Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon and Maple Glaze

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-26 · Updated 2026-06-26

Brussels sprouts are caramelized with smoky bacon and finished with a sweet maple glaze for a perfect balance of flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs Brussels sprouts, smoked bacon, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb, halved Brussels sprouts
• 4 slices, chopped smoked bacon
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp water

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 chopped slices of smoked bacon and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy and browned, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Add 1 pound halved Brussels sprouts, cut side down, to the skillet with the bacon. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the cut edges are golden and caramelized.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons water to the skillet, cover with a lid and steam for 3 minutes until Brussels sprouts are tender but still crisp.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and drizzle 2 tablespoons maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts and bacon. Stir gently and cook for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the vegetables. Remove from heat and serve immediately.