Nutty Brussels Sprouts: Preparation Tips

How do you get kids to eat their Brussels sprouts?  Make these Brussels sprouts with bacon and pecans!  Nutty Brussels Sprouts will change your opinion of these humble vegetables from yucky to yummy.

Nutty Brussels Sprouts Recipe

In my house, bacon is one of the main food groups. I love bacon, my husband loves bacon, and my kids are nuts about bacon.

Our favorite bacon comes from Rihm Foods in Cambridge City, Indiana. Supporting local businesses and agriculture is top on my priority list.  So naturally, I feel like I’m serving society every time I eat a piece of bacon or use bacon in a recipe.

Bacon is actually the reason I marked this unique Brussels sprout recipe to try in my Vegetables on the Side Cook Book.  I typically prefer my sprouts roasted or shaved in a salad, boiled Brussel sprouts were never a favorite of mine.

But heaven help me, add bacon and toasted pecans to Brussels sprouts, and it’s irresistible!

How to prepare Brussel Sprouts so that kids will eat them?

It’s really easy.  Add ingredients that kids love such as BACON.

To make it easy, all you need to do is sauté boiled Brussels sprouts in bacon grease. Add crispy fried bacon and toasted pecans, and the result is an irresistible side dish that even kids will eat.

Ingredient List

• Brussels Sprouts
• Bacon
• Onions
• Toasted Pecans
• Salt and Black Pepper

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

Step by Step Instructions

1. Trim Brussels sprouts and cut an X into each stem.
2. Boil in salted water to cover until just tender. Drain.
3. Fry chopped bacon until crisp in a large skillet.
4. Remove bacon and drain off grease except for 2 tablespoons.
5. Cook onions in remaining bacon grease until translucent.
6. Add drained Brussels sprouts to the onions and toss until heated through.
7. Stir in crisp bacon and toasted pecans. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely. Transfer to airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

For the full ingredient amounts and instructions for boiled Brussels sprouts with bacon, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

How do you properly boil Brussel sprouts?

The first important thing you need to know is how to prepare the Brussels sprouts for boiling.  To do this, trim off any excess leaves, and then take a sharp knife and carefully but an X in the stem of the sprouts.

What is the purpose of cutting an X in Brussels sprout stems? 

The stem is the thickest, toughest part of a sprout, and cutting an X in it allows the boiling water to reach the inner stem so that the entire sprout cooks at the same rate.   This prevents two common problems with boiled Brussels sprouts: a mushy Brussels sprout and a tough stem.

Once the Brussels sprouts have been prepared, follow this easy process for perfectly boiled Brussels sprouts.

1. In a medium sized saucepan, bring water to a boil that has been generously salted.
2. Add prepared Brussels sprouts, and boil until tender, approximately 5 to 10 minutes depending on the size and age of the sprouts. The sprouts are done when a sharp knife will easily pierce the sprouts.

For a super simple side dish, toss with butter and season with salt and pepper.  Or, go ahead and add all the goodness of Nutty Brussels sprouts for the ultimate treat.

How to toast pecans in the oven?

Toasted pecans take these Nutty Brussels sprouts from OK to amazing.  Don’t worry if you’ve never toasted your own raw pecans before, the process is really easy and worth the extra effort.

Toasting pecans adds a whole new level of flavor and texture.  The flavor becomes nuttier as the natural oils get toasted and the texture becomes crunchy.

Essentially, you only need raw pecans. With that being said, you have option of adding a fat like olive oil or butter and seasonings like salt or garlic salt, but that’s completely optional

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Arrange the raw pecans on a large cookie sheet or sheet pan in a single layer.
3. Toast for 5 – 10 minutes, stirring once of twice until the color becomes golden brown.

Recipe Variations

• Stir in dried cranberries or raisins.
• Add a balsamic glaze.
• Replace pecans with almonds or walnuts.
• Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Brighten up the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Add some sweetness with honey or maple syrup.

Recipe FAQs

• Substitute a red onion for a white or yellow, if desired.
• Store bought toasted pecans could be used, but toasting your own pecans is worth a few extra minutes of effort. See our instructions above in the post on how to toast raw pecans in the oven.
• Try adding 2 Tablespoons of dry white wine to the pan when you add back the Brussels sprouts to the skillet. It takes this dish to a whole new level.
• Fresh chopped parsley is another optional embellishment when added right before serving.

Why do brussels sprouts stink?

Brussels sprouts have a strong, distinctive smell due to the presence of sulfur compounds in their composition. When cooked, these compounds are released, resulting in the characteristic odor often associated with brussels sprouts. However, the smell can vary depending on the cooking method and individual sensitivity. Despite the initial scent, many people find that brussels sprouts taste delicious when prepared properly, such as in recipes like Nutty Brussels Sprouts with bacon and pecans.

What to serve with Brussels sprouts and bacon?

Nutty Brussels sprouts are the perfect side dish to almost any cut of meat.  If you’re looking for dinner inspiration, here’s some of our favorite entree’s to serve with Brussels sprouts.

Sour Cream Pork Chops

Classic Beef Brisket

Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Crock Pot Mock Fried Chicken

Baked Cranberry Pork Chops

12-Minute Old-Fashioned Ham Steak

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.