Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple Cider Vinegar and Crispy Bacon

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

Whole30-friendly Brussels sprouts sautéed until caramelized and finished with tangy apple cider vinegar and crispy bacon bits for a savory side dish. This american-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, halved, bacon slices, chopped, extra virgin olive oil 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 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 chopped bacon slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet cut side down. Cook without stirring for 5-6 minutes until edges turn deep golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Stir Brussels sprouts and add 1 minced garlic clove. Cook for another 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and cook for 2 more minutes until the vinegar reduces slightly and the sprouts are tender.
  5. Step 5: Return crispy bacon pieces to the skillet, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple Cider Vinegar and Crispy Bacon 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 Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple Cider Vinegar and Crispy 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 brussels sprouts, halved from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Apple Cider Vinegar and Crispy 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 Cider Vinegar and Crispy 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 Cider Vinegar and Crispy 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.

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