Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts (A Flavorful Thanksgiving Side)

Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts (A Flavorful Thanksgiving Side)

Crispy pan seared Brussels sprouts tossed with garlic, onion, and Creole seasoning, finished in brown butter and optionally topped with crispy bacon. A bold, easy, and beginner friendly Thanksgiving side dish ready in 30 minutes!

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Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts (A Flavorful Thanksgiving Side)

Bright, caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed in a garlic infused brown butter with a kick of Creole seasoning make for a show stopping side dish. This recipe yields tender sprouts with crispy, golden brown edges and loads of flavor perfect for Thanksgiving or any dinner. 

Whether you’re a beginner cook or an expert, you’ll find these sprouts easy to prepare yet impressive in taste. The Creole (or Cajun) seasoning adds a zesty Southern flair, and an optional addition of crispy bacon lends a smoky richness.

Even without the bacon, the dish shines, as the seasoning and nutty brown butter provide plenty of bold flavor. Brussels sprouts caramelize cut side down in a hot skillet alongside bits of smoky bacon for a flavorful side dish. 

Browning the sprouts without stirring ensures crispy edges while the centers stay tender. The garlic and Creole spices infuse every bite with savory heat and aroma.

Then check out a few other favourite on the blog: 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, buttery flavor: The brown butter gives the Brussels sprouts a deep, nutty taste that feels warm and comforting.
  • Perfect for holidays: It’s a great Thanksgiving side dish that looks fancy but feels very homey and familiar.
  • Crispy and delicious texture: The sprouts are roasted until golden and slightly crispy, making every bite extra satisfying.
  • Super easy to make: Simple steps, everyday ingredients, and quick cooking time no stress at all, even on busy holidays.

Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts (A Flavorful Thanksgiving Side)

Substitutions & Variations

  • Creole or Cajun seasoning: Cajun is a perfect sub. You can also mix paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne for a DIY blend.
  • Bacon (optional): Skip for vegetarian, or use turkey bacon, pancetta, or a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor.
  • Red onion: Swap with yellow onion or shallots.
  • Add ins: Toasted nuts, dried cranberries, lemon juice, balsamic glaze, or Parmesan can add texture and holiday flair.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Roasted Turkey or Chicken: Serve these warm Brussels sprouts alongside roast turkey or chicken for a cozy Thanksgiving plate.
  • Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Spoon them on top of mashed potatoes so all the brown butter flavor mixes in beautifully.
  • With Crispy Bread on the Side: Pair with warm bread to soak up the buttery, garlicky sauce it tastes amazing together.
  • As a Holiday Side Dish Platter: Add them to your festive table with other sides for a simple, colorful Thanksgiving spread.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days. Best texture within 1–2 days.

  • Reheat: Use a skillet or oven (375°F) for crispiness. Microwave if needed, but sprouts will soften.

  • Freeze (not ideal): Can be frozen up to 1–2 months, but may become soft when thawed. Reheat directly in a hot oven for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I make Brussels sprouts taste better?

The secret is browning them well. When you cook them until golden and slightly crispy, they lose bitterness and taste rich and delicious.

2. What does brown butter add to this dish?

Brown butter gives a warm, nutty flavor that makes the Brussels sprouts taste extra special and perfect for Thanksgiving.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook them earlier and reheat before serving. But for the best taste, they’re nicest when served fresh and warm.

4. What can I serve with brown butter Brussels sprouts?

They go really well with roasted meats, turkey, or any holiday meal. They add a nice balance to heavier dishes.

 

Prefer to watch instead of reading this delicious recipe? check out this video for a quick and easy guide:


Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts (A Flavorful Thanksgiving Side)

By Tiffany Boakye-Korsah
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings (as a side dish)

Ingredients

  • - 32 oz Brussels sprouts (from two 16 oz bags), trimmed and halved
  • - 4 strips of hickory-smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • - 3 tablespoons avocado or olive oil (for sautéing)
  • - 1/2 small red onion, chopped
  • - 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • - 4 tablespoons of butter (for browning)
  • - Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • - Optional: Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning, to taste) for extra flavor
  • - Tip: If using bacon, you can cook it beforehand (e.g. in an air fryer or skillet) until crispy. Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon drippings to use for searing the sprouts if you like extra smoky flavor.

Instructions

Trim and half Brussels sprouts: If using pre-trimmed sprouts, check for any tough outer leaves and discard them. Cut large sprouts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and caramelize better.

Cook the Bacon: Air-fry or pan-cook 4 strips of hickory-smoked bacon until crispy. Once cooled, crumble or chop them into small pieces. Set aside.

Sear the Brussels Sprouts: In a large skillet, heat avocado or olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place as many sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the cut sides develop a deep golden-brown crust.

Season and Sauté: Once browned, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning (or Cajun, if using) to taste. Add red onion and chopped garlic to the pan. Stir to combine, then continue to cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts are fork-tender and the onion is softened.

Brown the Butter: While the sprouts cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir or swirl constantly as it bubbles. After about 5 minutes, the butter will turn golden and release a nutty aroma. Watch closely. Once browned, remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.

Finish and Serve: Pour the hot brown butter over the cooked Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. Stir in the crumbled bacon if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Make these easy brown butter Brussels sprouts with garlic, red onion, and crispy bacon. A flavorful Thanksgiving side dish with Creole seasoning—perfectly seared and beginner-friendly!

NUTRITION FACTS:
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Total Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
- Sodium: 250–400 mg (varies with seasoning and bacon)
- Sugar: 3 g
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