Traeger Grilled Brussels Sprouts are the Brussels sprouts that might make you change your mind if you grew up thinking you didn’t like them. If someone says they dislike Brussels sprouts, this grilled version is often the one that converts them.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts
I enjoy grilled side dishes and am always looking to expand our options. For many years I avoided Brussels sprouts, convinced I didn’t like them. Once I tried them prepared properly, I realized how wrong I had been.
Many people write the name as “brussel sprouts,” but the correct name is “Brussels sprouts,” named for the Belgian region where they became popular in the 16th century. Proper spelling recognizes that history.
Brussels sprouts earned a bad reputation because they were often boiled and overcooked, which brings out an unpleasant bitterness and mushy texture. Grilling (or roasting) transforms them—crispy edges, tender centers, and rich, smoky flavor.
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How To Make This Recipe
Grilling Brussels sprouts on a pellet grill or Traeger is simple and takes about 20 minutes of cook time, plus a little prep. The method focuses on browning first for flavor, then finishing on the grill for even cooking and smoke.
- Prep the sprouts – Trim the stem ends and remove any loose or damaged outer leaves. Halve larger sprouts so they cook evenly.
- Fry the bacon – Dice bacon into medium pieces and cook until crisp. Reserve the rendered bacon grease to sauté the sprouts briefly; chop the cooked bacon to use as a topping.
- Brown – Briefly fry the sprouts cut-side down in the hot bacon grease just until they begin to brown. This builds a caramelized surface and adds flavor. If using cast iron, you can keep the sprouts in the pan for the grill step.
- Season – Lightly season with salt and pepper (and any additional seasonings you like) before transferring to the grill.
- Grill – Place the sprouts in a grill-safe pan and cook at 350–400°F (175–200°C). Check and shake the pan once or twice so they roll and brown evenly. Total grill time is about 20 minutes, depending on size.
Don’t forget to try a few of our other amazing BBQ side dishes to round out the meal.
Serve This With
Traeger grilled Brussels sprouts pair well with many mains. A few suggestions:
- Traeger Grilled Pork Chops
- Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- Pasties
- Traeger Grilled Chicken
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Recipe FAQ
Fresh produce is ideal when available, but frozen sprouts are a convenient and acceptable option. If using frozen, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess ice or water before adding them to hot grease to reduce splatter. Fresh sprouts occasionally come on the stalk; they look unusual but are fine if you’re prepared to trim them.
Salt and pepper are a reliable base, but garlic powder, onion powder, or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika add depth and color. For a bolder twist, try a sprinkle of togarashi or similar sesame-and-chili blends for an extra kick.
Yes—grilled Brussels sprouts are tasty chilled and make a good addition to salads or as a chilled side. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezing is possible but may affect texture.
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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
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Traeger Grilled Brussels Sprouts
8 servings
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
Crispy grilled Brussels sprouts are a versatile side for many main dishes. Tossed with bacon and finished on the grill, they deliver caramelized edges, smoky flavor, and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon (reserve grease)
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Recommended Products
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Cast Iron Skillet
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Blackstone Pellet Grill -
Hawaiian Red Alaea Salt
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Reserve the grease and chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Wash and trim the sprouts, remove any dried outer leaves, and halve them if large.
- Add about ¼ cup of bacon grease to a cast-iron pan and heat over medium-high. Season the sprouts with salt and pepper.
- Place the sprouts cut-side down in the hot grease and brown for 3–4 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
- Transfer the browned sprouts and the chopped bacon to a grill-safe pan. If using cast iron, consider preheating the pan on the grill first.
- Grill for about 20 minutes, then serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1
Amounts Per Serving:
Calories: 153
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 28mg
Sodium: 622mg
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 11g
Nutrition data provided here is an estimate.
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