Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Bacon
Tender sautéed Brussels sprouts combined with sweet apple and smoky bacon for a flavorful Whole30-friendly side dish. This whole30-inspired vegetarian (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, diced (Whole30 compliant) bacon slices, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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, trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts
- 1 medium (about 6 oz), cored and thinly sliced apple
- 4 slices, diced (Whole30 compliant) bacon slices
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small, finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 diced whole30-compliant bacon slices and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Step 2: Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with bacon fat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are tender and edges are golden brown.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 medium thinly sliced apple and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the apple softens but retains some texture.
- Step 5: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and toss everything together. Cook for 1 more minute to meld flavors. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Bacon take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Bacon?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Bacon?
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 Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Bacon 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.
Is Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Bacon whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
