Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon: The Ultimate BBQ Side Dish

If you’re searching for a spectacular vegetable side dish to elevate your next outdoor gathering, these grilled Brussels sprouts with bacon are an absolute must-try! Forget any preconceived notions about Brussels sprouts; this recipe promises a delightful experience, featuring tender insides, wonderfully crispy, smoky leaves, and the irresistible crunch of sizzling bacon. It’s the perfect secret weapon to transform even the most skeptical eaters into dedicated fans. Prepare to enhance your grilling skills and impress everyone at your next barbecue!

For many years, Brussels sprouts were a vegetable I tended to bypass. However, as my palate matured and my culinary explorations expanded, I discovered that when prepared thoughtfully, these miniature green cabbages can be exceptionally tasty and surprisingly versatile. My most exciting discovery? Grilled Brussels sprouts, especially when they’re perfectly paired with savory bacon. The grilling process naturally enhances their sweetness and imparts a smoky char that elevates them to an extraordinary dish. Allow me to guide you through our tried-and-true method for creating these mouth-watering bacon-wrapped Brussels sprout kebabs.

Achieving Perfectly Crispy Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts frequently receive an unfair assessment, but when prepared correctly, they are a genuinely flavorful and healthy side dish that shines beautifully on the grill right alongside your main course. And as we all know, almost anything is improved with the addition of bacon! The harmonious blend of earthy sprouts, salty, crisp bacon, a hint of olive oil, and a selection of carefully chosen spices creates a symphony of flavors that will quickly make these your preferred barbecue accompaniment.

The crucial element for achieving that ideal texture – tender on the inside with crispy, slightly charred leaves on the outside – lies in a simple yet effective preliminary step: par-cooking them in the microwave before they ever touch the grill. This initial cooking softens the sprouts from within, ensuring they are tender throughout by the time they finish grilling. Without this step, the high heat of the grill could easily burn the exterior while leaving the interior firm or even raw. This two-phase cooking approach is fundamental to mastering truly delicious grilled Brussels sprouts.

Crafting Delicious Brussels Sprout and Bacon Kebabs

Before we ignite the grill, let’s gather all our necessary items and prepare these delightful kebabs. While a comprehensive recipe card is provided at the end of this article, here’s an in-depth breakdown of the preparation process:

Essential Equipment for Brussels Sprout Kebabs:

• Skewers: You will need approximately six 4-6 inch skewers. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water to prevent burning, or you can opt for reusable metal skewers that do not require this step.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for tossing the sprouts with olive oil and seasonings.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Necessary for the initial softening of the Brussels sprouts.
• Grill: Whether you prefer a gas grill for convenience or a charcoal grill for that classic smoky flavor, both work beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, firm and green
• 1 package of streaky bacon, preferably thinly sliced. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to create shorter pieces suitable for skewers.
• 3 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin for best flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder, or to your preference
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt or Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (optional, for an extra layer of savory depth)

Detailed Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, submerge them fully in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes. This essential step prevents them from catching fire or charring excessively on the grill.
2. Clean and Trim Brussels Sprouts: Begin by washing your fresh Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. Carefully peel away any loose, discolored, or damaged outer leaves. Next, with a sharp knife, trim the very hard, woody end of the stem. You can make a small, shallow cut into the base to ensure the toughest part is removed, but it’s generally best to keep the sprouts whole for easier skewering. Cutting them in half can sometimes make them difficult to keep on the skewer.
3. Par-Cook in the Microwave: Place the cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts into a microwave-safe bowl. Add approximately 1/4 cup of water to the bowl. Cover the bowl securely with a microwave-safe plate or lid (even a couple of damp paper towels can work, tucked under the bowl’s rim). Microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes. Check them at the 4-minute mark; the goal is for them to be slightly softened, no longer rock-hard, and easily pierced with a fork but not fully cooked. Stir them once during microwaving to ensure even tenderness.
4. Cool and Season: With caution, remove the bowl from the microwave, carefully drain any excess water, and allow the Brussels sprouts to cool for a few minutes until they are comfortable to handle. Once cooled, drizzle them generously with olive oil, ensuring each sprout receives a light, even coating.
5. Season to Perfection: Sprinkle the olive oil-coated sprouts with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If you desire a more robust savory flavor, add a touch of garlic salt or Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. Use your hands to gently massage the seasonings and olive oil into the sprouts. This ensures every surface is coated, maximizing flavor. Adjust the amount of seasoning according to your personal taste preferences.

Expert Tip for Frozen Brussels Sprouts: If fresh Brussels sprouts are unavailable, you can substitute with frozen. However, direct grilling of frozen sprouts is not ideal due to the high moisture content, which can lead to a soggy texture. Instead, consider preparing them first using an air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts recipe, incorporating bacon bits during the final 10 minutes to mimic the desired flavor. Alternatively, to prepare frozen sprouts for grilling, steam them until fork-tender. This can be done in a cast iron skillet with a small amount of broth, covered with a lid or foil to trap the steam. Once softened, drain them thoroughly, season, and then proceed with the skewering and grilling steps, focusing on achieving a good char and crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Brussels Sprouts

Grilling Brussels Sprouts on a Gas Grill: Step-by-Step

Grilling Brussels sprouts on a gas grill is a straightforward process that yields incredibly flavorful results. The main challenge is effectively managing the heat to achieve that perfect balance of crispy char on the outside and tender succulence within. While you could adapt oven techniques, such as those for Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts, by using a baking sheet on the grates, for kebabs, direct grilling with careful heat control is ideal.

