Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple Cider Reduction

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

Caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon and finished with a tangy-sweet apple cider reduction for a savory-sweet side. This american-inspired thanksgiving ready in about 30 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, bacon strips, apple cider 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 chopped bacon strips until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the bacon fat and melt. Add 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sprouts are golden and tender.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup apple cider and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces to a glaze that coats the Brussels sprouts.
  4. Step 4: Return the crispy bacon to the pan, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, toss to combine, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple Cider Reduction?

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 Cider Reduction 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 Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple Cider Reduction?

American thanksgiving 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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