Traeger Grilled Brussels Sprouts are the Brussels sprouts you wish you had discovered long before you decided you didn’t like them. If someone tells you they dislike this much-maligned vegetable, make this recipe for them — the combination of crisp, caramelized edges, smoky grill flavor, and savory bacon will likely change their mind.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Grilling Brussels sprouts brings out nutty, sweet notes that boiling simply cannot. When cooked this way they develop a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining tender inside. This Traeger-style preparation uses rendered bacon fat to brown the sprouts before finishing them on the grill, delivering deep savory flavor and a pleasing texture contrast.
Brussels sprouts are members of the cabbage family and were developed in Belgium, where they became popular by the 16th century. Pronunciation and capitalization matter: the correct term is “Brussels sprouts.”
Many people remember overcooked, mushy versions from childhood. Properly prepared on the grill, however, they become caramelized, slightly smoky, and irresistibly delicious.
75 ESSENTIAL Traeger Recipes
How To Make This Recipe
Grilled Brussels sprouts on the Traeger take roughly 30–35 minutes from start to finish, with about 15 minutes of hands-on prep. The method is straightforward: brown the halved sprouts in bacon fat for flavor and color, then finish them in a hot grill-safe pan until tender and evenly charred.
- Prep the sprouts – Trim the stems, remove any damaged outer leaves, and halve the larger sprouts so they cook evenly.
- Cook the bacon – Chop bacon into medium pieces and fry it until crisp. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the rendered bacon grease; you’ll use it to brown the sprouts and add flavor.
- Brown – Heat the bacon fat in a cast-iron or grill-safe pan over medium-high heat. Place the sprouts cut-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes until nicely browned.
- Season – Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper after searing. Optional seasonings (used sparingly) include garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Grill – Transfer the pan to a preheated grill set to about 350–375°F (175–190°C). Cook for roughly 20 minutes, shaking or stirring once or twice to ensure even charring. Add the chopped bacon during the last few minutes so it warms through and melds with the sprouts.
Serve This With
These Traeger grilled Brussels sprouts pair well with a wide range of mains. Here are a few complementary dishes and serving ideas:
- Grilled or smoked pork chops
- Smoked buttermilk fried chicken
- Hearty pasties or meat pies
- Traeger-grilled chicken breasts
For contrast, serve with a tangy sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or toss with a little maple syrup and crisped bacon for a sweeter approach.
Check out all of my Traeger recipes
Recipe FAQ
Are fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts best?
Fresh sprouts deliver the best texture and flavor. In season, you may even find whole stalks at the market. Frozen sprouts can work in a pinch but tend to become softer and less appealing after reheating.
What other seasonings work well for this dish?
Salt and pepper are sufficient, but additional options include a light dusting of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. For an adventurous twist, try Japanese-style togarashi or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a crunchy lift.
Can you serve Brussels sprouts cold?
Yes. Grilled Brussels sprouts are excellent at room temperature or chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezing is possible but will affect texture, so it’s not recommended if you want them crisp.
See all Traeger Side Dishes
More Traeger Side Dishes
- Traeger Mexican Street Corn Ribs
- Traeger Parmesan Zucchini
- Smoked Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
- Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes
- Traeger Parmesan Cabbage Steaks
- Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes
- Grilled Garlic Butter Biscuits
- Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Traeger Grilled Brussels Sprouts — Recipe Card
Yield: 8 servings
Crispy, smoky Brussels sprouts tossed with crisp bacon make a versatile side dish that complements many mains. This recipe is simple, quick, and terrific for a weeknight or a holiday spread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon (reserve rendered grease)
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the rendered bacon grease.
- Wash the Brussels sprouts, trim the stems, remove loose or discolored leaves, and halve larger sprouts so pieces are similar in size.
- Preheat a cast-iron or grill-safe pan over medium-high heat and add the reserved bacon grease. When hot, place the sprouts cut-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes until browned.
- Season the sprouts with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
- Transfer the pan to the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan once or twice to promote even charring. Add the chopped bacon during the last few minutes to warm through, then serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
For an extra touch, finish with a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. If using a grill-safe enameled dish, preheat it on the grill for even cooking. Adjust salt carefully if using particularly salty bacon.
Nutrition (estimate per serving)
Calories: 153 • Total Fat: 10g • Saturated Fat: 3g • Cholesterol: 28mg • Sodium: 622mg • Carbohydrates: 5g • Fiber: 2g • Protein: 11g