Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon on a Pellet Grill: A Flavorful Side Dish Guide

Transform your perception of Brussels sprouts with this incredible pellet grill recipe! Often overlooked or misunderstood, these cruciferous vegetables truly shine when infused with a delicate smoky flavor and crispy bacon. This easy side dish is perfect for an upcoming holiday dinner, a weekend BBQ, or simply alongside perfectly smoked steaks. It’s packed with savory flavor and offers a delightful low-carb option for any meal.

For many, Brussels sprouts might not be their go-to vegetable. However, with the right preparation and cooking method, they can become a surprisingly delicious and highly anticipated part of your meal. The pellet grill introduces an element of smoky goodness that elevates them beyond their typical steamed or roasted counterparts, creating a side dish that even skeptics will adore.

Preparing Fresh Brussels Sprouts for Your Pellet Grill

Proper preparation is key to achieving perfectly cooked and flavorful Brussels sprouts. Starting with fresh, high-quality sprouts ensures the best outcome. Here’s how to get them ready for the pellet grill:

First, thoroughly wash the Brussels sprouts under cool running water. This helps to remove any dirt or debris. As you wash them, take a moment to inspect each sprout. You’ll want to remove any loose, yellowed, or damaged outer leaves. These can sometimes be bitter or have an unpleasant texture after cooking, so discarding them will improve the overall dish.

Once cleaned, the next crucial step is to slice each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. Halving them allows for more even cooking and creates a larger surface area for the smoky flavor to penetrate. It also helps them to caramelize and crisp up beautifully on the cut sides, adding wonderful texture to the finished dish. For larger sprouts, you might even consider quartering them to ensure they cook through at the same rate as smaller ones.

When planning your meal, consider that approximately one pound of Brussels sprouts will comfortably serve 6 to 8 people as a side dish. This quantity can be adjusted based on the appetites of your guests and whether it’s one of many side dishes or a more prominent component of the meal. After they’ve been washed, cleaned, and perfectly cut, set your Brussels sprouts aside while you prepare your cooking vessel and pellet grill.

Choosing the Best Pan for Smoked Brussels Sprouts

The right cooking vessel is essential for smoking Brussels sprouts effectively on a pellet grill. You need a pan that can withstand high heat, facilitate even cooking, and ideally contribute to the flavor and texture of the dish.

For superior results, a 12-inch cast iron skillet is highly recommended. Cast iron is known for its exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution, which is perfect for developing a delicious sear on the sprouts while allowing them to cook through gently. Its robust construction makes it ideal for the consistent heat of a pellet grill, and with proper seasoning, it can even contribute a subtle non-stick quality.

While a cast iron skillet is the preferred choice, several other alternatives can also be used successfully, provided they are designed to handle high heat:

**Disposable Aluminum Pan:** A convenient option for easy cleanup. While it won’t offer the same heat retention as cast iron, it’s widely available and gets the job done. Ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the ingredients without bending.
**Baking Sheet with Raised Edges:** If you have a heavy-duty baking sheet, this can work. The raised edges are crucial to prevent any oil or ingredients from falling into the grill.
**Grill Pan:** Some grill pans are designed for direct flame, but many are also suitable for pellet grills. Choose one that’s robust and can withstand prolonged exposure to heat.

The key characteristic for any pan you choose is its ability to handle high-heat grilling environments. Avoiding a grill basket is advisable for this specific recipe. While great for many vegetables, the oil and seasoning used for the Brussels sprouts would likely drip through the grates, leading to less flavor on your food and potential flare-ups or messy cleanup in your grill.

Selecting the Perfect Pellets for Smoked Brussels Sprouts

The type of wood pellets you choose for your pellet grill significantly impacts the final smoky flavor of your Brussels sprouts. Different wood varieties impart distinct aromatic profiles, allowing you to customize your dish to your preference.

For this recipe, Hickory wood chips or Apple wood chips are excellent choices. Hickory offers a strong, classic smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with bacon and brings out the earthy notes of Brussels sprouts. It’s robust without being overpowering for vegetables. Apple wood, on the other hand, provides a sweeter, milder smoke that is more subtle and fruitier, perfect for those who prefer a less intense smoky taste.

Many grill enthusiasts, including us, enjoy using a blend of pellets. A good blend can offer a more complex and balanced flavor profile. For instance, a blend of hickory and apple, or perhaps a competition blend (often a mix of oak, hickory, and cherry), can introduce layers of flavor that a single wood type might not achieve.

Consider the following popular wood pellet options and their flavor profiles:

Hickory: Strong, savory, bacon-like smoke. Great for bolder flavors.
Apple: Mild, sweet, fruity smoke. Excellent with vegetables and pork.
Pecan: Milder than hickory, nutty, and slightly sweet. A versatile choice.
Cherry: Sweet, subtle smoke with a hint of fruitiness. Gives a beautiful reddish hue to meats and vegetables.
Oak: Medium, earthy smoke, a good all-around choice that isn’t too strong or too light.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal taste preferences and what you’re serving alongside the Brussels sprouts. Experiment with different wood flavors to discover your favorite smoky combination for this delightful side dish.

