Creamy Brussels Sprouts Turkey Bacon

This creamy Brussels sprouts with turkey bacon recipe transforms everyday vegetables into an irresistible weeknight side dish in just about 30 minutes. Rich sauce clings to every Brussels sprout while smoky turkey bacon adds wonderful savoriness, meeting your craving for both healthy and comforting flavors in one easy skillet. With simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, even busy home cooks can master this creamy Brussels sprouts with turkey bacon in no time.

I first created this easy creamy Brussels sprouts recipe on a cold winter evening when I craved something cozy yet nourishing. The simple combination of garlic, olive oil, and heavy cream completely elevated the sprouts, and even skeptical family members went back for seconds. This dish now has a permanent spot at our holiday table and is requested often at potlucks thanks to its creamy texture and smoky, crowd pleasing flavor.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Choose small, tight sprouts with bright green leaves for the best flavor and texture. Trimming and halving ensures quick, even cooking and caramelization. Substitute with broccoli florets if you want a spring alternative.
• Turkey bacon: Provides smoky, savory depth with much less fat than regular bacon. Look for center cut for extra crispiness. Vegetarian options like tempeh bacon or mushrooms work well if needed.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps sear the sprouts and adds richness; use a robust oil for peppery notes. Avocado oil can be swapped in for a neutral taste.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Minced garlic brings deep aromatic flavor; fresh is best for potency. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, just use half the amount.
• Heavy cream: The secret to a silky, luscious sauce that coats each sprout. For a lighter or dairy free version, half-and-half or coconut cream works.
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for boosting and balancing flavors throughout the dish. Adjust to taste, especially if your bacon is salty.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Add subtle heat that brightens the rich sauce. Skip if you prefer a classic mild finish.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Brings additional savory depth and supports sauce thickness. Use freshly grated for best melting or try shredded cheddar for a twist.

How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon

Prep the Brussels Sprouts for Perfect Texture:

Rinse Brussels sprouts under cool water, trim tough ends, and remove any yellowed leaves. Halve each sprout so the flat side can caramelize in the skillet, which ensures even tenderness and maximum flavor. Set aside on a clean towel.

Cook the Turkey Bacon Until Crispy:

Add chopped turkey bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until deep golden and crisp. Transfer bacon pieces to a plate, reserving the drippings in the pan to build further flavor.

Sauté Brussels Sprouts for Maximum Flavor:

Add olive oil to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Arrange Brussels sprouts cut side down in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a deep caramelized crust, which also locks in their natural sweetness and helps prevent sogginess.

Infuse with Garlic Aroma:

Once the sprouts are browned, add minced garlic. Stir and cook about one minute, just until the kitchen smells fragrant and the garlic softens. Avoid burning, as it can quickly turn the dish bitter.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in Parmesan if using. Stir well to coat every sprout. This will create a glossy, luxurious sauce that begins to bubble and reduce, thickening beautifully as it simmers.

Simmer Until Tender and Thick:

Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. The Brussels sprouts should be fork tender and the sauce thick enough to cling. Stir occasionally, watching so the cream does not scorch.

Season and Add Bacon for Depth:

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in the crispy turkey bacon to let smoky richness blend throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Serve Hot for Best Enjoyment:

Spoon into a warm serving bowl and enjoy right away while the sauce is creamy and hot. This dish shines as a comforting side or as a main for low carb dinners.

One winter, I experimented by adding smoked paprika into the cream sauce after reading about it online, and was surprised at the added depth and warmth it brought. Now, my kids always want extra crispy bacon sprinkled on top as a finishing touch. Discovering how Brussels sprouts become sweet and nutty when caramelized has made them a new family favorite for cozy meals.

Smart Swaps and Variations

For a lighter or dairy free take, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use coconut cream. Crumbled tempeh bacon or sautéed mushrooms provide a meatless alternative to turkey bacon with plenty of umami. If your pantry is limited, regular white onions sautéed with smoked paprika bring similar savory complexity at a lower cost. Shredded cheddar can easily replace Parmesan for a bolder cheese flavor, and broccoli florets are perfect as a spring variation.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon

Allow leftovers to cool completely before sealing in a glass or BPA free container and refrigerating for up to four days. For longer storage, place cooled portions into airtight freezer bags or meal prep containers and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a covered skillet on low with a splash of cream or milk, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth. For single servings, the microwave works in short intervals, but always stir to restore creamy texture.

What to Serve with Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon

Pair these creamy Brussels sprouts with turkey bacon alongside roast chicken for an easy Sunday dinner, or serve as a vibrant side next to herb crusted pork tenderloin. Creamy mashed potatoes and wild rice pilaf add heartiness, while serving over creamy polenta or with a crisp green salad creates a complete vegetarian meal. For holidays, garnish with extra Parmesan and lemon zest for a show stopping presentation.

Nutritional Benefits

Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamin K, C, and gut healthy fiber, making this dish terrific for immune support and digestion. The use of turkey bacon cuts down on saturated fat while preserving hearty flavor. With a naturally gluten free and optionally dairy free base, creamy Brussels sprouts with turkey bacon fit easily into low carb, keto, or balanced diets while still feeling satisfying and indulgent.

Recipe Success Tips

If your Brussels sprouts are especially large, cut them into quarters to guarantee even cooking and prevent a raw center. Make sure to let sprouts caramelize fully before stirring, as proper browning is key for maximum flavor. If your cream sauce breaks, whisk in a small splash of milk off the heat to re-emulsify and restore its velvety finish. Always add garlic after browning the sprouts to avoid bitterness from burning.

Once you taste these creamy Brussels sprouts with turkey bacon, you will want to add them to your weeknight and holiday menus alike. Enjoy the rich, cheesy flavor and let me know if this cozy comfort dish wins over your Brussels sprouts skeptics too.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do you make Brussels sprouts creamy?

The creaminess comes from simmering Brussels sprouts in heavy cream with Parmesan, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat each piece.

→ Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, regular bacon can be substituted, just adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of crispiness.

→ Should the Brussels sprouts be blanched first?

Blanching isn't necessary; sautéing cut side down in olive oil yields a perfectly tender and browned texture.

→ How spicy is this dish?

It's mildly spicy if you add red pepper flakes. You can adjust or omit them to suit your taste.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ingredients and sauté ahead. For best texture, add the cream and finish right before serving.