• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Clean & Delicious logo

  • Recipes
  • Video
  • Food For Thought
    • Intuitive Eating
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • Weight Loss
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
    • Work With Me
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Home » Recipes » Dinner » Sides » Brussels Sprouts With Bacon and Apples

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon and Apples

Published: Nov 14, 2019 · Last Modified: March 24, 2021 by Dani

This post may contain affiliate links.
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
a white dish with a Brussels sprouts and bacon side dish
how to make a Brussels sprouts side dish

This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples recipe is an easy, impressive side dish that’s the perfect pairing for a holiday meal or an easy weeknight dinner.

Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite vegetables – they’re great wrapped with bacon as a party snack, perfect for salads, and always make a delicious side dish. These flavorful Brussels are so easy to prepare, and are always a big hit.

brussels sprouts with apples and bacon

Brussels sprouts are a fall staple, and this recipe gives them a little extra pizzaz with the addition of apples and bacon.

Brussels sprouts are one of those veggies that people either love or hate. But, this version is one that you’re most likely to love! Steamed and then tossed with apples and bacon for a tasty, nutritious side dish.

What’s So Great About Brussels Sprouts?

If you like cabbage then you will definitely like Brussels sprouts. I mean, technically speaking they really do look just like little mini-cabbages and they are from the same family. They have a nutty, savory flavor and when cooked well, they have a nice al dente bite on the outside and are tender on the inside.  Call me veggie-crazy, but I honestly believe that if you have well cooked and seasoned Brussels sprouts you can’t not like them, they’re just too good!

Not only are Brussels sprouts super delicious, but they are also a nutritional powerhouse! They have tons of antioxidants and are a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and manganese. They’re also packed with fiber, so go ahead and enjoy this side dish. Your body will thank you!

brussel sprouts trimmed and sliced

How To Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples:

This recipe comes together very quickly.  Start the bacon cooking in the microwave and while that’s cooking, you can get the onion sautéing and the Brussels steaming. Toss the apples in with the onion once the onion has softened. When everything is done cooking, toss it all together and enjoy this flavorful warm side dish recipe.

The joining of the Brussels sprouts with a nice, tart, crunchy apple and some crispy, salty bacon is beyond delicious. I’ve seen this combination a thousand times but have never tried it on my own. And I now know why I have seen this flavor combo so often… it’s because it’s really good! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised… we’ve got Brussels sprouts, apples, and bacon… hello… what’s not to like?

Tips For Making Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:

  • If possible, use Brussels sprouts that are close to the same size. This will ensure even cooking. I really like to purchase smaller sprouts when I can find them. They seem to be more tender.
  • In this recipe all of the ingredients can be cooking at one time, so before starting, prep all ingredients and have them ready to go.
  • The bacon adds a crunchy texture and salty flavor to this dish that could be easily duplicated using pancetta, prosciutto, or even turkey bacon… so feel free to use which ever floats your boat. You only need a little bit for this recipe, so you may as well choose something that you really enjoy.  If you are vegan, try swapping in some chopped green olives or capers.

This recipe is such a tasty way to prepare Brussels sprouts that are full of flavor. The sweetness of the apple and saltiness in the bacon tastes so good with tender, freshly cooked Brussels sprouts. Brussels Sprouts W/ Apples And Bacon is great for holidays and dinner parties, but it’s easy enough to make any time of the year.

We love this served with chicken, pork and even salmon! OR if you wanted to get your legumes in, I think it would also pair well with some lentils. AND if you wanted to keep things really easy, just go ahead and top it with an over easy egg…  that would be really good!

brussels sprouts withbacon and apples in a white dish

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes To Try:

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes
  • Beet Salad with Arugula and Walnuts
  • Roasted Butternut Squash
  • Festive Kale Salad

I’d love to know if you make this (or any) recipe! Tag @clean_and_delicious on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy, delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

brussels sprouts withbacon and apples in a white dish
Print Recipe
4.72 from 14 votes

Brussels Sprouts W/ Apples And Bacon

This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples recipe is an easy, impressive side dish that’s the perfect pairing for a holiday meal or an easy weeknight dinner.
Course: DINNER, sides
Cuisine: American, low carb + keto, nut free
Author: Dani Spies
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 225kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
  • 4 slices organic bacon
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 medium tart apples diced (either Pink Ladies or Granny Smith)
  • 1 tbsp organic butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley dill would also be great here!
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Place bacon on a microwave safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Cook bacon for four minutes or until your bacon is nice and crispy.
    bacon on microwave tray
  • Melt butter in a large sauté pan and cook onion along with a pinch of salt.
    onions cooking in butter
  • While the onion is cooking place Brussels sprouts in a steamer basket and steam for eight to ten minutes or until they are nice and tender.
  • Once your onions are translucent, toss in your apples and cook for another four to five minutes. You are looking for your apples to get nice brown edges and to become just slightly tender.
    apples and onions cooking in pan
  • Once the apples and the onions are ready to go, toss in the Brussels sprouts and season with some salt and pepper. Crumble your bacon over the Brussels sprouts and toss with your parsley. Adjust your seasoning and enjoy!!
    brussels sprouts added to pan
  • Makes 4 servings.
    brussles sprouts with bacon and apples

Notes

If you want to skip the bacon, you can add it some capers for a bright, salty flavor without the meat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 643mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1308IU | Vitamin C: 108mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

Gluten Free, Low Carb + Keto, Nut Free, Recipes, Sides apples, bacon, Brussels Sprouts, dinner, Fall, Gluten Free, Holiday Recipes, Low Carb + Keto, Nut Free, sides, Winter

About Dani

Dani Spies is the founder and host of Clean & Delicious; a weekly cooking show on YouTube and a healthy eating blog that celebrates real, whole foods! She takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and is loved for her approachable, down to earth style both in and out of the kitchen.

Learn MoreWork With Me

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ricki says

    March 19, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    5 stars
    I already love brussels sprouts, but I don’t see how anyone could resist them with a recipe like this!

    Reply
  2. Culinary Wannabe says

    March 20, 2009 at 2:52 am

    5 stars
    I like microwaved bacon too for the same reason. It comes out dry and crunchy instead of kinda greasy and soggy. Plus it’s easy! We love brussels sprouts, but tend to reserve them only for Thanksgiving. I’m going to have to start making them a more common visitor to our table.

    Reply
  3. Peggy says

    March 20, 2009 at 6:01 am

    5 stars
    I don’t know if I love them but I do like them. The problem is that I only buy them frozen since, for some reason, I never think to buy them fresh when I see them. As a result, I end up with part bags of frozen sprouts since it’s just me and my 4-year-old here. Just yesterday, I puréed up the equivalent of a bag and a half because while they were too old to eat whole, I couldn’t stomach just throwing them in the garbage. So now what does one do with a medium-sized mixing bowl FULL of puréed brussels sprouts?

    I’m bookmarking this recipe for later. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Judith Divoky says

    March 20, 2009 at 7:15 am

    5 stars
    Dani Spies, you RULE!

    Honestly, we need you to have a TV show. What’s the Food Network not getting?

    PS Cannot wait to make this.

    Reply
  5. Sparkle Girl says

    March 20, 2009 at 7:31 am

    5 stars
    This recipe makes my mouth water! Can you tell me how many this recipe serves?

    Reply
  6. Dani says

    March 20, 2009 at 7:44 am

    5 stars
    Ricki – Me too!! And I agree… I think it might the bacon;).

    Culinary Wannabe – Isn’t it funny how we tend to use certain ingredients only on specific occasions?! I get sucked into that sometimes too.

    Peggy – Oh Peggy, you’ve got to buy them fresh!! (Not that frozen doesn’t have their place… I actually love frozen brussel sprouts topped with garlic powder and parmesan cheese for a quick snack or side). Hmmm… what can one do with a bowl of pureed brussel sprouts? How about a BS Pesto, or just stirring it into some pasta?

    Judith – Thanks! Maybe we can get you a job over at the FNW and then you could pul some strings for me;).

    Sparkle Girl – Ooops.. it makes four servings. I just edited the recipe!

    Reply
  7. Eliza28 says

    March 26, 2009 at 7:14 am

    5 stars
    As always love the recipes and glad to hear things are going good with the baby. So when are you going to post your crazy craving recipes? 🙂

    Reply
  8. Peggy says

    November 15, 2019 at 10:14 am

    Your Brussels Sports with Apples & Bacon sounds delightful, can’t wait to make it for my weekend company!! I’ll report back all the raves. Wondering, once the onions have been cooked & apples tossed in to cook for another 4-5 minutes, do you think dried figs can be added at this point? Or would the addition of figs be too crazy of an idea?

    Reply
    • Dani says

      November 20, 2019 at 1:53 pm

      I think figs would be delicious Peggy and so festive!! I love that idea.

      Reply
  9. Annie Maier says

    November 12, 2020 at 9:35 pm

    5 stars
    I love Brussels Sprouts, and was looking for something new! This is now my favorite sprouts recipe. I was afraid I wouldn’t like the addition of apples, but my husband and I really enjoyed the lightness it lends the dish. I added a bit of gouda cheese and baked it all up in a galette-YUM! Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Dani.

I’m a Health, Wellness & Weight Loss Coach, Mom of two, and the Founder of Clean & Delicious®. I’ll show you how to make healthy eating CRAZY-easy and insanely DELICIOUS!

Learn more

Reader Faves

Roasted Shrimp & Green Beans

One Pan Roasted Shrimp and Green Beans

meatloaf muffins in muffin tin

Meatloaf Muffins

Brussels Sprouts + Grapes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes | Healthy Holiday Side Dish

Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats - Clean & Delicious®

Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

Baked Chicken And Potatoes

apple-protein-muffins

Apple Protein Muffins

Seasonal Picks

spinach frittata in cast iron pan

Spinach Frittata

warm blueberry crisp with vanilla ice-cream

Blueberry Crisp Recipe

open-faced fish taco on white plate

Easy Fish Tacos

healthy foods

10 Healthy Fridge Staples

blueberry oatmeal muffin cup

Baked Blueberry Lemon Oatmeal Muffin Cups

steamed beets in a white bowl

Simply Steamed Beets

My Ebooks

As Featured On

Footer

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe to get new recipes + tips via email plus my BONUS smoothie making guide!

  • Recipes
  • Food For Thought
  • Resources
  • About
  • Work With Me

© 2021 Clean & Delicious. Privacy Policy