Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Garlic

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

Tender Brussels sprouts pan-seared with crispy bacon and fragrant garlic for a savory side that complements any Thanksgiving meal. This american-inspired thanksgiving ready in about 25 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, bacon strips, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 chopped bacon strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until crisp and fat is rendered. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound halved Brussels sprouts cut side down to the skillet. Sauté without stirring for 5 minutes until golden brown on the cut sides.
  3. Step 3: Stir the Brussels sprouts and add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are tender and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook together for 1 more minute to combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 teaspoon lemon juice over the sprouts for brightness if desired. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 Garlic?

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 Garlic 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 Garlic?

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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