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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

November 14, 2023

“More Brussels sprouts, please!” Who would have ever believed that we’d actually be hearing that!? But these maple-bacon Brussels sprouts are so delicious, you’d better get ready to believe it.

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skillet of crispy maple bacon brussels sprouts seasoned with salt and pepper

Thank You, Whoever You Are.

The person who realized that Brussels sprouts and bacon are a perfect match deserves a medal. These diminutive members of the brassica family are not known for their general likeability—and admittedly, Brussels sprouts can have a slight bitterness that makes them an acquired taste. But, pair their vegetal bite with the smoky, meaty heft of crispy bacon—as we do in this easy, stove top sprout recipe—and you’ll find that there are more Brussels sprouts fanatics in your house than you realized.

homemade maple bacon brussels sprouts seasoned with salt and pepper

What Are Brussels Sprouts?

OK first let’s just clarify something—the third “s” in “Brussels” belongs there. It’s “Brussels sprouts” not “Brussel sprouts”. Now, when you chime in on the family text thread about the fact that your Thanksgiving side dish contribution is going to be these Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple, you can type with confidence. Moving on! So, obviously you know that Brussels sprouts are a vegetable, but what are these tiny cabbage-looking green things anyway? Well, they are indeed a variety of cabbage—therefore related to other veggies in the brassica family, like broccoli and cauliflower—and the “sprouts” or buds, that cover the stalk of the plant are the part we eat. You might also be wondering....

brussels spouts, raw bacon, olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper in small bowls to make maple bacon brussels sprouts

Are Brussels Sprouts Good For You?

We’re betting you have a suspicion that the answer is yes. And, if so, you’re right! Much like their other brassica family relatives like kale and cauliflower, the health benefits of Brussels sprouts are many. In addition to being a wonderful source of fiber—like almost all vegetables—Brussels sprouts are a great source of iron, as well as vitamin A and vitamin C. And EVEN if you pan-fry your Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup, we still think they count as a healthy vegetable.

bacon pieces being cooked in a skillet
brussels sprout halves being cooked cut side down in a cast iron skillet

How To Cook Brussels Sprouts

While we’ve been known to shave them into a salad and enjoy Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Candied Brussels Sprouts and Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Wild Mushrooms, these easy, pan-fried maple-bacon Brussels sprouts are probably our very favorite way to cook them. Who knew that a cruciferous vegetable could be so gosh darn comforting? Plus, this recipe is a life-saver at the holidays—no oven time required. Here’s how to make them:

  1. Grab a skillet and fry some bacon.

  2. Leave a little bacon fat in the pan and add a little olive oil too.

  3. Fry the Brussels sprouts until they're caramelized and crispy.

  4. Add the bacon back to the pan, drizzle in a little maple syrup and pat yourself on the back! You just made the best Brussels sprouts that your family / friends / whoever have ever tasted. These are mind-changing Brussels sprouts.

browned brussels sprouts in a skillet
maple bacon brussels sprouts in a skillet seasoned with salt and pepper

What to Serve with Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts?

We like to make it a meal with some fluffy potatoes like Crispy Shallot Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and a hearty protein like Baked Salmon, Chicken Marsala, or a beautiful Beef Tenderloin.

Tools You’ll Need:

Green Vegetable Side Dishes that Aren’t Total Snooze Fests.

Because seriously, vegetables are delicious! They just need a little TLC.

a skillet of homemade maple bacon brussels sprouts seasoned with salt and pepper

“Brussels Sprouts? My Favorite!”

Just imagine hearing that coming out of your kids mouths. With this Brussels sprout recipe on the menu, you honestly just might! Snap a photo of your finished skillet-o-sprouts, and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper so we can see how it turned out for you. Happy eating!

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

  • Serves:  6
  • Prep Time:  5 min
  • Cook Time:  20 min
  • Calories:  164

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, halved
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper freshly cracked black

Method

  1. Place the bacon in a large skillet. Set the skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon crisps and the fat is rendered, 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pan.

  2. Add the olive oil to the same skillet and increase the heat to medium high. Add Brussels sprouts, cut sides down, and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the sprouts are lightly browned. Flip and cook, stirring continuously, until they are tender, 3 to 4 minutes.

  3. Return bacon to the skillet and add the maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sprouts are coated. Serve warm.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories 164
  • Protein 10 g
  • Carbohydrates 11 g
  • Total Fat 10 g
  • Dietary Fiber 3 g
  • Cholesterol 20 mg
  • sodium 644 mg
  • Total Sugars 6 g

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Questions & Reviews

Join the discussion below.

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  • Gaby

    A full pound of bacon? Is that right? I love bacon but that seems like quite a lot.

    Yes, 1 pound. Feel free to use less if you prefer.

  • Sue

    can you substitute honey for the maple syrup?

    We haven't tried it but imagine it would taste yummy as well!

  • Georgeann

    can your maple bacon Brussel sprout recipe be made ahead and reheated?

    We wouldn't recommend it! It's best enjoyed right away.

  • Margaret

    Can I make these in advance and reheat?

    Yes, but don't add the bacon until the end. And I would reheat them in a pan so that you get some crispness back to them.

  • Tricia

    Do you think I can make this with standard grocery store syrup (i.e. artificial), or is it recommended to use 100% real/true maple syrup?

    You could try it! We always prefer to use the real stuff whenever possible, though.

  • Matt

    This was very good (our kids happily finished it off, haha). Like another reviewer, this seemed like a LOT of bacon to us. I think it would be fine with less.

    I'm giving it only four stars because:

    * It is a little too sweet for me...we might try cutting back on the maple syrup or adding something savory (soy or worcestershire sauce, perhaps?) to balance it out.

    * Getting each individual sprout cut side down in the pan (and then turning them all individually) was a fair amount of work for a side dish. It is possible that it would be just as good if they were simply tossed occasionally.

    We enjoyed it, though, and will make it again!

    Thanks Matt, glad you enjoyed them!

  • Michelle

    I do not normally leave reviews but I had too for this recipe it was amazing!! I tweaked it just a little only because we don’t like Al dente so I turned the heat down after the first turn and covered to get them a little more done…

    Thanks Michelle, we are so happy you loved them!

  • Jill

    OMG! These were amazing!! I did add some chopped pecans for the last 6 mins. and tossed with a balsamic maple vinegar when they were done. Will be making these often! Thank you!!

    Thanks Jill, we are so glad you loved them!

  • jenn

    Best brussels sprouts I've EVER MADE, I usually just roast them in the oven with oil and salt, this had so much more deliciousness going on!

    Thanks Jenn, so glad you liked them and that it gave you another option how to make them!