• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
  • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Side Dishes

    Published: Oct 14, 2021 · Modified: Nov 25, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Caramelized Brussels sprouts with brown sugar are a wonderful simple side dish.  To make Brussels sprouts even more wonderful add bacon and blue cheese for a sweet, salty, creamy, and nutty delight.  These sauteed Brussels sprouts are my favorite way to eat them.

    The flavor combination elevates these miniature cabbages into a gourmet appetizer, small plate, or side dish. Some people may think they taste bitter raw but for most people, Brussels sprouts are nutty and sweet once cooked. That is what happens in this quick & easy recipe. 

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese PN1 overhead of cast iron and recipe ready to eat

    Some of my favorite restaurants have fantastic Brussels sprouts on their menus and I almost always order them.  I finally started to try and replicate many of those yummy appetizers and small plates myself. 

    This recipe for Brussels sprouts caramelized with brown sugar, bacon, and blue cheese is an easy side to make at home.   The cast-iron pan really adds flavor to vegetables and this is especially true when cooking these.  Brussel sprouts sauteed in a skillet get brown, crispy, and pan-fried for deep flavor. 

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
    • How to Caramelize Fresh Brussels Sprouts
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts
    • Recipes to Serve with Brussels Sprouts 
    • How to Store Leftovers
    • PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
    • Caramelized Brussel sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese

    Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    To make this recipe, you will need fresh Brussels sprouts.  Try and purchase sprouts that are similar in size so they cook evenly and are done at the same time. I aim for medium-sized Brussels sprouts.  

    You will also need bacon that has been diced up.  There are also freshly sliced onions, brown sugar, crumbled blue cheese, and spices for this recipe. 

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese ingredients
    • Brussels Sprouts
    • Onion
    • Bacon
    • Blue Cheese
    • Brown Sugar
    • Salt
    • Pepper

    How to Caramelize Fresh Brussels Sprouts

    Begin by dicing the bacon and slicing the onion.   Gather the rest of your ingredients including the crumbled blue cheese and the brown sugar.  You will want to have everything within reach once you start cooking since this is a quick and easy Brussels sprouts recipe.

    Cook the Bacon 

    First, you will want to cook the diced bacon. Heat the cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon to fry.  I like to use a screen splatter cover like show below. It helps keep you safe and clean from the possible bacon fat splatter that is common when cooking bacon on the stove.  

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese bacon cooking with screen over it

    Once the bacon is cooked to your desired likeness, remove it carefully and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, set aside.  This should take 5-10 minutes.  You may want your vent fan on as it may get smoky.

    Do NOT drain the bacon fat, keep that in the pan and the heat on medium.  Scrape up any bits and remove them from the pan.  

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese cooked bacon in the cast iron skillet

    Saute the Brussel Sprouts & Onions

    In the cast-iron skillet with the bacon grease, carefully add the Brussels sprouts.  Saute over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown all sides. 

    Add the onion, salt, & pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. The onion should be cooked and the sprouts should still be green with the edges caramelized and brown. If you pierce them with a fork they will be tender. 

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese cooked in the pan with raw onions added

    Add Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Cheese

    Once the Brussels sprouts and onions are cooked, the remaining ingredients are ready to go in pretty quickly.  Turn down the stove to your lowest setting. Now add the brown sugar. 

    Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes. Be careful not to cook too long as the sugar can burn quickly. Stir as it melts and coats the vegetables; this will cook pretty fast, 5 minutes maximum.   

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese adding brown sugar to the cooked ingredients

    Next, add the blue cheese and bacon to the cooked and seasoned vegetables.  Stir gently so that it is incorporated but the blue cheese and bacon crumble stay intact. Optional, drizzle with balsamic vinegar.  

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese ready to eat with blue cheese and bacon in small bowls

    I like to add about 75% of the cheese and bacon to the pan.  The rest I save on the side to add once I serve the Brussels sprouts and they are plated.   This way there is some pop right on top. 

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese ready with a side of bacon blue cheese

    Variations & Substitutions

    Here are a few alternative ways to make this recipe. If you have food allergies or would like to make this your own, these ideas are great to try.

    • Bacon - make Turkey Bacon in the Oven, and use it instead of pork bacon. Add olive oil to the pan to use since there will not be any bacon grease to cook in. Or Omit to make vegetarian Brussels sprouts.
    • Blue Cheese - use gorgonzola or cambozola as a substitution.
    • Brown Sugar - if you are out, try one of these substitutes for brown sugar.

    This recipe is already grain-free and gluten-free. If you wish to make it dairy-free omit the cheese or use a dairy-free blue cheese.

    What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts

    Now the cast-iron skillet Brussel Sprouts sauteed and caramelized with brown sugar, bacon, and blue cheese is ready to eat. This recipe is a great appetizer at parties, dinners, and holidays. and potlucks.

    It is also a wonderful side dish for any weeknight or special dinner like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or anniversaries. These Brussels sprouts with bacon and blue cheese are a family favorite and the best side dish for all your holiday meals. 

