Name: Recipe "Brussels Sprouts with Bacon"
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon; 1.5 lb brussels sprouts (ends trimmed and cut in half); 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp pure maple syrup; kosher salt and black pepper

If Bacon is what brought you here, Breakfast Sandwich, Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Pasta with Hazelnuts, and Brussels Sprouts with Bacon deserve a spot on your list too.

How This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe Turns Skeptics into Fans

This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe turned my husband and boys into fans. They swore they hated Brussels sprouts until I made them with crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup. Now they ask for this side dish often, especially during the holidays. It shows that a little bacon grease and sweet syrup can win over even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Only four ingredients, and you probably already have them in your kitchen.
The bacon grease flavors the sprouts while helping them turn crispy and golden.
You get a holiday-worthy side dish in under 20 minutes, with almost no cleanup.

Key Ingredients for Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Bacon: Regular sliced bacon works best. Thick-cut is great for more chewy texture, but avoid maple-flavored bacon because we add our own syrup.
Brussels sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts without yellow leaves. Fresh is best. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry first to avoid steaming.
Pure maple syrup: Use real maple syrup, not imitation pancake syrup. It adds a genuine sweetness that balances the salty bacon. Grade A or B both work fine.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Large cast iron skillet (12-inch is ideal for even browning)
Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for trimming sprouts
Paper towels for draining bacon

Tips for Making the Best Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Use a large cast iron skillet for this recipe. It gets hot enough to crisp the sprouts just like roasting. After cooking the bacon, leave the grease in the pan. It adds loads of flavor and helps the sprouts brown nicely. Cook the sprouts until you see some char on the edges, about 8 to 10 minutes. That’s when they’re at their best: crisp on the outside and tender inside. Don’t skip the maple syrup. A little drizzle balances the salty bacon and adds a subtle sweetness.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

For even cooking, cut all the Brussels sprouts to a similar size. If some are much larger, quarter them instead of halving. Don’t overcrowd the pan. The sprouts need room to get crispy. Work in batches if necessary. And always taste the finished dish before adding extra salt. The bacon and syrup already contribute saltiness and sweetness.

Variations for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

You can customize this dish in several ways. Add a minced garlic clove along with the Brussels sprouts for a savory boost. Swap the maple syrup for balsamic vinegar to create a tangy glaze. Or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for a subtle kick. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon, use olive oil instead of bacon grease, and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Brussels sprouts pair well with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty beef stew. For a holiday meal, serve them alongside roasted turkey or ham. Their sweet-savory flavor also complements creamy dishes like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes. Try them with Easy Skillet Chicken Thighs or Baked Mac and Cheese for a comforting dinner.

How to Store Leftover Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Transfer any leftover Brussels sprouts to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The texture is best when fresh, but they’ll still be tasty for a couple of days.

How to Freeze Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Yes, you can freeze these cooked Brussels sprouts. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet to restore some crispness. Note that the texture will be softer than fresh.

How to Reheat Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

To bring back the crispness, reheat leftovers in a cast iron skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. An air fryer works well too. Set it to 350°F and heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. The microwave will make them mushy, so avoid it if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Turkey bacon works, but it won’t release as much fat. You may need to add a little oil to the pan to crisp the sprouts. The flavor will be milder.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To skip the bacon, substitute with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. Cook the sprouts as directed.

Do I need a cast iron skillet?

A cast iron skillet is ideal because it holds heat well and helps the sprouts caramelize. Any heavy-bottomed skillet will work, just make sure it’s hot before adding the sprouts.

How do I get the Brussels sprouts extra crispy?

Cut them into smaller pieces, don’t crowd the pan, and cook over medium-high heat without stirring too often. Let them sit for a few minutes to develop a deep golden crust.

Recipe

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

What’s the best way to make Brussels sprouts taste amazing? Add bacon! Make these easy Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and watch kids and adults alike serve up seconds.

easyGluten-Free

5 min

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

20 min

Total Time

Servings

American

Cuisine

135 kcal

Calories

Ingredients

Servings

4 slices bacon
1.5 lb brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and cut in half
1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp pure maple syrup
kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions

1
In a large cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t drain the bacon grease.
2
In the same pan with bacon grease, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be slightly crisp and tender, not mushy.

3
Chop up the cooked bacon strips and add the bacon to the pan. Drizzle with maple syrup and stir. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)

135kcal

Calorie breakdown

Protein16%25 kcal

Fat50%75 kcal

Carbohydrates34%52 kcal

How this was calculated — 5 of 5 ingredients matched

baconBacon, meatless371 kcal

brussels sproutsBrussels sprouts, raw293 kcal

butterButter, salted108 kcal

pure maple syrupSyrup, Cane40 kcal

kosher salt and black pepperPepper, banana, raw0 kcal

Serving size ≈ 139 g · 6 servings

Nutrition information is automatically calculated from USDA FoodData Central, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.

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Keyword: american, bacon, easy, gluten-free, side dish, Skillet

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