Brussels Carbonara with Smoked Bacon and Brussels Sprouts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, creamy dish combining smoky bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and a velvety sauce made with pancake batter and cheese. This belgian-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs smoked bacon, Brussels sprouts, pancake batter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Belgian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz diced smoked bacon and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp butter to the skillet, then sauté 1 lb trimmed Brussels sprouts in batches for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk 1 cup pancake batter with 1 cup grated Gruyère, 1/2 cup milk, 2 egg yolks, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and add the Brussels sprouts. Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the pancake batter mixture. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Fold in the cooked bacon and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brussels Carbonara with Smoked Bacon and Brussels Sprouts take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brussels Carbonara with Smoked Bacon and Brussels Sprouts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brussels Carbonara with Smoked Bacon and Brussels Sprouts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brussels Carbonara with Smoked Bacon and Brussels Sprouts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brussels Carbonara with Smoked Bacon and Brussels Sprouts?

Belgian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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