Assembling Your Brussels Sprout and Bacon Kebabs:

• Retrieve your soaked wooden skewers (or prepare your metal skewers). Gently pat them dry if needed.
• Thread one seasoned Brussels sprout onto the end of the skewer. Push it down firmly but gently.
• Take a half-slice of bacon (which you previously cut) and fold it into fourths. Thread this folded piece of bacon onto the skewer, pressing it snugly against the first sprout.
• Continue by alternating with another Brussels sprout, followed by another folded piece of bacon, and then a final Brussels sprout. This sequence (sprout-bacon-sprout-bacon-sprout) creates a well-balanced kebab that typically serves one person and ensures both the sprouts and bacon cook evenly.

Mastering the Grill: Expert Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts

Now, let’s turn our attention to the most critical phase: the actual grilling! The secret to truly successful grilled Brussels sprouts is to use moderate heat, rather than an aggressively hot grill. If using a gas grill, adjust your burners to a medium-low setting. For charcoal grills, allow the coals to cool down slightly from their initial searing heat until they glow red with a light layer of ash, indicating a more stable, less intense cooking temperature. This “low and slow” method is paramount; it allows the Brussels sprouts to cook through gently and become tender while the bacon crisps up beautifully, all without scorching the sprouts.

• Utilize Moderate Heat: While not strictly indirect, maintaining a moderate temperature is crucial to prevent the sprouts from burning. If your grill has uneven heat distribution or “hot spots,” make sure to rotate the skewers or reposition them to a slightly cooler section of the grill as needed.
• Strategic Placement on Grates: Always position your skewers perpendicularly across the grill grates. This simple technique ensures that no smaller Brussels sprouts or pieces of bacon slip through into the flames below.
• Initial Covered Cook for Steam: Place the assembled skewers onto the preheated grill. Immediately close the lid for approximately 4 to 5 minutes. This creates a small, steamy environment, allowing the sprouts to further tenderize and cook internally while the bacon begins its rendering and crisping process.
• Flip and Continue Cooking: After the initial covered period, carefully open the lid. Using tongs, gently flip the skewers to an uncooked side. Close the lid again for another 4 to 5 minutes. Continue this flipping and covered cooking process every few minutes until all sides of the sprouts are nicely charred, and the bacon is rendered and deliciously crispy.
• Constant Monitoring: Especially during your first attempt, keep a very close eye on your sprouts. Every grill performs differently, and cooking times can vary. You are aiming for Brussels sprouts that are beautifully charred (not burnt) and bacon that is perfectly crispy.
• Patience is Key: A slower, more extended cooking time is almost always preferable for achieving that desirable tender-crisp texture. If you notice the bacon browning too quickly, don’t hesitate to move the skewers to a slightly cooler part of the grill to prevent burning.
• Final Seasoning and Serve: Once your Brussels sprouts and bacon are cooked to perfection, carefully remove the kebabs from the grill. A final sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, or a luxurious drizzle of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, can further enhance their incredible flavor. Serve immediately and savor every bite!

Alternative Grilling Method: Brussels Sprouts in Foil

For those who prefer a slightly different texture or wish to minimize direct charring, grilling Brussels sprouts in a foil packet offers an excellent alternative. This method results in incredibly tender, moist sprouts infused with all the wonderful smoky essence of the grill. It’s another fantastic and convenient way to cook Brussels sprouts that you’ll undoubtedly appreciate. We encourage you to try both the skewer method and the foil method to discover which style you prefer for your outdoor cooking adventures!

How to Grill Brussels Sprouts in Foil:

• Preparation: Follow the initial steps for washing, trimming, and par-cooking your Brussels sprouts as outlined above. Once cooled, toss them with olive oil and your preferred seasonings.
• Foil Packet Assembly: Lay out a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the center. If you plan to add bacon, you can chop it into small pieces and mix it directly with the sprouts, or layer strips over the top for a different texture.
• Seal the Packet: Carefully bring the edges of the aluminum foil together and crimp them tightly to create a completely sealed packet. Ensure there are no open gaps for steam or flavorful juices to escape, as this steaming action is key to the method.
• Grilling: Place the sealed foil packet directly onto the grill grates over medium heat. Allow it to cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the packet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heat distribution. The trapped heat and moisture within the packet will perfectly steam the sprouts to a tender consistency.
• Finishing Touch (Optional Char): If you desire a slight char on your sprouts, carefully open the foil packet for the final 5 minutes of cooking, allowing some direct heat to reach the Brussels sprouts.

Whether you choose the smoky crispness achieved with kebabs or the tender succulence of foil-wrapped sprouts, both grilling methods promise a delicious and healthy addition to your meal. If you enjoy experimenting with diverse cooking techniques, you might also find our cast iron Brussels sprouts recipe, often served with a creamy sauce, appealing for stovetop preparation. Feel free to get creative with your skewer additions – colorful bell peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, or savory red onions can also be fantastic complements to the sprouts and bacon! And for more inspiration in outdoor cooking, be sure to explore our collection of easy smoker recipes.

Tried this delicious recipe?
Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom on Instagram! We love seeing your culinary creations!