Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple

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

Savory bacon and sweet apple mingle with caramelized Brussels sprouts in this vibrant Whole30 side dish. This Whole30 recipe (gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs Brussels sprouts, halved, bacon slices, diced, apple, cored and diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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 4 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 4 diced bacon slices. Cook for 5-7 minutes until bacon is crispy and fat renders. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the bacon fat and then 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are golden and sprouts are tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 medium diced apple and cook for 3 minutes until apples begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Add back the crispy bacon, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and drizzle 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar over everything. Stir well and cook for 1 more minute until the vinegar reduces slightly and coats the ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve warm as a flavorful side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple 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 Bacon and Apple?

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 Bacon and Apple?

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 Bacon and Apple 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 Bacon and Apple 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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