Skillet-Braised Brussels Sprouts with a flavorful twist

Looking for a new way to enjoy Brussels sprouts? Try these braised Brussels sprouts, cooked in rich bacon fat and finished with a tangy balsamic glaze — they’re far from ordinary.

Make sure to keep this recipe handy — your family will love it and ask for it again and again.

How to Prepare Braised Brussels Sprouts

Below you'll find detailed, step-by-step instructions for braising Brussels sprouts in a skillet. Here's a quick preview of what to expect from this recipe:

Cook the Bacon

In a cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon to your preferred level of crispiness. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and keep the bacon fat in the skillet.

Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Sauté the Brussels sprouts and garlic in the bacon fat until they’re nicely browned and fragrant.

Braise the Brussels Sprouts

Pour the chicken stock into the skillet and simmer until the liquid evaporates and the Brussels sprouts are cooked to your liking. Remove from heat and stir in the bacon, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and butter.

How Long Should You Braise Brussels Sprouts?

For this recipe, you first sauté the Brussels sprouts and then braise them for about 10 minutes. You can adjust the braising time to achieve your preferred level of tenderness.

What to Pair with Braised Brussels Sprouts

Braised Brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of meals. They’re an excellent match for steak, chicken, or any other type of protein. If you’re looking for some meal ideas, consider these options:

Chef John's Top Steak Recipes
21 Mouthwatering Chicken Breast Dishes
22 Tasty Pork Meals, Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

Alternatively, dive into our full collection of main course recipes for even more inspiration.

Dinogo Community Feedback and Praise

"These are amazing! I tasted them before adding the butter and balsamic vinegar, and they were still incredible. I used a large clove of elephant garlic, chopped into larger pieces, and it was the most delicious garlic I’ve ever tasted," shares Misty. "The Brussels sprouts were not bitter at all. As someone who grew up disliking all vegetables, trust me when I say you HAVE to try these — they’re absolutely delicious!"

"This might just be my favorite way to prepare Brussels sprouts. Fantastic recipe! I added some grated Parmesan before serving, and it was the perfect finishing touch to an already delicious dish," shares Rick.

"I absolutely love this recipe!!! I’m always on the lookout for new vegetable side dishes, and this one exceeded all my expectations," says Godie. "The instructions were easy to follow, and the results were delicious!! My guests were really impressed! I’ll definitely be making this again!"

Editorial input by Bailey Fink

Ingredients List

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, sliced into 1/4-inch strips, or more to taste

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise

• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced, or more to taste

• ½ cup chicken stock

• 1 tablespoon butter, or to taste

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or to taste

• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it’s just crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate, saving the bacon grease in the pan.

Place the Brussels sprouts in the skillet with the cut sides facing down. Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté in the bacon grease for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re lightly browned.

Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken stock, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts turn a vibrant green. Remove the lid and continue simmering until the liquid evaporates and the sprouts reach your desired tenderness, another 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the bacon, butter, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until the butter has fully melted and everything is well combined.

Helpful Recipe Tips

Nutrition Information (per serving)