This Warm Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad is the ultimate comfort salad with rich, savory flavors and incredible texture. Shredded brussels sprouts are sautéed in flavorful bacon drippings until golden, then tossed with crispy bacon pieces, chopped walnuts for crunch, and a generous shower of fresh parmesan. It’s a quick and hearty side dish that also works beautifully as a standalone meal—perfect for weeknights, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 5 slices bacon

• 2 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced

• ½ cup walnuts, chopped

• 1 cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded or grated

• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve the bacon grease in the pan.

2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the shredded brussels sprouts to the pan, tossing them in the bacon grease to coat. Add freshly cracked black pepper.

3. Sauté for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the brussels sprouts start to brown and crisp up in spots.

4. Chop the cooked bacon and return it to the pan, tossing everything together.

5. Remove from heat, transfer to a serving bowl, and top with chopped walnuts and fresh parmesan. Serve warm.

Optional Oven Method (for large batches):

1. Cook bacon separately, then toss shredded brussels sprouts in the bacon grease with salt and pepper.

2. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden and crispy.

3. Remove from oven, toss with chopped bacon, walnuts, and parmesan before serving.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Protein: 12 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 25 mg

• Sodium: 460 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Vitamin A: 500 IU

• Vitamin C: 75 mg

• Calcium: 200 mg

• Iron: 1.5 mg

A New Way to Enjoy Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have come a long way from their reputation as bland or bitter. When prepared correctly, especially when shredded and sautéed, they take on a tender, almost buttery texture and a subtly nutty flavor. Cooking them in bacon drippings adds a smoky, rich dimension that brings out the best in these little green gems. Thinly slicing the sprouts helps them cook evenly and quickly while also giving the salad a slaw-like consistency with plenty of golden, caramelized edges.

The Irresistible Power of Bacon

There’s no denying the flavor boost that crispy bacon brings to this salad. It adds a meaty crunch and a salty bite that balances beautifully against the natural sweetness of cooked brussels sprouts. The rendered bacon fat isn’t just there for indulgence—it’s used to sauté the sprouts, infusing them with flavor at every level. This method eliminates the need for heavy sauces or dressings while still delivering a deeply satisfying taste. When chopped and tossed back in with the sprouts, the bacon acts as both a topping and an ingredient woven throughout, ensuring you get a bite of it in every forkful.

Walnuts for Crunch and Contrast

While the sprouts and bacon bring richness, the chopped walnuts add essential texture and contrast. Their slight bitterness and crunch are the perfect foil for the softer, more savory elements of the dish. Toasted or raw, walnuts elevate the salad with their earthiness and make it feel more substantial. They also add healthy fats and plant-based protein, contributing to the dish’s overall nutrition and making it more filling and satisfying.

Parmesan: The Final Flourish

Freshly grated parmesan cheese takes this salad over the top. The sharp, salty flavor of parmesan adds depth and enhances every ingredient it touches. Whether you use finely shredded curls or a generous dusting of grated cheese, parmesan provides the umami-rich finish that ties everything together. As it hits the warm sprouts, it melts just slightly, creating pockets of cheesy goodness that make this dish feel indulgent yet balanced.

A Versatile Side—or a Meal on Its Own

This warm salad is incredibly versatile. While it makes a perfect side dish for roast chicken, grilled pork, or even a holiday turkey, it’s hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal. Thanks to the combination of vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, it satisfies without leaving you overstuffed. You can also serve it with a poached egg on top for brunch or lunch, or pile it onto toasted sourdough for a warm open-faced sandwich.

Quick and Easy for Any Occasion

Despite its rich flavor profile, this salad comes together surprisingly quickly. From start to finish, the stovetop version can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re feeding a crowd or want to prep in advance, the optional oven method allows you to roast a larger batch of sprouts at once. Simply cook the bacon separately, toss everything together on a baking sheet, and let the oven do the work while you focus on other parts of the meal. It’s flexible, forgiving, and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or tools.

Perfect for Fall and Winter Gatherings

As the seasons shift, warm salads like this one become increasingly appealing. Brussels sprouts are at their peak during fall and winter, making this dish ideal for cold-weather menus. It’s also a beautiful addition to holiday tables, offering a savory balance to richer dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasts. The crispy bacon and melted cheese appeal to a wide range of palates, so even brussels sprouts skeptics may be pleasantly surprised.

Nutritious Comfort Food You Can Feel Good About

Though this dish leans into savory, indulgent flavors, it’s also loaded with nutrients. Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a powerhouse vegetable that supports immune health and digestion. Walnuts contribute heart-healthy fats and essential minerals, while parmesan adds calcium and protein. Even the bacon, when used in moderation, delivers flavor and satisfaction that can help curb cravings for less nutritious comfort food. The overall result is a dish that feels like a treat but still fits into a balanced, wholesome diet.

Customizable to Fit Your Preferences

One of the great things about this salad is how easy it is to tweak to your taste. Prefer a little sweetness? Add dried cranberries or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Want to boost the protein? Toss in cooked chicken or top it with a soft-boiled egg. If you’re vegetarian, you can skip the bacon and sauté the sprouts in butter or olive oil instead, perhaps adding smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for depth. Pecans or hazelnuts can replace walnuts, and gruyère or sharp cheddar can stand in for parmesan. It’s a flexible template that you can make your own.

A Go-To Recipe That Will Impress

Whether you’re hosting a dinner, contributing to a potluck, or just cooking for yourself, this Warm Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad is the kind of dish that leaves an impression. It combines familiar ingredients in a fresh way that feels both comforting and elevated. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome, making it a staple recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Plus, with minimal prep and quick cooking time, it fits easily into any schedule.

Conclusion

Warm Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad is a standout dish that transforms a humble vegetable into something truly special. With crispy bacon, toasted walnuts, fresh parmesan, and golden sautéed brussels sprouts, it offers everything you want in a comfort food salad—rich flavor, satisfying texture, and the kind of warmth that feels like home. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for a holiday, and hearty enough to serve as a main course. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s not just a side dish—it’s the star of the table.