaten brussels sprouts with beer and bacon before and it was incredibly delicious. However, when I made it 15 – 20 years ago there was (to my knowledge) no IPA beer. The recipe that I made called for a stout. Comparing the two, I’ll have to say (sorry) that the stout was much better than the IPA. I will say that my husband loved the sprouts that I made this evening, so maybe it’s just a matter of beer taste. Thank you so much for the recipe.
I adore brussel sprouts and don’t understand people who don’t. They must’ve had bad brussel sprouts as a kid or as an adult. My mom was one of those folks who over boiled them to death. I couldn’t stand them as a child BUT then I found Ina Garten’s Roasted Brussel Sprouts in her first Barefoot Contessa book and fell in love. So easy and so yummy. These look really good too. For months my son said he hated them (he hadn’t even tried them) but the last time I made them I insisted that he try them and that was it – he said that “it was like eating candy” and he had his whole serving.
I am going to try this recipe. Thanks a lot.
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I’m in love!
These look marvelous! We love brussel sprouts and I have enjoyed them with bacon but never tried them with beer but it sounds delish! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
Brussels sprouts are my new most loved vegetable. This is going to be the next recipe I use when I get some more sprouts, how can you miss with bacon and beer. One question though: Do you drain the grease from the bacon or do you leave a little for coating and flavor?
I absolutely LOVE braised Brussel Sprouts with bacon. I have never had it with beer before but this recipe is making me a believer. Bookmarked!
I love brussels sprouts and this looks like the most perfect recipe to convert my husband to liking them too!! Your photos look so mouthwatering!
I love brussel sprouts but yours sound out of this world. I can’t wait to try.
HA! I hear ya, my friend! If you say you don’t like Brussels sprouts, I just think you haven’t had them prepared correctly (most likely boiled or steamed… gross!)
This, however, should turn the skeptical into converts!
I finally got my husband to eat brussels sprouts after roasting them with olive oil and salt. What a fight it was to get him to try them, and then he loved them. I have always believed that if you don’t like something, you probably just haven’t had it prepared the right way for you. I can’t wait to try this…with beer and bacon, I know it won’t take any convincing this time!
That is a great combination. My husband might even try a brussel sprout made with beer! Come visit. Tomorrow we are making roasted vegetables with grape seed oil. Delicious.
All my favorites! Perfect combo’s! Yum! Love beer recipes, and this is a keeper!
I love B Sprouts with bacon but I have not tried them with beer. Love the idea!
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
Beautiful! I am a lover of Brussels sprouts. We are a dying breed for sure! These look delish and I absolutely love the bowls!
I’m guessing bacon and beer could convert even the most adamant Brussels sprouts hater. I also discovered that I really enjoy them when they are shredded and then sauteed. Lovely photos, Sommer!
Sounds great, such a perfect way to prepare brussels!
What a recipe title!! I don’t care what you’re putting bacon and beer on, I’m in!
These look like the most perfect Brussels sprouts ever!
Beer Brussels sprouts? I’m sold. I think I could actually get my hubs to eat them this way!
these look too good to be true. love!
I’ve only just begun my love affair with brussel sprouts! This dish just extends the honeymoon!
This looks SOOOOOOOOOOOO good! We love sprouts….wonder what I could sub for the bacon since we are vegetarians?
You got me at bacon. :) I also love brussels sprouts. Maybe this recipe will win over my husband.
super clever and looks terrific
oh
my
goodness
I already love them, so this has me dizzy.
I so wish the rest of my family loved brussels sprouts as much as I do. I bet I could convert them over with this recipe!
I’ve found as long as the brussels sprouts don’t come into contact with water, people tend to love them. They have always been one of my favorite vegetables. I’ve never had them with beer so I will be giving this a try soon.
I love sprouts but very rarely cook them since I’m the only one here who enjoys them. However, I might be able to persuade my hubby to try these! What’s not to like about beer and bacon, huh?
My mom made the absolute, most amazing brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and bacon for Christmas … and my husband would not even touch them. He’s a party pooper sometimes. Just doesn’t understand that maybe you didn’t like something because it wasn’t cooked the right way when you were a kid!
Bacon can make anything green taste a million times better! I’m a believer!!
I like Brussels as it is, but I do love the idea of this recipe!
I’ve always had a soft spot for Brussels sprouts, but I’ve yet to find a recipe that can convince my cabbage-hating BF to give them a try, so I only get to indulge if we’re eating out or if I’m cooking just for myself… that said, if bacon AND beer doesn’t win him over, then I’m pretty sure nothing will. Wish me luck! :)
I absolutely love brussels sprouts and I’ve just fainted looking at these.
Bacon, beer AND Brussels sprouts? That’s a match made in heaven.
I agree! I said to someone once: “you don’t like them because you’re making them wrong” I don’t think they appreciated that comment, but it’s the truth!
Wow this looks and sounds amazing!! I love everything about this recipe! :)
Oh yes! I am all over these since I recently discovered the joy that is brussels sprouts.
I’ve only recently found out how to make Brussel sprouts in a way that I can enjoy them in, but this looks quite fabulous, too. Goes very well with my German sensitivities ;) Great looking recipe and lovely pictures!
You just may have convinced me to try brussel sprouts again!
I need sprouts. I love them in any way, shape or form; even overcooked. But, I have to make them when Hubby’s not home because just the smell makes him sick. I’d never get him close enough to the table to try one that’s simmered in beer with bacon draping it like a pin-up model (those photos are seriously amazing).
Usually, I’d say that it’s a sad thing and I’m trying to change him, but when looking at a recipe like this I know it just means I get to eat the whole batch.
I literally cannot wait to make these. I have a half of a bag of sprouts sitting in my fridge as we speak, that have no idea what they’re in for.
With bacon, how could it be anything but good?!
I recently discovered liking brussels sprouts. I roast mine in the oven. Bacon and onion sound like the perfect addition. Can’t do beer, unfortunately.
Love the vibrant colors of the pictures!
We love brussels sprouts with caramelized onions and bacon. But beer? Woah. I have to try this!
Sommer, these look wonderful!!! I adore Brussels sprouts!
I believe it! What time should I be over so you can convince me? =)
I’ve been trying to get hubs to like brussel sprouts for years. YEARS! This just might – finally! – be the recipe to win him over!
2012 is the year of the sprout, and it’s about time. They are so good. I’ve made them with bacon, but never with beer. Maybe my husband will eat them if I do this. Delicious.
Bacon and beer? Well of course they are good.