Charred Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Fig Glaze

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy pancetta and a sweet fig glaze. This sophisticated side dish combines the earthiness of Brussels sprouts with the salty bite of pancetta and the subtle sweetness of fig jam.

6 servings

15 min

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•3 tablespoons olive oil
•3½ ounces pancetta
•1½ pounds Brussels sprouts
•¼ teaspoon kosher salt
•2 tablespoons fig jam
•1 tablespoon water
•¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1.
In a large (12 inches or wider) frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a small bowl. Return the pan to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add the Brussels sprouts, keeping them in a single layer as much as possible. Having a few extra sprouts is fine, but if they are mounded in a pile, they will not brown or cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger pan, cook them in two batches, or pull out the extra for another use. Stir in the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and well browned-even charred in spots. If the sprouts are browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium.
13 min
2.
Add the fig jam and the water and stir until the jam melts and coats the Brussels sprouts. Add the reserved pancetta and the pepper and stir to combine. Taste and add additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm.
2 min

Cooking Instructions

In a large (12 inches or wider) frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a small bowl. Return the pan to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add the Brussels sprouts, keeping them in a single layer as much as possible. Having a few extra sprouts is fine, but if they are mounded in a pile, they will not brown or cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger pan, cook them in two batches, or pull out the extra for another use. Stir in the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and well browned-even charred in spots. If the sprouts are browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium.

13 min

Add the fig jam and the water and stir until the jam melts and coats the Brussels sprouts. Add the reserved pancetta and the pepper and stir to combine. Taste and add additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm.

2 min