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese ready to eat in the pan with serving spoon and napkin

    Recipes to Serve with Brussels Sprouts 

    I really love these Brussels sprouts with my WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES and chicken, as shown below.  Here are some other great recipe ideas to cook and pair with Brussels sprouts. All these entrees and other side dishes go well with these sweet & savory caramelized Brussels sprouts and will complete your meal.

    Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    Homemade deep-fried sweet potato fries are a quick and easy family favorite recipe. This fantastic method to deep fry & season them makes the best appetizer or side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured overhead of plate of fries and dipping sauce
    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Acorn Squash
    This sweet and savory acorn squash recipe is a fabulous side dish. The taste of fall is wonderful in this slow cooker brown sugar acorn squash that is stuffed with apple and sprinkled with cinnamon.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Acorn Squash featured overhead of apple cinnamon stuffed squash on a plate
    Instant Pot Ranch Salt Potatoes
    Tender bite-sized potatoes are tossed with butter and ranch seasoning for a family favorite. These salt-crusted electric pressure cooker potatoes are easy and the best side dish recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Ranch Salt Potatoes
    Dry Brine for Smoking a Turkey
    In just 3 days you can have the perfect holiday bird. When you dry brine a turkey, it is so moist and juicy. This works great for turkey, chicken, and other birds when smoking them. (also great if you oven roast or deep fry your turkey too!)
    Check out this recipe
    pat salt for dry brine on a turkey.
    Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
    This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is easy, tasty, and simply the best. The creamy mushroom gravy is so rich and comforts the soul.  
    Check out this recipe
    plated sailsbury steak with peas and mashed potatoes and gravy
    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
    Chicken cacciatore is an easy slow cooker recipe that is hearty, tasty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This Crockpot cacciatore recipe is so easy and results in a rich tomato sauce packed with vegetables, chicken, and flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
    Italian Chicken Drumsticks
    This recipe for authentic Italian chicken drumsticks is bursting with flavor thanks to an easy lemon, garlic, and herb marinade.
    Check out this recipe
    Italian Chicken Drumsticks
    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese PINREDO

    How to Store Leftovers

    This brussels sprouts recipe is easy to store and reheat later. They make great leftovers to enjoy even for breakfast like a hash. I love reheating these in the saute pan and adding poached eggs on top for an amazing brunch.

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese ready to eat with chicken and whipped sweet potatoes

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese PIN

     

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

     

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese featured overhead

    Caramelized Brussel sprouts with Brown Sugar, Bacon, & Blue Cheese

    Angela
    Caramelized Brussel sprouts with brown sugar are a wonderful simple side dish.  To make Brussel sprouts even more wonderful add bacon and blue cheese for a sweet, salty, creamy, and nutty delight. 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4

    Equipment

    • cast iron skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 slices bacon
    • 2 pounds Brussel sprouts
    • ½ onion
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 4 Tablespoons brown sugar
    • ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese
    • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar OPTIONAL

    Instructions
     

    • Dice the bacon into small pieces. Also, slice the onion thinly.
    • Heat the cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon to fry. Once the bacon is cooked to your desired likeness, remove it carefully and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, set aside.  This should take 5-10 minutes. 
      You may want your vent fan on as it may get smoky. Do NOT drain the bacon fat, keep that in the pan and the heat on medium.  Scrape up any bits and remove them from the pan.  
    • In the cast-iron skillet with the bacon grease, carefully add the Brussel sprouts.  Saute over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown all sides. 
    • Add the onion, salt, & pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. The onion should be cooked and the sprouts should still be green with the edges caramelized and brown. If you pierce with a fork they will be tender. 
    • Turn down the stove to your lowest setting. Now add the brown sugar.  Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes. Be careful not to cook too long as the sugar can burn quickly. Stir as it melts and coats the vegetables; this will cook pretty fast, 5 minutes maximum.   
    • Next, add the blue cheese and bacon to the cooked and seasoned vegetables.  Stir gently so that it is incorporated but the blue cheese and bacon crumbles stay intact. 
    • Serve immediately - Optional, drizzle with balsamic vinegar.  
    • Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.

    Notes

    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 4
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 320
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 15.4g 20%
    Saturated Fat 5.9g 29%
    Cholesterol 43mg 14%
    Sodium 1142mg 50%
    Total Carbohydrate 30.6g 11%
    Dietary Fiber 8.5g 30%
    Total Sugars 13.6g  
    Protein 20g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 138mg 11%
    Iron 3mg 19%
    Potassium 1056mg 22%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword appetizer, christmas, crispy, date night, Easter, easy, side dish, sides, small plate, thanksgiving, vegetable

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

    « Wondeful Wednesday Blog Hop #440
    What Does Mango Taste Like? »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that hopes you find something new & tasty to love while you are here.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Air Fryer Broccolini with Lemon & Parmesan
    • Toaster Oven Bacon
    • Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    • Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick
    • Homemade Snickers Bars
    • Creamy Coconut Chicken 
    • 3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes (Gluten-Free)
    • Collard Greens Seasoning

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    #ad The Short Order Cook LLC is an affiliate of ButcherBox. I have been a customer for years and cannot recommend it enough. Great prices & even better meat! Sign up today.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2023 The Short Order Cook LLC All recipes, photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share a photo ONLY with an accompanied do-follow link back to this site. Publishing any items as if they were your own is prohibited.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT