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You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes / Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries, and Apples

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries, and Apples

Published November 3, 2020. Last updated January 3, 2021 by Lauren Vavala Harris

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2 images of Brussels sprouts on a serving dish with text overlay between them
2 images of Brussels sprouts on a serving dish with text overlay between them
Brussels sprouts on a serving dish with text overlay
Brussels sprouts on a serving dish with text overlay

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries, and Apples combines savory Brussels sprouts and bacon, tart cranberries and apples with sweet maple syrup. It’s an easy side dish recipe to prepare and sure to convert anyone who thinks they don’t like this vegetable into a fan!

Close up of Bacon Cranberry Brussels Sprouts on a white serving tray

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I know a lot of people who turn their nose up at the idea of eating Brussels sprouts. They definitely have a bad reputation, but I’m certain it’s probably because they over-cooked and mushy. I’ll admit, I was afraid to try them for a long time. But, once I did, I never looked back.

I will only make Brussels sprouts roasted in the oven or cooked in a skillet like in this recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries, and Apples. I love them with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or with a light dressing like in this recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Mustard Dressing, but every once in awhile it is fun to up the ante.

Why This Recipe Works

This easy recipe is really great this time of the year and also makes a beautiful side dish for holiday meals.

Bacon and Brussels sprouts go hand-in-hand in a lot of recipes, but I also wanted to add a lot of the flavors popular during this time of the year.

Once again, cranberries have found their way into another recipe – they are just so good. Be sure to also check out this Apple Cranberry Walnut stuffing recipe, and this appetizer recipe if you love this little berry as much as I obviously do.

I also tossed some apples and maple syrup into the mix to keep a nice sweet-tart balance to flavor the savory Brussels. I like the tartness of Granny Smith apples but Honey Crisp apples also work great in this recipe.

How To Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries, and Apples

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberries, and apples on a white background with labels

  • Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best results. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be mushy with less flavor.
  • Dried cranberries work best in this recipe. They have sugar added to them already. If you use fresh cranberries, they will need to be cooked some and will be much more tart.

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

There’s a little chopping to get done before you start cooking. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and either cut them in half or quarters. Slice the shallot and chop the bacon into small pieces, as well as the apple.

Create!

Diced bacon cooking in a skillet over a white background

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Drain all of the excess bacon grease except for about 1 tablespoon.

Sliced shallots cooking in bacon grease in a black skillet

Add the shallot and cook for about 1 minute.

Brussels sprouts cooking in bacon grease in a black skillet

Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly browned and tender.

Brussels sprouts with bacon, apples, and cranberries cooking in a black skillet

Mix the bacon back into the Brussels sprouts as well as the apples and cranberries.

Maple syrup being poured onto brussels sprouts and fruit in a black skillet

Drizzle on the maple syrup and stir well to combine.

Present!

A rectangular white serving dish with brussels sprouts on it, a pitcher of maple syrup, a server and dish towel on a white background

Carefully spoon out onto a serving dish. 

Tips and Techniques

  • Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best results. 
  • Dried cranberries work best in this recipe.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.

More Brussels Sprouts Recipes

Roasted Fall Vegetables with Cranberries and Maple Walnuts
This easy-to-make Roasted Fall Vegetables recipe is a delicious blend of savory butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and shallot with bursts of cranberry sweetness in every bite. Maple walnuts add texture and crunch, while optional creamy goat cheese brings a hint of tanginess.
Get The Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash medley with brussels sprouts, cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese with a spatula lifting some up
Brussels Sprouts Gratin
Cheesy, low carb Brussels Sprouts Gratin is a simple low carb side dish that is loaded with flavor. It’s made with a combination of Parmesan and Gruyere cheese with a crunchy pistachio topping. There are only 10 grams of net carbs per serving and it’s gluten free.
Get The Recipe
A scoop of Brussels Sprouts Gratin being lifted up with a wood server
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw is a delicious spin on classic coleslaw. Try it on pulled pork or as a side dish – especially during barbecue season. With only 4 net carbs per serving, it’s also a great choice for those following a low carb or keto diet.
Get The Recipe
2 wooden bowls of brussels sprouts coleslaw on a piece of slaw over a gray background with a fork and blue and white striped towel

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Print

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cranberries, and Apples

Bacon Cranberry Brussels Sprouts with apples combines savory Brussels sprouts and bacon, tart cranberries and apples with sweet maple syrup. It's an easy side dish recipe to prepare and sure to convert anyone who thinks they don't like this vegetable into a fan!
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 362kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound bacon (diced)
  • 1 medium shallot (sliced)
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts (halved)
  • 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honey Crisp work great)
  • 1/4 Cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Drain all of the excess bacon grease except for about 1 tablespoon.
  • Add the shallot and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly browned and tender.
  • Mix the bacon back into the Brussels sprouts as well as the apples and cranberries. Drizzle on the maple syrup and stir well to combine and heat through.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best results. 
  • Dried cranberries work best in this recipe.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.
 
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Vitamin C: 98.9mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1.9mg

This recipe was originally published on December 7, 2017. It was updated with new images, more thorough instructions, tips, techniques, FAQ’s and video in October 2020.

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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Recipes, Side Dishes

Comments

  1. Sara LaFountain says

    September 25, 2021 at 11:09 am

    This side dish was SO good! It will be a star on my Thanksgiving table!

    Reply
  2. Linda says

    September 25, 2021 at 12:05 am

    I love this combo and can’t wait to make more of this

    Reply
  3. Martha Wolf says

    November 10, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    Loved it. I did use fresh cranberries, so I cooked them with the shallots, apple and maple syrup to give them the chance to sweeten up a bit. I also roasted the brussels sprouts ahead of time, and then added back in to reheat.

    Reply
  4. Carissa Shaw says

    October 22, 2018 at 9:08 am

    I love brussel sprouts! My husband makes them often. This recipe looks amazing!

    Reply
  5. Wajeeha says

    October 22, 2018 at 8:30 am

    What a delicious side dish…I’ve never had brussels sprouts, but I know they seem to have a bad reputation…however your version looks super delicious and I can’t wait to try it!! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Demeter says

    October 22, 2018 at 8:12 am

    This should be on every table this upcoming holiday season! Looks fantastic!

    Reply
  7. kim says

    October 22, 2018 at 7:50 am

    I love the bacon, apple, Brussels sprouts combo! What a fabulous side dish for this time of year!

    Reply
  8. Adrianne says

    October 22, 2018 at 7:07 am

    You and me girlfriend, both love Brussel Sprouts, they are so good! I love how nutritious they are too. I hadn’t thought of using apple and cranberries with them thought, good idea. I can’t wait to give them a go!

    Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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