If you’re looking for a tasty Traeger smoked Brussels sprouts recipe, then you’re in the right place. You either love or hate Brussels sprouts, but I’m here to tell you you haven’t tasted anything like these. They are caramelized Brussels sprout bites topped with bacon and smoked to perfection.
This delicious recipe will turn a childhood nightmare into an adult dream.
Table of contents
Grilled Brussels Sprouts
This bacon-topped sprout will change any die-hard critics’ minds! They take on the smoky flavors perfectly, and adding bacon and onion will make them extra tasty.
And unlike boiling, they won’t end up all mushy and tasteless. They’ll have a little bit of crunch and a smoky hit.
Ingredients for Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Brussel Sprouts
Bacon
Onion
Garlic
BBQ Rub (The BBQ Pit Boys SPG is the rub I used; it can be used in place of salt, pepper, and garlic)
Oil
Balsamic Glaze
How to Smoke Brussels Sprouts
Below are my five simple steps for cooking Brussels sprouts. You just need to get the smoke rolling on your Traeger, and you’ll be halfway to a delicious dish.
1. Preheat The Grill
Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F. Place the cast iron skillet on the grill grates to heat up.
2. Prep And Clean The Brussel Sprouts
Start by chopping off the harder core end of the sprouts.
Pull off any loose leaves. Brussels sprouts are just like mini cabbages. The outer leaves cover a densely packed center. Bugs love sprouts, so look for black or grey flecks indicating bugs.
Cut the sprouts in half so they are all evenly sized. This makes for a much more even cook. Add the avocado oil and balsamic vinegar and mix thoroughly. Then add salt, pepper, garlic, or SPG rub and let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Fry The Bacon, Onion and Garlic
Chop the bacon, garlic, and onion into bite-size pieces. Then pan fry the onion, garlic, and bacon for 3-4 minutes or until crisp.
4. Give Them a Quick Pan Fry
Toss the sprouts into the pan of bacon fat. Coat with the bacon fat. If you prefer not to use the bacon grease, some olive oil will be just as good.
Give them a quick fry-up, enough to brown the outside. Drain off the excess oil and season with salt and pepper.
If you prefer, put your cast iron pan straight on the grill, in a foil pan, or on a baking sheet.
You’ll need to keep the sprouts in something, though. Otherwise, they’ll roll around on your grill grates and make a mess.
5. Smoke
Place in the Traeger for 25 minutes until tender. Check them a couple of times throughout the cooking time. Shake the pan now and again to allow them to cook through evenly.
Once smoked, remove from the grill and serve immediately.
See all of the Our Weeknight Traeger Recipes Here!
Picking Pellets
Depending on the strength of flavor you want, I recommend using hickory or mesquite. If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor, I would recommend using hickory or mesquite.
Fruitwood flavors, like apple and cherry, are more subtle. Applewood is a personal favorite. Its sweet freshness works well with the sprouts and bacon.
Can you Cook Them in The Oven?
Yep, you can! Just cook them at 400º for 30-40 minutes.
How Do You Store and Reheat Leftovers?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s easy to reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the air fryer at 350º for 3-4 minutes.
What To Serve With Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are an excellent side for most meat dishes. They make a great accompaniment to holiday meals and Sunday roasts.
Smoked and Stuffed Chicken Breast.
Traeger Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussel sprouts
- 5 strips strips of bacon, diced
- 1 whole onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp BBQ Spice Blend
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F.
- Prep the Brussels sprouts by washing and trimming the stems. Then cut them in half. Then add the sprouts to a bowl.
- Add the oil & balsamic vinegar and mix thoroughly then add salt pepper and garlic & let sit for 20 minutes.
- Add the bacon to the pan, and cook until just crisp. Remove, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Place the onions, garlic, and sprouts in a cast iron pan. Toss to coat with the bacon fat and fry for a few minutes
- Place in the grill for about 25 minutes or until tender. Shake the pan now and again to allow them to cook through evenly.
- Once smoked, remove from the grill and serve immediately
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
Thank you!! Finally found a brussel sprouts recipe that my kids will eat, plus I they it was delicious as well, I had never thought to smoke them before and it was so simple to throw them on with the meat we had smoking!
Hiya Wardah! Same my kids will only eat brussel sprouts if I smoke them as well!!!! Next time add more bacon and they will be begging for you to make them again!