Smoked Brussels sprouts with bacon have become a beloved side dish in many homes, and for good reason. Their tender texture combined with that smoky essence makes them a standout on any dinner table. The subtle sweetness of caramelized Brussels sprouts mingles beautifully with the salty bite of crispy bacon, creating a flavor combo that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re firing up the grill for an outdoor gathering or simply looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner, this dish delivers on both taste and satisfaction.

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I first stumbled upon smoked Brussels sprouts during a backyard barbecue with friends. One bite of those flavorful sprouts and bacon swirling together changed my entire perception of this often-misunderstood vegetable. The smoky, savory aroma drew everyone in, and they quickly vanished off the plate. This recipe is easy enough for beginners yet gourmet enough to impress seasoned cooks. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create something extraordinary that will leave your guests asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 85 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a scrumptious side dish with minimal effort.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of smoky, savory flavors and crispy bacon will have your taste buds dancing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green of Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon create a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side for holiday gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or potluck parties—everyone will be raving about it!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to suit gluten-free diets by using compatible seasonings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound Brussels sprouts: Fresh, vibrant ones will yield the best flavor. Look for tight, green heads, and if they’re large, cut them in half for even cooking.
6 slices bacon: A good-quality bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor—thick-cut bacon is an excellent choice, too. You can substitute turkey bacon, but the flavor will differ.
½ cup red onion: This brings a sweet, caramelized touch to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, yellow onion works well, too.
½ teaspoon garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth. Feel free to adjust according to your taste.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish. You can use kosher salt or another favorite.
½ teaspoon onion powder: This complements the red onion and adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds consistent garlic flavor throughout; optional if you are garlic-sensitive.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper brings a warm spice that balances the dish.
Optional: Drizzle balsamic vinegar or maple syrup for a delightful finishing touch that adds sweetness.

How to Make Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Preheat your smoker: Start by preheating your pellet grill or smoker to 250°F to get the smoking process underway.
Prep the Brussels sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends, remove any damaged outer leaves, and cut larger sprouts in half for even cooking.
Cook the bacon and onions: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it just starts to brown and render its fat, which will take about 5 minutes. Toss in the diced red onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion starts to soften—approximately 3-4 minutes.
Season the mixture: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, then sprinkle with sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss everything together so that the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated and absorb those delicious flavors.
Smoke the sprouts: Carefully place the skillet directly onto the smoker grates. Smoke for about 1 hour, stirring halfway through, so that those smoky flavors permeate evenly.
Crisp the edges: After an hour, increase the smoker temperature to 350°F. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender with crispy edges. The vibrant color will indicate doneness.
Finish and serve: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle with balsamic vinegar or maple syrup before serving warm. This sweet note beautifully contrasts the savory bacon.

Storing & Reheating

To store your smoked Brussels sprouts with bacon, allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To reheat, use an oven set to 350°F, warming for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. A quick refresh in a skillet can help regain some crispiness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the bacon to prevent it becoming too crispy before adding the vegetables; you want a balance of tenderness and crispiness in the bacon.
For a smoky flavor boost, consider using a flavorful wood like hickory or applewood for smoking.
Making ahead? You can prep the bacon and onion mixture earlier in the day and assemble just before smoking.
If you’re in a hurry, you can cook these Brussels sprouts in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes instead of using a smoker.

The beauty of smoked Brussels sprouts with bacon lies in their simplicity and the perfect melding of savory flavors. This dish invites creativity and personalization, so don’t hesitate to experiment with various seasonings or even additional veggies! Cooking is about exploring flavors that excite you, and I hope this recipe serves as a delightful starting point.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead for sautéing the onions and garlic. You could add some smoked paprika to capture the smokiness that the bacon would provide.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, it’s best to let them thaw and pat them dry before following the recipe to avoid excess moisture, which can hinder crispiness.

What type of smoker is best for this recipe?

Any smoker will do the trick! Pellet smokers are particularly user-friendly for beginners because they maintain consistent temperatures, while traditional charcoal smokers will provide that classic smoky flavor.

Can I make these Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook them a few hours before serving and keep them warm in a low oven. Just be aware that the longer they sit, the less crisp they’ll be; they’re best enjoyed fresh!

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Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon