Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Your New Favorite BBQ Side Dish

Are you ready to transform a humble vegetable into a smoky, crispy, and utterly delicious sensation? Our recipe for Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Bacon on skewers is designed to make you fall in love with these miniature cabbages. If you’ve struggled to find a way to cook Brussels sprouts that results in tender interiors and perfectly crispy leaves on the outside, then this grilled method is your ultimate solution. It’s an ideal, flavorful vegetable side dish for any backyard barbecue, picnic, or weeknight meal.

For many years, Brussels sprouts were often overlooked or prepared in ways that didn’t do them justice. However, as culinary tastes evolve, so too does our appreciation for these nutritious greens. My own journey with Brussels sprouts has been a delightful evolution, and I can confidently say that grilled Brussels sprouts, especially when paired with the irresistible crunch of bacon, are simply phenomenal. This guide will walk you through creating these perfectly charred, tender, and intensely flavorful skewers, proving that this often-maligned vegetable can indeed be a star.

Why Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a Game-Changer

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, sometimes unfairly associated with a bitter taste or mushy texture. But with the right preparation, they transform into a delicious and healthy side dish. Grilling them introduces a wonderful smoky flavor and creates those desirable crispy edges that are simply irresistible. When you add bacon into the mix, you’re not just adding another ingredient; you’re infusing every bite with savory, salty goodness that complements the earthy sprouts beautifully. Olive oil and a selection of spices complete this magical combination, ensuring your vegetables are bursting with flavor.

The secret to achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture lies in a crucial preparatory step: pre-cooking the sprouts before they hit the grill. This ensures the centers are cooked through and tender, allowing the grill to focus on developing that beautiful char and crispiness on the outside. Let’s dive into the simple steps to prepare your Brussels sprouts for grilling perfection.

How to Prepare Brussels Sprout Kebabs for Grilling

Achieving tender-crisp grilled Brussels sprouts is easier than you think, thanks to a clever pre-cooking method and a simple seasoning process. Here’s a detailed rundown of how to prepare your sprouts and bacon for their delicious transformation on the grill.

Pre-Cooking Brussels Sprouts for Tenderness

The key to preventing hard, undercooked centers and achieving a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is a quick pre-cook. While boiling is an option, microwaving offers a faster, more convenient way to par-cook your sprouts. This step ensures that by the time the bacon is perfectly crispy and the sprouts are beautifully charred, the inside of each sprout is wonderfully soft.

1. Clean and Trim: Start by washing your fresh Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves. Then, using a sharp knife, trim a small amount off the very hard stem end. Be careful not to cut too much, as you want the sprout to remain intact for skewering. If your sprouts are particularly large, you might consider cutting them in half, though this can make them slightly trickier to skewer uniformly.
2. Microwave Method: Place the trimmed Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe bowl. Add approximately 1/4 cup of water to the bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with a microwave-safe plate or plastic wrap, creating a steaming environment.
3. Cook to Soften: Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. After 4 minutes, carefully check their tenderness with a fork. They should be softened but not mushy. Stir them once halfway through if possible for even cooking. This process par-cooks them, ensuring they’re tender inside before grilling.
4. Drain and Cool: Once microwaved, carefully drain any excess water from the bowl. Allow the sprouts to cool slightly so they are comfortable to handle. This also helps them dry out a bit, which is crucial for seasoning.

If fresh Brussels sprouts aren’t available, don’t despair! You can still enjoy this delightful dish. For frozen Brussels sprouts, we recommend an alternative cooking method, such as this air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts recipe. You can add cooked bacon bits during the last 10 minutes of air frying to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Seasoning and Marinating Your Brussels Sprouts

Once your Brussels sprouts are pre-cooked and cooled, it’s time to infuse them with flavor. This step is crucial for elevating their taste beyond simple grilled greens.

