Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce

These Brussels sprouts with spicy mayo are full of flavor and make a simple, delicious side dish using just seven ingredients.

If you avoided Brussels sprouts because of the boiled, mushy versions of childhood, give them another chance. Roasting, sautéing, or frying brings out their natural sweetness and creates a satisfying texture—especially when paired with a tangy balsamic and a creamy, spicy mayo drizzle.

Beyond great taste, Brussels sprouts are nutritious and versatile, making them an easy pick for weeknight dinners or holiday sides.

Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

• High in antioxidants
• Good source of fiber
• May help reduce inflammation
• Rich in vitamins K and C

Recipe Variations

• If you don’t have a mandolin, trim the stem and slice each sprout in half or lengthwise. Thicker slices may need a bit more cooking time but are equally tasty.
• For a sweet-and-spicy twist, stir 1 tablespoon of honey into the balsamic before adding it to the pan.
• Add crunch with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts, stirred in toward the end of cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
• 1 cup purple or sweet onion (about 1/2 onion)
• 1/2 cup bacon bits (premade or homemade)
• 2 TBSP butter
• 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar
• 3 TBSP mayo
• 1 TBSP sriracha (adjust for spice preference)

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

Rinse and dry the sprouts. If using a mandolin, carefully shave them thinly over a bowl or plate, starting opposite the stem and removing any hard stem pieces. Alternatively, trim and slice each sprout in half or lengthwise.

Sautéing

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the bacon bits and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Cooking

Add the shaved or sliced Brussels sprouts to the pan, pour in the balsamic vinegar, and toss to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the sprouts are tender but still have a bit of bite. Remove from heat and set aside.

Spicy Mayo

Combine mayo and sriracha in a small bowl and mix until smooth, adjusting the sriracha to taste. For easy drizzling, transfer the mixture to a resealable bag, seal, squeeze to combine, snip a tiny corner, and pipe over the plated sprouts.

Tips & Tricks

• A mandolin gives uniform thin slices quickly; a sharp knife works too but takes longer.
• Use premade bacon bits for convenience or cook and chop bacon for better flavor and texture.
• Slicing the onion on the mandolin saves time and creates even pieces.
• Mix and drizzle the spicy mayo from a small bag by snipping a corner for a neat presentation.