Pro Tips for Making Irresistible Pellet Grill Smoked Brussels Sprouts

This recipe relies on simple ingredients to create a truly delicious and satisfying side dish. Here are some key tips to ensure your pellet grill smoked Brussels sprouts with bacon are a resounding success:

Perfecting the Bacon

A crucial component of this recipe is the cooked bacon. While you can prepare the bacon using any method you prefer – frying, baking, or even microwaving – for an extra layer of smoky flavor, we highly recommend using a Pellet Grill Bacon recipe. Smoking the bacon beforehand infuses it with an incredible depth of flavor that complements the sprouts perfectly.

Once cooked, the bacon should be diced or cut into smaller chunks. While bacon bits could technically be used, we find that larger, more substantial pieces of bacon add a much more satisfying texture and flavor to the dish. The varying textures of tender sprouts and crispy bacon are truly a match made in culinary heaven.

Setting Up Your Smoker

The initial step for cooking is to preheat your pellet grill or smoker to 225°F (approximately 107°C). This low and slow temperature is ideal for infusing maximum smoky flavor into the Brussels sprouts without overcooking them too quickly.

While the grill is preheating, prepare your cast iron skillet. Add about half of the recommended olive oil to the pan. Grapeseed oil is an excellent alternative, especially if you’re concerned about a higher smoke point, ensuring your oil won’t burn at higher temperatures if your grill fluctuates. Swirl the pan from side to side to ensure the entire bottom is evenly coated with the oil. This prevents sticking and helps the sprouts achieve a beautiful caramelization.

Once the pan is oiled, add in the prepared (washed, trimmed, and halved) Brussels sprouts, diced sweet onion, and the chopped cooked bacon. This combination creates a rich flavor base that will only intensify during the smoking process.

Next, evenly coat all the ingredients with Italian Seasoning and garlic salt. These seasonings provide a fragrant and savory profile that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and bacon. For an extra touch of zest, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Additional kosher salt can be added just before serving, or the cooked sprouts can be drizzled with balsamic vinegar or a sweet balsamic glaze for a tangy, complex finish.

The Smoking Process

With your skillet fully prepared, carefully place the entire cast iron skillet directly onto the grill grates of your preheated pellet grill or smoker. Close the lid and let the magic happen. Cook for a full hour, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the exact temperature fluctuations of your smoker and the size of your sprouts.

To ensure even cooking and smoking, it is best to stir the seasoned Brussels sprouts at least once, ideally halfway through the cooking time. This redistributes the sprouts and bacon, allowing all pieces to get exposure to the smoke and the heat from the pan. If your smoker tends to have hot spots, rotating the pan during this stir can also help ensure consistent doneness across the dish.

Just before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings. A final sprinkle of fresh black pepper, a pinch of salt, or a dash of your favorite BBQ rub can truly elevate the dish. These small additions can make a big difference in balancing the flavors and bringing everything together.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Smoked Brussels Sprouts

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious side dish, proper storage and reheating are essential to maintain their flavor and texture.

The best way to store leftover smoked Brussels sprouts is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture might begin to degrade, and the flavors may become less vibrant.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options:

**Microwave:** For a quick reheat, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1 minute or less, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them mushy.
**Oven or Air Fryer:** For a crispier result that mimics their initial texture, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. This method helps to revive some of the crispy edges on the sprouts and bacon.

If you’re a fan of rich, delicious smoky flavors, this pellet grill smoked Brussels sprouts recipe is an absolute must-try. However, if you prefer an easier, quicker method without the smoker, consider trying a recipe for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts for a perfectly crispy, flavorful alternative.

Pellet Grill Smoked Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Created by: Kristy Still

Make the best easy side dish on the pellet grill with these Pellet Grill Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Onion!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 Servings

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil or Olive Oil, Divided
1 Pound Brussels Sprouts
1/4 Cup Diced Sweet Onion
1/2 Pound Cooked and Crumbled Bacon
1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Garlic Salt or to Taste

Instructions

Preheat the grill to 225°F.
Using a 12-inch cast iron skillet, add 1/2 Tbsp oil to the bottom of the pan and swirl the skillet around to coat it with the oil.
Clean and half the Brussels sprouts and add them to the pan along with the diced onion.
Add in the cooked bacon and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic salt.
Mix in the additional oil.
Place the cast iron dish on the pellet grill and smoke at 225°F for 1 hour. Stir at least once throughout the cooking time.
Stir again before serving.
Serve.

Notes

A 10-inch skillet can also be used. This can be done in an aluminum pan as well, any dish will work as long as it’s grill-safe.

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