• Olive Oil Base: Return the cooled, drained Brussels sprouts to a clean bowl. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, using just enough to lightly coat each sprout. This oil will help the seasonings adhere and contribute to a beautiful char on the grill.
• Flavorful Spices: Now comes the fun part – seasoning! A classic combination includes garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of garlic salt or a versatile seasoning blend like Lawry’s. Don’t be shy; ensure a light, even coating of spices.
• Gentle Massage: Using your hands, gently massage the olive oil and spices into the Brussels sprouts. This ensures every nook and cranny is coated, maximizing flavor distribution.

Assembling Your Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprout Kebabs

The kebab format is perfect for grilling small vegetables like Brussels sprouts, preventing them from falling through the grates and making them easy to flip. Plus, the visual appeal of these skewers is undeniable!

Choosing and Preparing Skewers

• Skewer Type: You’ll need 4-6 inch wooden skewers for this recipe. Metal skewers work just as well if you prefer.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, immerse them in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

The Art of Skewering Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Preparing the bacon is simple: take a standard slice of bacon and cut it in half. Then, fold that half into quarters, creating a compact, thick piece that will cook evenly and stay on the skewer. Now, let’s assemble:

1. Carefully push one seasoned Brussels sprout onto the end of a prepared skewer.
2. Next, thread one folded half-piece of bacon onto the skewer, pushing it snugly against the sprout.
3. Alternate with another Brussels sprout, followed by another piece of bacon, and then a final Brussels sprout. This arrangement (sprout-bacon-sprout-bacon-sprout) typically creates a perfect single serving.
4. Repeat this process until all your Brussels sprouts and bacon are skewered.

Grilling Brussels Sprouts to Perfection

Whether you’re using a gas grill or charcoal, the technique for grilling these bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts is similar, focusing on controlled heat for crispy results.

Mastering the Gas Grill for Brussels Sprouts

Grilling on a gas grill offers excellent temperature control, making it easier to achieve that ideal balance of tender sprouts and crispy bacon. You can adapt oven directions, like those for our Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts, but adjust the timing as grill heat can be less consistent. For optimal results:

• Indirect Heat is Key: Unlike many meats that benefit from high, direct heat, Brussels sprouts (especially with bacon) thrive on medium to medium-low, more indirect heat. This allows the bacon to render and crisp up without burning the sprouts. If using a multi-burner gas grill, light one side to medium and place the skewers on the unlit side, or turn down all burners to low.
• Use a Baking Sheet (Optional): If you’re worried about drippings or want to ensure your skewers remain flat, you can place them on a baking sheet designed for grilling or a grill-safe tray.

Charcoal Grilling for Smoky Flavor

For those who love that authentic smoky flavor, charcoal grilling is fantastic. The trick here is patience and managing your coals:

• Wait for Cooled Coals: Don’t place the skewers over roaring flames. Wait until your charcoal has settled into glowing embers, providing a more moderate, even heat. If the heat is too intense, your bacon will burn before the sprouts have a chance to char properly.
• Two-Zone Grilling: Create a two-zone setup: pile coals on one side for direct heat (for quick searing if needed) and leave the other side free for indirect cooking. Your Brussels sprout skewers will primarily cook over the indirect heat zone.

The Grilling Process

Regardless of your grill type, the principles remain the same for achieving perfectly grilled Brussels sprouts:

• Placement: Place your skewers on the grill grates, positioning them so they are perpendicular to the grates to prevent them from falling through. Ideally, cook them over indirect or medium-low heat.
• Initial Cook with Lid Closed: Close the grill lid to allow them to steam slightly and cook through. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
• Flip and Continue: Open the lid, carefully flip the skewers, and close the lid again. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, checking frequently.
• Monitor and Adjust: The key to perfection is a slow, steady cook. Keep a close eye on them, especially during your first attempt. You’re looking for the bacon to become beautifully crispy and the Brussels sprouts to develop a nice char without burning. They should be fork-tender on the inside.
• Finishing Touch: Once cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill. A simple sprinkle of salt (if needed) is often enough. For an extra layer of flavor, a drizzle of high-quality balsamic vinegar and a touch more olive oil can be exquisite.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Brussels Sprouts

While grilling offers a unique flavor, Brussels sprouts are versatile and delicious prepared in many ways. Understanding how to cook them using other methods can broaden your culinary repertoire.

Can Brussels Sprouts Be Cooked in a Microwave (Fully)?

Absolutely! The microwave is excellent for quickly softening Brussels sprouts, as we do for our grilling recipe. You can also cook them entirely in the microwave if you prefer a quick, steamed preparation. For a comprehensive guide, check out our article on how to microwave Brussels sprouts.

Do Brussels Sprouts Need to Be Boiled Before Grilling?

Pre-boiling is another effective method to par-cook Brussels sprouts, ensuring they are tender inside before grilling. While microwaving is faster, boiling achieves a similar result. You’ll want to boil them for only a few minutes – just enough to soften them slightly, about halfway cooked. This makes them easier to skewer and guarantees a tender interior. Learn more about the exact timing in our guide How Long to Boil Brussels Sprouts.

Grilling Brussels Sprouts in Foil: A Tender Approach

For a different texture, you can also grill Brussels sprouts wrapped in foil. This method essentially steams them on the grill, resulting in incredibly tender sprouts without the crispy char. It’s another fantastic way to cook Brussels sprouts that you might enjoy. Feel free to try both the direct skewer grilling and the foil packet method to discover your preference!

Beyond the grill, consider other delicious preparations. Our cast iron Brussels sprouts with a creamy sauce offer a rich, stovetop alternative. And if you’re exploring other outdoor cooking ideas, don’t miss our collection of easy smoker recipes.

Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Brussels Sprouts

By
Justine

Learn how to easily cook tender Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon on the grill. This recipe for grilled Brussels sprout kebabs is a fantastic, flavorful side dish perfect for any barbecue or outdoor meal.

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

15 minutes
mins

Servings:
8

Equipment

• 6 skewers (wood or metal)
• 1 large bowl
• 1 grill

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
• 1 package bacon , cut in half, then each half folded into quarters
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Garlic powder, to taste (optional)
• Lawry’s seasoning salt, or other preferred seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Wash your Brussels sprouts and remove any loose outer leaves. Trim a small, hard part from the bottom of each sprout.
2. Place Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe bowl with about 1/4 cup water. Cover with a plate or lid.
3. Microwave for 4-5 minutes on high (check at 4 minutes) until they are softened but not mushy. Drain the water and let them cool enough to handle.
4. Drizzle the cooled sprouts with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings. Gently massage to coat evenly.
5. Prepare your bacon slices by cutting each in half, then folding each half into quarters.
6. Assemble the kebabs: Thread one Brussels sprout onto a skewer, followed by a folded piece of bacon, then another sprout, another bacon piece, and finish with a sprout. Each skewer should have 3 sprouts and 2 bacon pieces.
7. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat. If using charcoal, wait for the coals to cool to an even glow. For gas, aim for indirect heat if possible.
8. Place the skewers on the grill grates, perpendicular to the grates to prevent falling through. Close the lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
9. Flip the skewers and close the lid again. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the Brussels sprouts are charred to your liking and fork-tender inside. A slow, steady cook is best for optimal results.
10. Remove from grill, season with a final pinch of salt if desired, and enjoy immediately!

Nutrition

Serving: 3oz
,

Calories: 255kcal
,

Carbohydrates: 6g
,

Protein: 9g
,

Fat: 22g
,

Saturated Fat: 7g
,

Cholesterol: 36mg
,

Sodium: 380mg
,

Potassium: 330mg
,

Fiber: 2g
,

Sugar: 1g
,

Vitamin A: 450IU
,

Vitamin C: 48.2mg
,

Calcium: 27mg
,

Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Appetizer, Entree, Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Brussels Sprouts

Grilled Brussels sprouts with bacon are a true revelation – a simple yet sophisticated side dish that will impress your guests and delight your palate. By following these steps, you’ll achieve perfectly tender sprouts with wonderfully crispy edges and savory bacon in every bite. So, fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy this incredible vegetable!