Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Glaze

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

Caramelized Brussels sprouts cooked with smoky bacon and finished with a sweet maple glaze for a perfect holiday side. This american-inspired thanksgiving ready in about 25 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, halved, bacon slices, chopped, 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 4 chopped bacon slices. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp and fat is rendered. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Pour out excess bacon fat leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet, then add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound halved Brussels sprouts cut side down to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5 minutes until edges are golden and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Stir the Brussels sprouts and cook for an additional 5 minutes until tender.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup over Brussels sprouts, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and stir to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Return crispy bacon to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for 1 more minute until warmed through.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately as a savory-sweet Thanksgiving side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Glaze 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 Maple Glaze?

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 Maple Glaze?

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 Maple Glaze 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 Maple Glaze?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes