Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon and Maple Glaze

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

Brussels sprouts are caramelized with smoky bacon and finished with a sweet maple glaze for a perfect balance of flavors. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs halved Brussels sprouts, chopped 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon and Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon and Maple Glaze?

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 halved brussels sprouts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon and Maple Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon and Maple Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Smoked Bacon and Maple Glaze?

Mediterranean vegetarian 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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