If you've been looking for a delicious way to serve your Brussels sprouts, then may we suggest these tasty braised Brussels sprouts? The Brussels sprouts are cooked in bacon fat, then braised and topped with a balsamic glaze (so they're anything but boring).
Be sure to save this recipe — your family will ask you to make it again and again.
How to Braise Brussels Sprouts
You'll find the full step-by-step instructions on how to braise Brussels sprouts in the skillet below. But here's a brief overview of what you can expect from this recipe:
Cook the Bacon
In a cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon to your desired crispiness. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and save the bacon grease in the skillet.
Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Sauté the Brussels sprouts and garlic in the bacon grease until browned.
Braise the Brussels Sprouts
Add the chicken stock to the skillet and simmer until the liquid has evaporated and the Brussels sprouts reach your desired tenderness. Remove from heat and add bacon, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and butter.
How Long Do You Braise Brussel Sprouts?
In this recipe, you sauté the Brussel sprouts first and then braise them for 10 minutes. You can braise for more or less time until they reach your desired softness, if you prefer.
What to Serve with Braised Brussels Sprouts
Braised brussels sprouts make a great side dish for so many meals. You can never go wrong serving them with steak, chicken, or any other protein. If you need some inspiration, we suggest trying one of these recipes:
Chef John's Best Steak Recipes
21 Seriously Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes
22 Delicious Pork Dinners, Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Or, explore our entire collection of main dish recipes.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"These are soooo good! I tasted them before putting the butter & balsamic vinegar in & they were super good like that too. I used a giant clove of elephant garlic & diced it into slightly bigger pieces & it was the most delicious garlic I've ever had," raves Misty. "The brussels sprouts didn't come out bitter at all. From someone who grew up hating all vegetables, believe me when I say you HAVE to try these, they're delicious!"
"This might be my favorite way to do Brussels Sprouts. Excellent recipe! I added grated Parmesan once served which turned out to be the perfect addition to an already great dish," says Rick.
"I love this recipe!!! I'm always looking for new vegetable side dishes, and this one exceeded my expectations," according to Godie. "The recipe was easy to follow and the outcome was delicious!! My company was very impressed! I will definitely make these again!"
Editorial contributions by Bailey Fink
Ingredients
-
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
Directions
-
Cook bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until just crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving bacon grease in the skillet.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
-
Place Brussels sprouts in the skillet with the cut-sides down. Increase heat to medium-high and saute in the bacon grease until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
-
Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
-
Pour in chicken stock and cover skillet with a lid; simmer until Brussels sprouts are bright green, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the lid and continue simmering, until liquid is evaporated and sprouts are at desired tenderness, 3 to 5 more minutes.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
-
Remove skillet from the heat. Add bacon, butter, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper; stir until butter is melted.
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Recipe Tips
Use a skillet large enough to cook Brussels sprouts in a single layer. This will enable them to brown more evenly.
If you like your sprouts softer, add a little more stock and braise them for longer.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
207 | Calories |
16g | Fat |
11g | Carbs |
7g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
Calories 207 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 16g | 20% |
Saturated Fat 6g | 31% |
Cholesterol 27mg | 9% |
Sodium 369mg | 16% |
Total Carbohydrate 11g | 4% |
Dietary Fiber 4g | 15% |
Protein 7g | 15% |
Vitamin C 97mg | 107% |
Calcium 54mg | 4% |
Iron 2mg | 10% |
Potassium 508mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.