Oh, you’re in for a treat with this maple bacon Brussels skillet! It’s that perfect side dish that steals the show every time—sweet maple, crispy bacon, and those gorgeous caramelized Brussels sprouts come together in one pan. I first made this for a last-minute Friendsgiving, and now it’s my go when I need something impressive but easy. That salty-sweet combo? Absolute magic. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you smell that bacon sizzling with maple in the pan, you’ll understand why this recipe never lasts long on my table.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Brussels Skillet

Listen, this isn’t just another side dish—it’s the one that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:

Done in a flash – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes? Yes, please! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast.
That crispy-crunchy magic – Bacon gets perfectly crisp while the Brussels sprouts develop those gorgeous caramelized edges. The texture combo is everything.
Sweet meets salty perfection – Just enough maple syrup to balance the smoky bacon without being cloying. It’s that addictive flavor balance you’ll crave.
One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy every bite (and maybe even relax with a glass of wine).

Ingredients for Maple Bacon Brussels Skillet

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most of them already! Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavor-packed dish:

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces (trust me, thick-cut makes all the difference for that perfect crisp!)
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (look for bright green, firm sprouts about the size of a walnut)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – the real stuff, not pancake syrup!
1 tablespoon olive oil (just enough to get things started)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (I’m generous with the pepper – it plays so nicely with the maple)

That’s it! Five ingredients for a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Maple Bacon Brussels Skillet

Alright, let’s turn these simple ingredients into something magical! I’ve made this dish dozens of times, and these are the steps that guarantee perfection every time.

Cooking the Bacon

First, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in those chopped bacon pieces – oh, that sizzle! Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re crispy and golden brown. Here’s my trick: resist the urge to stir too much. Letting the bacon sit for a minute between stirs helps it crisp up beautifully. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave that glorious bacon fat in the pan – that’s liquid gold for cooking our sprouts!

Searing the Brussels Sprouts

Now, add your halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet, cut side down. This is crucial – don’t stir them right away! Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to develop those gorgeous caramelized edges. You’ll know it’s working when you smell that nutty, almost popcorn-like aroma. After they’ve browned nicely, give them a quick stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still have some bite.

Combining Flavors

Time for the grand finale! Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and drizzle in the maple syrup. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds – just long enough for the syrup to coat everything in that sticky-sweet glaze. Taste and season with salt and pepper. I like to finish with an extra crack of black pepper because the spice plays so nicely with the maple. That’s it – you’re done! Serve it straight from the skillet while it’s piping hot.

Tips for the Best Maple Bacon Brussels Skillet

After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for absolute perfection:

Thick-cut bacon is non-negotiable – It gives you those meaty, crispy bits that hold up to the Brussels sprouts. Thin bacon just disappears into the dish!
Don’t crowd the pan – If your sprouts are packed in too tight, they’ll steam instead of brown. Use two skillets if needed for that perfect caramelization.
Wait for the sizzle – When you add the sprouts, listen for that immediate hiss. If it’s quiet, your pan isn’t hot enough for proper browning.
Quality maple syrup matters – Skip the pancake syrup! The deeper flavor of real maple makes all the difference in balancing the salty bacon.

Follow these, and you’ll have a dish that disappears faster than you can say “seconds please!”

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Don’t stress if you’re missing something – this recipe is super flexible! Swap thick-cut bacon for turkey bacon (just add a splash of oil since it’s leaner). No maple syrup? Honey works beautifully. For vegetarians, try smoked paprika and mushrooms instead of bacon – you’ll still get that smoky depth we love!

Serving Suggestions for Maple Bacon Brussels Skillet

This skillet dish plays well with so many mains! I love it alongside simple roasted chicken – the maple in the sprouts echoes beautifully with classic poultry. For heartier meals, serve with grilled steak or pork chops. At holidays? It’s the perfect counterpoint to rich mains like glazed ham or turkey. Honestly, I’ve even eaten it straight from the pan with a fried egg on top for brunch – pure bliss!

Storage & Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your maple bacon Brussels skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. This brings back that crispy texture better than a microwave ever could. Just give it a quick stir, and it’s good as new!

Maple Bacon Brussels Skillet Nutrition

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in this delicious dish – because let’s be honest, you’re probably too busy enjoying every bite to count calories! Keep in mind these are estimates (your exact amounts may vary depending on ingredients).

Calories: 220 per serving
Fat: 14g (4g saturated, 8g unsaturated)
Carbs: 15g
Fiber: 4g – hey, Brussels sprouts are practically a superfood!
Protein: 8g
Sugar: 8g (mostly from that heavenly maple syrup)
Sodium: 320mg

Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The Brussels sprouts pack nutrients like vitamin C and K, while that bacon gives you a nice protein boost. My philosophy? When food tastes this good and makes you feel this happy, the numbers hardly matter!

FAQs About Maple Bacon Brussels Skillet

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? You can, but fresh is definitely best for that perfect caramelization. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them super dry first – otherwise they’ll steam instead of brown. Expect slightly softer texture, but the flavor will still be delicious!

How to make it vegetarian? Easy! Skip the bacon and start with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. For that smoky depth, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika when cooking the sprouts. Mushrooms make a great meaty substitute too – sauté them first until golden before adding your sprouts.

Can I prep this ahead? Absolutely! Cook the bacon and sprouts separately, then store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just reheat everything in the skillet with the maple syrup. The flavors actually deepen when they sit – bonus!