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If you’re looking for an easy side dish that’s both healthy and delicious, you’ve got to try these Simple Seared Brussels Sprouts in a Pan!

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap. I refused to try them for years, haha! When cooked the right way, though, they become a game changer at the dinner table. Brussel Sprouts in a pan is the way to go.
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“Made this tonight and it was great. It’s a great dish to add to our veggie rotation. Super easy to make and taste incredible.” – Paul
This recipe is my favorite way to cook Brussels sprouts because it brings out their natural flavor. Also, look at at hat beautiful green color!
The best part is that you only need a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes to make this dish. You can get the Brussels sprouts nice and golden brown on the outside while keeping them tender on the inside.
Whether it’s your first time cooking Brussels sprouts or you’re a seasoned pro, this is an easy recipe that delivers big on flavor!
I love serving these sautéed Brussels sprouts during the holidays or any time I need a quick and tasty side. They’re also super affordable!
They pair well with just about any main course and are a great way to add some healthy veggies to your meal.
Trust me, even those who think they don’t like Brussels sprouts might change their minds after trying these Brussel Sprouts in a Pan!
Some of our other favorite VEGGIE RECIPES we have on our site include: Baked Mushrooms in Garlic Butter Sauce, Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe, and Pesto Toast Recipe with Tomatoes.

Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE Brussel Sprouts in a Pan:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- WHAT KIND OF BRUSSELS SPROUTS ARE THE BEST TO USE?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Simple Seared Brussel Sprouts in a Pan
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Quick and Easy: This simple side dish comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Delicious Flavor: Searing the Brussels sprouts in a hot skillet brings out a caramelized flavor that’s so tasty.
- Healthy Choice: Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, so this dish is a good choice for a healthy diet.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Unsalted butter
- Frozen Brussels sprouts, thawed and halved
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic cloves, minced

HOW TO MAKE Brussel Sprouts in a Pan:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.
- Add the brussel sprouts, stir until coated in the butter, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally, 12-15 minutes.
- Make a well in the center of the pan and melt the remaining butter.
- Saute the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds, do not brown.
- Toss everything to combine, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF BRUSSELS SPROUTS ARE THE BEST TO USE?
For the best results, you can use either fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts.
*Gasp!* The horror! “You mean you buy frozen brussel sprouts?!” Yes, ma’am I do, haha!
They’re actually amazing.
If using fresh, choose smaller sprouts as they tend to be sweeter and more tender.
Make sure to remove any loose outer leaves and trim the ends.
If using frozen Brussels sprouts, thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

ANY ADDITIONS?
You better believe it! These veggies have a great flavor and blend really well with all kinds of other add-ins.
Here’s a good list to get you started!
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Add bacon bits during the last minute of cooking for a smoky taste.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a tangy kick.
- Toss in red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.
- Add toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness.
- Drizzle with maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder if you love extra garlic flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma.
- Top with chopped almonds for extra crunch.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Here you go! Let me know in the comments how these turn out for you.
I haven’t tried all of them myself, and I love hearing your input.
- Olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for sautéing.
- Kosher salt in place of regular salt.
- Shallots instead of garlic cloves for a milder flavor.
- Bacon fat instead of butter for a richer taste.
- Use a cast iron pan if you don’t have a large skillet.

HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Place any leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Microwaving tends to make them a little mushy.
Freezer: It’s best not to freeze cooked Brussels sprouts, as they can become mushy when reheated.
If you must freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe bag, but be aware the texture might change.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Dry the Sprouts: Make sure your Brussels sprouts are dry before cooking to help them crisp up.
- Hot Skillet: Use a hot skillet and medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the sprouts.
- Single Layer: Cook the sprouts in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cut Side Down: Place the Brussels sprouts cut side down in the pan to caramelize the flat surface.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give the sprouts enough room in the pan; if necessary, cook in batches.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.

These Brussels Sprouts in a Pan are a great recipe to add to your collection.
They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and a healthy addition to any meal.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some Brussels sprouts and give this recipe a try!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Simple Seared Brussel Sprouts in a Pan
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 pounds frozen brussel sprouts thawed, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add the brussel sprouts, stir until coated in the butter, season with salt and pepper.1 1/2 pounds frozen brussel sprouts, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally, 12-15 minutes.
- Make a well in the center of the pan and melt the remaining butter.
- Saute the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds, do not brown.2 cloves garlic
- Toss everything to combine, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Dry the Sprouts: Make sure your Brussels sprouts are dry before cooking to help them crisp up.
- Hot Skillet: Use a hot skillet and medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the sprouts.
- Single Layer: Cook the sprouts in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cut Side Down: Place the Brussels sprouts cut side down in the pan to caramelize the flat surface.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give the sprouts enough room in the pan; if necessary, cook in batches.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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YUM! I love Brussels sprouts…and can’t wait to try this simple, delicious recipe 🙂
I love Brussels sprouts…and I can’t wait to try your simple and delicious recipe!
Tell me how they come out!
Made this tonight and it was great. It’s a great dish to add to our veggie rotation. Super easy to make and taste incredible.
I’m so glad you liked it and it turned out well! Thanks so much for letting me know, that means so much!
These look fantastic! I’m going to make them tonight along with some paprika/cumin chicken and garbanzo beans. Thanks!!
I just tried this recipe and they turned out delicious!! I love the idea of adding a little garlic, it gives them a great flavor!
YAY, so glad you liked them, thanks for letting us know!
Thank you! I had a Facebook friend that made this all the time but she up and deleted me for no reason. I have never eaten a brussel sprout so I wanted to make them and try them. I bought frozen sprouts and all the rest of the recipes said to use fresh. I will try this now and I appreciate that you posted this.
I have done this adding back the bacon crumbles, and some GOOD Parmasan or Asiago cheese..I am going to test some bleu cheese next.. I know it isn’t as healthy but it is soooo good! Love me some Brussel Sprouts!
UGH, that sounds amazing!!
🙂 Thanks!!
I am going to make these tonight with frozen sprouts from my GARDEN! I can’t wait to savor the yummy-ness!
Gonna try this tonite, honey saw a recipe online somewhere and when I googled sauteed sprouts, I came upon your recipe and it sounded easy and used frozen sprouts. Most recipes say they come out mushy and to use only fresh. We eat the frozen ones all the time. Everything is better with bacon!!
Just tried these for dinner. They are yummy and much faster to cook than in the oven.
Will be adding this to tonights menu
Skillet pork chop dish w/ potatoes, carrots and onions
Thank you for this fun and simple recipe .. I don’t have any bacon so good ol evoo will do just fine
Sounds delicious! If you are looking to jazz them up a bit more, I have a newer version of this recipe out with a sweet and tangy glaze: https://thissillygirlskitchen.com/bacon-roasted-brussel-sprouts/