These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are made on the stove and ready in about 15 minutes! An easy and delicious side dish. 

Don’t want to fire up your oven? This sautéed brussels sprouts recipe is a super simple side dish that pairs crispy bacon, crispy sautéed brussels sprouts and a hint of maple syrup. I like this easy recipe for weeknight dinner AND holiday feasts.

Brussels sprouts are at their best when they’re just a bit crispy. We avoid overcooked sprouts in this recipe by quickly sautéing thinly sliced sprouts in bacon drippings, giving you a tender sprout with crispy edges! Using smaller pieces gives the sprouts an opportunity to crisp up without burning.

How to Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts:

You’ll want to trim your brussels sprouts by completely removing the stem end, then peeling off the outer leaves. Once you do this, you can shave the brussels sprouts into thin pieces using a chef knife or a mandolin slicer.

Check out my other Brussels Sprouts recipes on this site! Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad | Roasted Brussel Sprouts | Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

I like to think of a brussels sprout as a tiny cabbage. Typically, when I describe them as mini cabbages, a lightbulb clicks for people. Why? Because, most of us know how to use cabbage!

If you have a (literal) bad taste in your mouth from the boiled, soggy, sulfuric brussels sprouts of your past, I promise that just a little bit of care in your cooking technique will change your mind on them!

Much of the flavor from this sautéed brussel sprouts recipe comes from the bacon grease, so it’s important to use good quality bacon! I typically to to find center cut bacon at the grocery store.

You can also use thick cut bacon, but you may need to add a few minutes to the bacon’s cook time.

Additions and Substitutions:

Like most recipes, there are a ton of ways to modify this recipe to your tastes, and what’s in your pantry! Here are a few things I’ve tried:

  • Add sliced almonds when you return the brussels sprouts to the pan for a nutty flavor
  • I used pork bacon, but you can absolutely substitute diced pancetta or turkey bacon for the bacon
  • Add herb sprigs for the last minute of sautéing to add fragrance and flavor! I think rosemary or thyme are the best fresh herbs for these sauteed brussel sprouts
  • Substitute honey or brown sugar for sweet flavor instead of maple syrup
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice along with the maple syrup. This will add a bit of acid and a TON of flavor.
  • Add chopped shallots or sweet onion along with the bacon.
  • Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard along with the maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve these skillet bacon brussel sprouts as:

  • the perfect side dish for pork chops or chicken breast
  • with roast turkey. It’s a great side dish recipe for a small Thanksgiving gathering!
  • a topping for a roasted sweet potato. It’s a whole meal!

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Reheat on a sheet pan in the oven, or in the skillet on the stove for the best consistency.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Easy Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Yield: Serves 3-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are made on the stove and ready in about 15 minutes! An easy and delicious side dish. 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound brussels sprout (trimmed and washed, outer leaves removed, stem end discarded)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 pieces of bacon, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the trimmed brussels sprouts by carefully cutting them into fine shreds using a knife or mandolin slicer.
  2. To a large skillet, add oil and heat over medium-high heat.
  3. Add shredded sprouts to the hot oil and saute quickly, scraping the bottom of the pan to make sure none of the sprouts burn, for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Season the sprouts with the salt and pepper. Remove to a paper towel lined plate, and set aside.
  5. Using the same skillet, add the diced bacon. Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
  6. Return the sprouts to the pan with the bacon, tossing well to combine with the bacon fat, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add maple syrup and remaining seasonings, toss to combine. Serve warm.

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