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Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Red Cabbage with Bacon

Caramelized sprouts, sweet wilted cabbage, and crispy bacon finished with balsamic vinegar. Ready in 25 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon, Brussels sprouts, fall vegetables, holiday side, red cabbage, Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 145kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Slotted Spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
  • 1/2 small red cabbage cored and thinly sliced, about 4 cups
  • 6 oz thick-cut bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • salt to taste

Instructions

Prep

  • Trim the stem ends from Brussels sprouts and halve each one through the core. Quarter any large sprouts.
  • Cut red cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and slice into thin ribbons about 1/4-inch wide.
  • Cut bacon crosswise into 1/2-inch strips. Mince garlic. Strip thyme leaves from stems.

Cook the Bacon

  • Place bacon in a large cold skillet or Dutch oven. Set over medium heat and cook 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and fat has rendered.
  • Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Leave rendered fat in the pan.

Cook the Vegetables

  • Increase heat to medium-high. Add Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deeply golden brown on the cut side.
  • Stir the sprouts and cook another 2 minutes.
  • Add sliced red cabbage. Toss everything together and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage wilts and reduces by half.
  • Add minced garlic and thyme leaves. Stir and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Finish and Serve

  • Pour balsamic vinegar into the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  • Return crispy bacon to the pan. Toss to combine. Season with black pepper. Taste and add salt if needed.
  • Serve immediately while bacon is still crispy.

Notes

See full post for detailed tips, substitutions, variations, and storage instructions.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 85mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg