Balsamic Glaze Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Glaze Brussels Sprouts is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 270 calories per serving. Recipe by OneStopChop on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $11.65 total, $2.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts (trimmed, halved, rinsed and patted dry)
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil (for coating Brussels sprouts)
- 1 tsp All-Purpose Seasoning (any basic seasoning blend)
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (adds a subtle heat)
- 8 oz Turkey Smoked Sausage (chopped into bite‑size pieces)
- 4 slices Bacon (thick‑cut preferred, crumbled after cooking)
- 1/2 head Green Cabbage (shredded)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 3 tbsp Balsamic Glaze (divided; 2 tbsp during cooking, 1 tbsp for finishing)
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (grated, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Goat Cheese (crumbled, for garnish)
Instructions
Trim and halve Brussels sprouts
Trim the stem ends off the Brussels sprouts, cut each sprout in half lengthwise, rinse under cold water and pat completely dry.
Time: PT5M
Season Brussels sprouts
In a large bowl toss the halved sprouts with avocado oil, all‑purpose seasoning, and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
Render bacon fat
Place the bacon slices in a cold large skillet, then set the heat to medium. Cook, turning occasionally, until the fat has fully rendered and the bacon is crisp. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Cook turkey smoked sausage
Add the chopped turkey smoked sausage to the same skillet and sauté over medium‑high heat until lightly browned, about 3‑4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium-high
Sauté cabbage and onion
Add the shredded cabbage and diced onion to the bacon‑sausage fat. Stir‑fry over medium‑high heat, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the cabbage begins to soften, about 6 minutes.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium-high
Add balsamic glaze and simmer
Drizzle 2 tbsp of balsamic glaze over the cabbage mixture, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer until the cabbage is tender, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low
Combine meats and finish glaze
Return the crumbled bacon and cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tbsp balsamic glaze and the lemon juice. Toss everything together and heat through for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Plate and garnish
Transfer the skillet mixture onto a serving plate. Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze on the bottom of the plate, then sprinkle grated Parmesan and crumbled goat cheese over the top. Serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 270
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 8g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Keto-friendly, Gluten-free, Low-carb, High-fat
Allergens: Dairy (Parmesan, Goat Cheese), Pork (Bacon, Sausage)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Brussels Sprouts: Green beans, Broccoli florets
- Instead of Avocado Oil: Olive oil, Canola oil
- Instead of All-Purpose Seasoning: Salt and pepper
- Instead of Cajun Seasoning: Creole seasoning, Paprika
- Instead of Turkey Smoked Sausage: Chicken sausage, Pork smoked sausage
- Instead of Bacon: Pancetta, Turkey bacon
- Instead of Green Cabbage: Savoy cabbage, Napa cabbage
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Balsamic Glaze: Reduced balsamic vinegar
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Goat Cheese: Feta cheese
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Serving Plate
- Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Render bacon fat in a cold pan to ensure even rendering and crisp bacon.
- Sauté cabbage until just tender; overcooking makes it soggy.
- Add balsamic glaze over low heat to avoid burning the sugars.
- Re‑introduce the meats and finish with lemon juice for brightness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Start bacon in a cold pan for optimal fat rendering and crispness.
- Combine Parmesan and goat cheese for a layered cheesy finish.
- Add lemon juice at the very end to keep its fresh, bright flavor.
- Reserve a few crisp bacon pieces for a crunchy topping.
Troubleshooting
Cabbage turns watery.
Cook uncovered on medium‑high heat to evaporate excess moisture, or squeeze the shredded cabbage in a clean kitchen towel before adding.
Brussels sprouts burn before becoming tender.
Make sure the sprouts are completely dry and lower the heat slightly; stir frequently.
Dish tastes bland.
Adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper, and add an extra splash of balsamic glaze for depth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; vegetables may become mushy after thawing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; keep covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Trim and halve Brussels sprouts and store them in a zip‑top bag with a paper towel to keep dry.
- Render bacon ahead of time and keep the fat refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Pre‑measure balsamic glaze and lemon juice in small containers.
- Cook the sausage ahead and reheat quickly when adding back to the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance of using bacon and cabbage in Southern American cuisine?
Bacon and cabbage have long been staples in Southern cooking, especially in dishes like collard greens and cabbage rolls, where the rendered pork fat adds flavor and richness to hearty, farm‑grown vegetables.
How does this keto‑friendly Brussels sprouts and cabbage skillet fit into the broader American low‑carb trend?
The dish embraces the American keto movement by swapping traditional high‑carb sides for low‑carb vegetables while keeping the comforting, smoky flavors that are beloved in Southern comfort food.
What traditional regional variations of cabbage‑and‑bacon dishes exist in the Southern United States?
In the South, cabbage is often cooked with ham hocks, bacon, or salt pork and seasoned with vinegar or mustard; variations include “cabbage and bacon hash” and “Southern cabbage sauté” that add onions, garlic, or hot sauce.
On what occasions or celebrations is a cabbage‑and‑bacon side traditionally served in Southern culture?
Cabbage and bacon dishes are common at family gatherings, holiday meals like Thanksgiving, and casual barbecues, where they provide a savory, budget‑friendly complement to meat‑centric menus.
What makes the addition of Brussels sprouts unique in this Southern‑style keto recipe?
Brussels sprouts add a slightly bitter, nutty flavor and extra texture that contrast the sweet‑tart balsamic glaze, creating a modern twist on classic Southern cabbage dishes while keeping the carb count low.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a Southern cabbage‑and‑bacon dish versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?
Traditionally, Southern cabbage dishes use pork belly or ham hocks, white cabbage, and sometimes a splash of apple cider vinegar. In this recipe, turkey smoked sausage and balsamic glaze serve as modern, keto‑friendly substitutes that still deliver depth of flavor.
What other Southern dishes pair well with this Bacon, Sausage, Brussels Sprouts & Cabbage Skillet?
It pairs beautifully with low‑carb Southern staples such as fried chicken thighs, shrimp and grits (made with cauliflower rice), or a simple avocado‑lime salad to balance the richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Bacon, Sausage, Brussels Sprouts & Cabbage Skillet?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than sears the vegetables, and adding the balsamic glaze over high heat, which can cause it to burn. Follow the step‑by‑step heat adjustments for best results.
Why does this recipe render bacon in a cold pan instead of starting over medium heat?
Starting with a cold pan lets the fat melt slowly, producing evenly crisp bacon and a flavorful cooking medium without splattering, which is essential for a clean, well‑seasoned sauté.
What does the YouTube channel OneStopChop specialize in?
The YouTube channel OneStopChop specializes in quick, practical home‑cooking tutorials that focus on versatile, everyday ingredients, often highlighting low‑carb, keto‑friendly, and budget‑conscious meals for busy cooks.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
