Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Updated September 16, 2024

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Quick Summary

What’s the best way to make Brussels sprouts taste amazing? Add bacon! Make these easy Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and watch kids and adults alike serve up seconds.

brussels sprouts with bacon in black bowl with serving spoons.

Are you ready for the dish that turns people into Brussels sprouts fans? Josh and my boys said they didn’t like brussels sprouts until they tried Brussels Sprouts with BACON! This recipe is a game changer!

These easy sautéed brussels sprouts are a little bit crispy on the outside with bacon flavor infused throughout. Drizzle a bit of pure maple at the very end and you have a side dish that is totally crave-worthy!

These sprouts are the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish, but can also be served as a easy weeknight side. They go great with any meal!

Ingredients

You only need 4 ingredients to make this easy vegetable side dish.

Bacon
Brussels sprouts
Butter
Pure maple syrup

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Wash the brussels sprouts under cold water before using.
Use a sharp knife to cut off the stem end.
Cut the sprouts in half, making sure they are all about the same size so they cook evenly. If you have really large brussels sprouts, you can cut them in quarters.

bacon in skillet for brussels sprouts with bacon recipe.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

In a large cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t drain the bacon grease.

brussels sprouts cooking in cast iron skillet.

In the same pan with bacon grease, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be slightly crisp and tender, not mushy.

brussels sprouts with bacon cooking in cast iron skillet.

Chop up the cooked bacon strips and add the bacon to the pan. Drizzle with maple syrup and stir. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

I love this recipe because it is made on the stove top. I recommend using a large cast iron skillet because the pan can get super hot and create crispy brussels sprouts, similar to roasting in the oven.
Leave the grease in the pan after you cook the bacon! The bacon grease will give the sprouts SO much flavor. Plus, bacon grease will help the sprouts get nice and crispy.
Transfer your cooked and crispy bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, and put the sprouts directly into the pan.
Cook until you can see some char on the sprouts!
A drizzle of pure maple syrup goes SO well with the bacon. It makes this super-simple side taste extra special! Don’t skip it!

Serving Suggestions

Serve the brussels sprouts with any of the following dishes!

How to Store & Reheat

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I suggest reheating on the stovetop, in the cast iron skillet, to get their perfect crispy texture back! You can also reheat the sprouts in an air fryer. If you microwave the leftovers, they will get a little mushy.

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