Smoked and Grilled Traeger Brussel Sprouts (3 Easy Steps)

Brussel sprouts – you either love them or detest them!

But I’m here to tell you, you haven’t tasted anything like Brussel sprouts cooked in a Traeger!

This delicious recipe will turn a childhood nightmare into an adult dream.

Why Smoked Brussels Sprouts Are Deliciously Different

These Traeger Brussel sprouts will be so far from the bitter offerings of your childhood. 

You won’t believe they are the same vegetable!

When treated with the pellet grill magic, you will open a whole new world of dishes!

Brussel sprouts take on the wood pellet flavors of the smoke beautifully.  

Smoked sprouts are super easy on the grill, and with a little bit of prep, you’ll have an amazing dish.

What You Need To Make Smoked Brussels Sprouts on the Traeger

Smoked Brussel sprouts are easy to make and don’t need a lot of equipment.

All you’ll need is the smoker, wood pellets, and a foil pan or grill basket. That’s it!

Stick to fresh sprouts, rather than frozen Brussels sprouts. They’ll hold up better on the grill.

How To Cook Brussels Sprouts On A Traeger Grill

This bacon-topped Brussel sprout recipe will change any die-hard critics’ minds!

They take on the smoky flavors perfectly. The addition of a barbecue glaze and bacon will make them out-of-this-world tasty.

Throw some savory spices on top and you’re on to a winner! And unlike boiling, they won’t end up all mushy and tasteless. 

A little bit of crunch, with a smoky hit.

Start by pre-heating your grill, as per normal. Set it to around 180°F.

Prep And Clean The Brussel Sprouts

Start by chopping off the harder core end of the sprouts.  

Pull off any loose leaves. Brussel sprouts are just like mini cabbages. The outer leaves cover a densely packed center.

Bugs love sprouts! Keep an eye out for black or grey flecks indicating bugs. Cut more away, or discard the sprout if it’s too bad.

Cut the sprouts in half, so they are all evenly sized. This makes for a much more even cook.

Fry The Bacon

Chop the bacon into decent-sized pieces.

Pan fry the bacon for 3-4 minutes, or until it crisps up.

Remove the bacon bits, and keep the bacon fat in the pan.

Brown The Brussels Sprouts

Toss the sprouts and whatever else you want to add, 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.

Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Now, if you prefer, you can transfer the coated sprouts to a grill basket or onto a baking sheet. 

This saves prolonged heat on your frypan.  

You’ll need to put the sprouts into something though. 

Otherwise, they’ll end up rolling around on your grill grates and making a mess.

Even a recyclable foil pan will work. 

As long as the smoke can circulate and you have room to move the sprouts around while smoking.

Get Grilling!

Put the whole thing on the grill and leave them to smoke away.

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 top with the bacon and any sauces.

Try toppings like bacon, barbecue sauces, and smoked onion. 

Even an aioli mayonnaise works beautifully with Brussel sprouts.

What Temperature Is Best To Smoke Brussels Sprouts?

Brussel sprouts are best cooked starting at a temperature of 475°F for about half an hour.

Give them a toss, then decrease the to 225-250°F if you also want to smoke them. Cook for a further hour.

Leave them for around an hour to an hour and a half all up, or until tender when poked with a fork. 

Keep the texture tender, but still firm. You don’t want the sprouts so cooked they become mushy.

The time and temperature may differ, depending on your type of grill, so amend as necessary.

What Kind of Pellets Should I use to Smoke Brussels Sprouts?

Vegetables in general work well with just about any type of pellets. It depends on the strength of flavor you want.

Mesquite and hickory pellets are strong, with a bacon-type undertone. 

The flavor can be overwhelming if you’ve not used it before, so exercise caution.

Fruit and wood flavors like oak, pecan, and cherry are more subtle. 

Applewood is a personal favorite. The sweet, freshness works well with the chopped bacon.

It also helps mellow the strong flavor of the sprouts.

What To Serve With Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are a great robust side for most meat dishes. They make a great accompaniment to holiday meals and Sunday roasts. 

Smoked turkey, chicken, or juicy roast beef are all great with a side serving of smoked Brussel sprouts.

Or keep it simple with a piece of pan-fried salmon or chicken breast. 

What You Need for BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

• 4 strips of bacon
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb of Brussel sprouts 
• 1 tablespoon BBQ Spice Blend

Step 1 – Prepare The Grill

• Preheat the Traeger grill to 425°F.
• Place the cast iron skillet on the grill grates to heat up.

Step 2 – Prepare the Sprouts

• Trim the stems and cut them in half. Then add the sprouts to a bowl.
• Add the avocado oil & balsamic vinegar and mix thoroughly then add salt pepper and garlic & let sit for 20 minutes.

Step 3 – Cook the Bacon 

• Add the bacon to the pan, and cook until just crisp
• Remove, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 4 – Cook the Sprouts

• Place the onions, garlic, and sprouts in a cast iron pan.
• Toss to coat with the bacon fat.
• Place in the grill for about 15-20 minutes until roasted tender.

Step 5 – Smoke the Sprouts – Optional

• Close the lid of the grill and leave it to smoke for 1-1.5 hours, or until the sprouts are tender.

Smoke On!

Charlie

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