Sautéed Garlic Lemon Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender Brussels sprouts sautéed with crispy bacon and brightened with fresh lemon juice for a flavorful Whole30 side dish. This whole30-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved, bacon strips, chopped, garlic cloves, minced 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 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 Whole30 cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 4 chopped bacon slices. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crispy and fat is rendered. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat, then add 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts cut side down. Cook without stirring for 5-6 minutes until bottoms are golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Stir the Brussels sprouts, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant and Brussels sprouts are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Lemon Brussels Sprouts with 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 Garlic Lemon Brussels Sprouts with 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 bacon strips, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Lemon Brussels Sprouts with 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 Garlic Lemon Brussels Sprouts with 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 Garlic Lemon Brussels Sprouts with Bacon gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, whole30, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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