If you’re craving a veggie side that’s both wildly delicious and utterly crave-worthy, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is the way to go. This dish transforms humble sprouts into crispy, caramelized bites of wonder—thanks to smoky bacon, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and just the right seasoning. It’s quick to prep, loved by veggie skeptics, and perfect for weeknight dinners or your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: Roasting at high heat ensures caramelized, golden-brown edges and tender centers on every Brussels sprout.
- Bacon Boost: Chopped bacon melts right into the sprouts, infusing every bite with smoky, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Effortless Elegance: It takes just minutes to prep yet feels worthy of the fanciest dinner table—or your next cozy family meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Even Brussels sprouts skeptics can’t resist a little bacon magic and that sweet tang from balsamic glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, familiar ingredients, and each one serves a delicious purpose in creating these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. It’s all about letting fresh flavors and a touch of indulgence shine in every bite!
- Brussels sprouts (2 pounds, halved): Fresh, halved sprouts roast up beautifully—choose ones that are bright green and firm for best texture.
- Bacon strips (6, chopped): Choose thick-cut bacon for an extra meaty presence, or go classic for perfect crispiness as it roasts alongside the veggies.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to crisp and brown the sprouts while carrying all those delicious flavors.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): A must for pulling out the natural sweetness in Brussels sprouts; don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of heat and balances those savory-sweet notes.
- Balsamic glaze (2 tablespoons): For a sweet, tangy finishing touch that plays off both the bacon and the caramelized edges.
Variations
One of the best things about Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is just how easy they are to make your own. Play with flavors, swap ingredients, or adjust for dietary needs—this side loves a little customization!
- Add cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the roasted sprouts for an extra layer of richness.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and toss with a handful of toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for crunch and flavor.
- Crank up the heat: Scatter a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey before roasting for a spicy, sweet kick.
- Swap the balsamic: Use maple syrup or a touch of honey as a finishing glaze for a different take on sweetness.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 450°F (this blast of heat is what gives the sprouts their deeply golden, irresistible edges). While it preheats, halve the Brussels sprouts if you haven’t already and chop your bacon strips into bite-sized pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and get crispy in all the right places.
Step 2: Toss Together
In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good toss to ensure every sprout and bacon bit is glistening with oil and seasoning—this step is key for uniform roasting and big flavor.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy Goodness
Spread everything out onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Make sure the sprouts are in a single layer, cut side down when possible—this is the secret to getting those perfect crisp, caramelized edges. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is crackling and golden.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Straight from the oven, drizzle your roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon with balsamic glaze. Toss gently to coat, and serve them warm while the bacon is still fabulously crisp and the sprouts are at their caramelized best.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Oven Heat Matters: Don’t be tempted to lower the temperature—high heat is essential for crispy edges and tender centers.
- Single Layer Is Key: Space out the Brussels sprouts and bacon on your baking sheet so they roast instead of steam.
- Cut Size Consistency: Halve large sprouts and quarter any really big ones—this way, everything cooks through evenly and on the same timeline.
- Finish with Glaze, Not Before: Always add the balsamic glaze after roasting for the shiniest, most flavorful finish (adding it early can make things mushy).
How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Garnishes
These crispy sprouts are wonderful straight off the pan, but for an extra pop, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or a handful of toasted nuts. A light dusting of shredded Parmesan just before serving adds a salty, cheesy dimension that pairs beautifully with the bacon and balsamic.
Side Dishes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a dream alongside so many mains! They shine with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or holiday ham. For a lighter meal, serve with a creamy risotto or herby quinoa salad—the smoky-sweet sprouts will be a guaranteed hit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these in a big, rustic bowl for family-style feasting, or pile them onto crostini for a savory appetizer. Try threading warm roasted sprouts and bacon onto skewers with cubes of cheese for party bites that disappear in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon will keep happily in the fridge, sealed in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. While they do lose their crisp edge, the flavors meld and deepen, making leftovers a tasty addition to salads and grain bowls.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal as the sprouts can lose their crispy texture and become a bit watery upon thawing. If you need to freeze them, do so in a single layer first before transferring to a bag, and be sure to reheat in the oven for best texture.
Reheating
To bring Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon back to their best, reheat them in a hot oven or even a toaster oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore some crispiness—avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make everything soft.
FAQs
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Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great lighter option. Just keep an eye on it during roasting, as it can cook faster and may need less time to crisp up. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious.
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Do I need to blanch the Brussels sprouts before roasting?
You don’t need to blanch them—roasting at high heat cooks them perfectly through and delivers that coveted crispy edge and soft interior. Skipping blanching keeps the prep quick and easy.
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How do I keep the Brussels sprouts crispy?
Make sure to spread the sprouts out in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast at a high temperature. Avoid overcrowding, and stir only once during cooking so the cut sides get nice and caramelized.
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Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?
You can use a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or even a quick homemade balsamic reduction. Any of these will add that touch of sweetness and tang to balance the savory flavors!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner a little brighter or wanting a holiday side that steals the show, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are pure, cozy comfort with a gourmet twist. Give this recipe a try—the crispy, golden sprouts and luscious bacon just might turn everyone at your table into die-hard Brussels sprouts fans!
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Roasting
Description
Delight your taste buds with this savory and satisfying dish of Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. The crispy bacon complements the tender Brussels sprouts perfectly, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness. This recipe is sure to be a hit at any dinner table!
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts:
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved
Bacon:
- 6 bacon strips, chopped
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Finishing Touch:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Transfer the mixture to a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven, stirring halfway through cooking, until the sprouts are tender and lightly browned, for about 20-25 minutes.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon with balsamic glaze before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
