This Bacon, Date & Apple Brussels Sprout Skillet is the ultimate holiday side dish! It’s sweet, savory, easy to make, and is paleo, AIP, and whole30.

Bacon date skillet on a plate

Bacon, Date & Apple Brussels Sprout Skillet

Bacon-wrapped dates are a staple at my in-law’s house every Christmas! There are plates and plates of them for everyone to enjoy, and trust me… well enjoy them very, very much. My only qualm with bacon-wrapped dates is the actual wrapping. It takes quite a bit of prep work and isn’t something I ever want to add onto my list of prep during the holidays when things are already overwhelming and busy… so why not make it in a skillet and level it up just a bit?

This bacon date & apple brussels sprout skillet has all of the sweet and savory flavors you love about bacon-wrapped dates, and more! It’s made in one pan and requires minimal prep, making it the perfect easy addition to your holiday table.

The Ingredients

  • Bacon: Applegate bacon is my personal favorite brand.
  • Medjool Dates: I highly recommend going with Medjool dates for the best results!
  • Apple: I use Honeycrisp, but you can also use gala apples.
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Garlic & Black Pepper: Omit black pepper for AIP!
  • Red Wine Vinegar: This ties all of the flavors together perfectly!

How To Make This Bacon, Date & Apple Brussels Sprout Skillet

  • Cook Bacon: Using a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon. Set the bacon aside and leave the fat in the pan.
  • Cook Vegetables: Add the brussels sprouts cook face down for about 4 minutes to allow to brown and crisp. Stir and add the garlic, pepper and red wine vinegar, stirring and cooking for another 3 minutes to crisp further.
  • Cook Apples & Dates: Add the apples and dates to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the apples are soft.
  • Combine & Serve: Add the bacon back in and stir to combine. Serve fresh with additional salt to taste if desired.

 

bacon date skillet on a plate with a napkin

Can you make this skillet ahead of time? How do you store and heat it?

You can for sure make this ahead of time! I would store it in glass and reheat for a few minutes in a skillet to get it crispy again.

Can you roast it in the oven?

Personally, I think it’s easier to make sure everything cooks evenly in the skillet. Roasting in the oven may risk having some ingredients over or underdone. However, you can still modify it to roast in the oven as long as you keep a close eye on it.

Bacon date skillet on a plate with a spoon

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Bacon, Date & Apple Brussels Sprout Skillet

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 4 reviews

Description

This Bacon, Date & Apple Brussels Sprout Skillet is the ultimate holiday side dish! It’s sweet, savory, easy to make, and is paleo, AIP, and whole30.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 strips of bacon, chopped
  • 12 oz of brussels sprouts, halved
  • 3 gloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup honey crisp apple, peeled and diced
  • 6 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped

Instructions

  1. Using a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon. Set the bacon aside and leave the fat in the pan.
  2. Add the brussels sprouts cook face down for about 4 minutes to allow to brown and crisp. Stir and add the garlic, pepper and red wine vinegar, stirring and cooking for another 3 minutes to crisp further.
  3. Add the apples and dates to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the apples are soft.
  4. Add the bacon back in and stir to combine.
  5. Serve fresh with additional salt to taste if desired.

Notes

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary. Estimations do not include optional ingredients.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 294
  • Fat: 14.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 6.1g
  • Protein: 8.1g