INGREDIENTS
For the brussels sprouts:
- 14 ounces brussels sprouts thinly sliced
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- sprinkle of salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Everything else:
- 7 bacon strips chopped into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- parmesan cheese shredded
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prep the brussels sprouts: Add brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl and microwave until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until the butter melts. Add olive oil and mix well. Set aside this mixture while you perform the next step, so that the brussels sprouts marinate in the goodness you just mixed in. If you have the time, you can let the brussels sprouts marinate up to 1 hour but it’s not necessary.
- Cook the bacon: Place bacon in a large high-sided pan over medium heat. Cook until the bacon starts to crisp, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook everything together: Add brussels sprouts to the pan and let them cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cranberries and let them get acquainted with the delicious bacon grease for 2 minutes, stirring regularly. Turn off the heat and transfer everything to a colander to drain. Serve immediately with parmesan cheese.
NUTRITION
| Nutrition Facts Per Serving |
| Calories 300 | |
| Total Fat 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium 230mg | 9% |
| Potassium 0mg | 0% |
| Total Carb 19.5g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.5g | 18% |
| Sugars 11.5g | |
| Protein 6g |
These holiday brussels sprouts are pan-fried with crispy bacon and dried cranberries to make a heavenly meal. This is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for fall-themed holidays such as Thanksgiving as well as Christmas. If you have a brussels sprouts lover (or hater, if you want to convert them) in the family, you must make them try this! If you have a pressure cooker, you can try these Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts.
I mean, who knew that brussels sprouts could taste anything remotely savory? Certainly not me. Two years ago, I made a brussels sprouts dish for the first time, and my mom was in town visiting me. It was brussels sprouts with pasta, and it tasted HORRIBLE. Absolutely terrible. It basically tasted like brussels sprouts, which is not what you want. My mom and I were horrified and threw out half the dish. As moms do, she still brings this up occasionally, to my chagrin.
Anyway, this recipe actually makes brussels sprouts taste yummy, by masking their innate flavor and replacing it with bacon flavor. Everything tastes better with bacon grease, right? This dish works great as a side dish that nobody will be able to resist at a party or a potluck. For the serving information in the recipe, I list this as 4 servings if you serve it as a side dish.
Not only is this dish so delicious and perfect for holidays, but it is also a super easy one-pan recipe. I love my one pan, one pot, one you-name-it dishes! Easy cleanup, too. I’ve perfected this dish over the past year, and it’s my go-to dish during the holidays and takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s also only got THREE key ingredients (brussels sprouts, bacon, cranberries) and everything else is stuff you probably already have on hand. Enjoy!
Can you use turkey bacon as my son can’t eat pork or beef?
That should be fine. Just pay attention when you’re cooking them; you want them to be nice and crisp! Cooking time may vary since it’s turkey bacon.
Hi! I’m looking for a dish to take to a Christmas gathering. This looks ideal. Do you use fresh or frozen brussel sprouts? Can frozen or packaged be used?
Hi Michele! I use fresh brussels sprouts, and they can be either packaged or on-stalk.
Hello,
When you drain it doesn’t it lose the dressing and all the goodies you marinated it in?
Thank you
Milli
I recommend draining so that there isn’t too much liquid remaining. Some of the marinade is absorbed or cooked into the brussels sprouts by then. If you think you might enjoy it better without draining, it’s perfectly fine to skip that step.
The pecans (roasted) add just that “yummy woodsy taste”
Looks great on any Holiday table
Thanks Julia
I also added pecans which really gave it kick!
Ooh pecans are a fantastic idea. Glad you liked it, Pam!
This is SO GOOD. I make it even when it’s not Thanksgiving!
Would dressing this with balsamic vinegar be a good idea?
Yes, I think that would work well!
How would you use fresh cranberries in this recipe you think? I’ve got a bad lying around…Thanks!
Using fresh cranberries might be a little too tart. Let me know if you end up trying it!
could this be made a day ahead for thanksgiving?
Yes, it can. When reheating, I recommend using a pan over the stove.
This looks great! Think I’ll try it. 🙂
You’ll love it! 🙂