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• My Fried Brussels Sprouts Will Change Your Mind
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Pan Fry Brussels Sprouts
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• Fried Brussels Sprouts (Crispy & Easy) Recipe card
• Recipe Variations
• Recipe Reviews

My Fried Brussels Sprouts Will Change Your Mind

Ah, brussels sprouts. The veggie everyone thinks they hate… until they try them like this. This pan fried brussels sprouts recipe is crispy, caramelized, and packed with flavor — nothing like the boiled kind you might remember. I’ve always loved the combo of brussels sprouts and bacon , so I brought that into this version too. Once you taste these, you won’t see sprouts the same way again. Here’s why this one’s a favorite:

• Crispy and caramelized – I’ve tested all kinds of heat levels and pan setups, and this method gives golden edges, rich flavor, and the crispiest fried brussels sprouts every time. Letting them sit undisturbed is key.
• Next-level flavor with bacon – Cooking the sprouts in bacon grease takes them to the next level. I always save the crispy bits to stir in at the end for extra texture and salty, smoky flavor.
• Fast and easy – Just 4 basic ingredients plus salt and pepper, and these vegetables are ready in under 30 minutes. I make them all the time as a quick healthy side (or even a simple appetizer) when I need something fast.

Trust me, these are not your average sprouts. Make them with me and see why I’m hooked.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my fried brussels sprouts recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Brussels Sprouts – Any size works, but I like using small to medium ones. I cut them in half, or quarters if they’re on the bigger side.
• Bacon – I cook mine in the skillet so I can use the bacon grease for frying. If you’ve got leftover or pre-cooked bacon , that works too. Just add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and feel free to skip the bacon entirely.
• Olive Oil – Bacon grease alone isn’t enough and can burn, so I add olive oil too. You can swap in avocado oil or another heat-safe oil if you prefer.
• Balsamic Vinegar – Adds that tangy-sweet kick. You can skip it or use lemon juice instead.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Just the basics here. Sometimes I toss in garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or dried herbs too.

How To Pan Fry Brussels Sprouts

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Fry the bacon. Start with a cold cast iron skillet and add the bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy, then set it aside on a paper towel. Keep the bacon grease in the pan.
2. Season the brussels sprouts. Add the olive oil and brussels sprouts to the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then give it a quick stir to coat.

1. Pan fry brussels sprouts. Turn it up to medium-high heat and place the brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. Let them cook until they’re golden brown.
2. Chop the bacon. While the sprouts are frying, chop up the bacon so it’s ready to go.
3. Combine and finish. I add the balsamic vinegar and a little more oil, then cover the pan and cook until the fried brussels sprouts are crisp-tender. Toss the bacon back in and give everything a stir.

My Recipe Tips

• Cut the sprouts evenly. I usually halve smaller sprouts and quarter the bigger ones so they all cook evenly.
• Use a heavy skillet. I always reach for this cast iron pan because it holds heat well and gets the sprouts nice and crispy.
• Medium-high is where the magic happens. Brussels sprouts need that higher heat to get golden and caramelized, not soft and mushy.
• A good amount of oil gives flavor and helps the sprouts brown instead of steam. I use both the bacon grease and olive oil here.
• Unlike with sauteed broccoli or sauteed zucchini , I make sure each piece touches the pan. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll just steam. Cook in batches if you need to.
• I know it’s tempting to stir, but don’t. I leave them alone until the bottoms are dark and toasty before flipping, because that’s where all the flavor comes from.

Serving Ideas

These crispy pan fried brussels sprouts go with just about any main dish! Here are a few simple reader favorites:

• Chicken – These brussels sprouts go great with crispy chicken legs or balsamic chicken for something easy. When I’m craving comfort food, I make them with my honey garlic Crock Pot chicken .
• Steak – I love serving these with a juicy petite sirloin or flank steak especially when I use my go-to balsamic marinade that ties it all together. And if I’m going all out, I’ll do filet mignon with garlic herb butter.
• Seafood – Pair ’em with baked salmon , air fryer cod , or seared scallops with lemon butter sauce. It’s a nice balance with the crispy edges and smoky bacon.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 slices Bacon ▢
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts (sliced in half, or quarters if they are large) ▢
• 3 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (optional) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Place the bacon slices onto a large, cold cast iron skillet on the stove. Turn heat to medium. Fry bacon for 4-5 minutes on each side, until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and set aside to drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
3. Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil to the pan and swirl around. Add the brussels sprouts. Season with sea salt and black pepper, and stir together.
4. Increase heat to medium-high. Arrange the brussels sprouts in a single layer in the pan, with as many surfaces touching the pan as possible. Sear for about 3-4 minutes , without moving, until well browned on the bottom. Flip or stir, and repeat on the other side. Repeat as necessary to brown all the sprouts.
5. Meanwhile, chop the bacon while waiting for the sprouts to brown.
6. Add the balsamic vinegar (if using) and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes .
7. Return the chopped bacon to the pan and stir.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best browning, the crispiest texture, and the most flavor.
• Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for ways to switch up your pan fried brussels sprouts with sweet, cheesy, or crunchy add-ins.
• Serving ideas: See my serving ideas for easy mains to pair with your sprouts, whether you’re craving chicken, steak, or something from the sea.
• Store: The balsamic helps them keep well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot and crispy again.
• Freeze: Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag. Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Recipe Variations

Here are a few of my favorite ways to give these pan fried brussels sprouts a twist:

• Make it sweet – Drizzle in some honey or sugar-free honey when you add the balsamic. I’ve also used my honey garlic sauce here and really liked it.
• Balsamic glaze – For more tangy-sweet flavor, I like to finish with a quick drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking.
• Parmesan cheese – Sprinkle in some parmesan at the end for a cheesy crust, or try my parmesan brussels sprouts instead.
• Add Nuts – Toasted pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. I usually throw them in at the end, whether they’re raw or already roasted.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Fried Brussels Sprouts (Crispy & Easy)

Crispy, caramelized pan fried brussels sprouts with bacon are the easiest way to upgrade your veggie side with just 6 ingredients!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/crispy-pan-fried-brussel-sprouts-recipe/

Ingredients

• 4 slices Bacon
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts (sliced in half, or quarters if they are large)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the bacon slices onto a large, cold cast iron skillet on the stove. Turn heat to medium. Fry bacon for 4-5 minutes on each side, until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and set aside to drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
3. Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil to the pan and swirl around. Add the brussels sprouts. Season with sea salt and black pepper, and stir together.
4. Increase heat to medium-high. Arrange the brussels sprouts in a single layer in the pan, with as many surfaces touching the pan as possible. Sear for about 3-4 minutes , without moving, until well browned on the bottom. Flip or stir, and repeat on the other side. Repeat as necessary to brown all the sprouts.
5. Meanwhile, chop the bacon while waiting for the sprouts to brown.
6. Add the balsamic vinegar (if using) and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes .
7. Return the chopped bacon to the pan and stir.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best browning, the crispiest texture, and the most flavor.
• Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for ways to switch up your pan fried brussels sprouts with sweet, cheesy, or crunchy add-ins.
• Serving ideas: See my serving ideas for easy mains to pair with your sprouts, whether you’re craving chicken, steak, or something from the sea.
• Store: The balsamic helps them keep well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot and crispy again.
• Freeze: Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag. Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)