Crispy Bacon Brussel Sprouts – Easy Roasted Side Dish
Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Bacon Brussel Sprouts are one of those rare dishes that perfectly blend simplicity and sophistication. What makes them special is the way two humble ingredients Brussels sprouts and bacon transform into something extraordinary when cooked together. The sprouts develop a deep golden crust as they roast, becoming tender on the inside and beautifully crisp on the edges. The bacon, meanwhile, releases its smoky, salty fat, coating the sprouts and enhancing their natural sweetness. The result is a side dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
This dish is beloved by both chefs and home cooks because it strikes the perfect balance of texture and taste. The caramelization that occurs when sprouts roast in bacon fat brings out nutty, earthy notes, while the crispy bacon adds crunch and umami depth. When finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a touch of honey, you get a glossy, restaurant-quality dish that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome.
Another reason people love Bacon Brussel Sprouts is their versatility. They’re equally at home beside a holiday roast or served with grilled chicken on a weeknight. You can make them sweet, spicy, tangy, or smoky the base recipe adapts easily to your preferences. For anyone looking to add a healthy yet flavorful side to their table, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of comfort food without the heaviness.
In many ways, Bacon Brussel Sprouts represent the evolution of modern cooking: taking classic vegetables and elevating them with simple techniques that bring out their best. Once you try them properly roasted, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple on restaurant menus and home kitchens alike. It’s a dish that proves flavor doesn’t need to be complicated it just needs balance, heat, and a touch of bacon magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are endless ways to cook Brussels sprouts, but this one stands out because it’s foolproof, flavorful, and satisfying. You don’t need complicated ingredients or equipment just good-quality bacon and fresh sprouts.
Even if you’ve never liked Brussels sprouts before, this dish might change your mind. The key lies in the balance of heat, fat, and caramelization a chef’s secret that brings out irresistible flavor in simple ingredients.
Preparation and Cooking Time, also Serving
This recipe makes about four servings, ideal as a hearty side dish. For larger gatherings or meal prep, it doubles easily without affecting texture or cooking time significantly.
Ingredients
Substitution Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any discolored outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half to help them cook evenly. For larger sprouts, cut into quarters to ensure they roast properly. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until each piece is lightly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Cut the bacon into small, even pieces so it cooks evenly and crisps without burning. For this recipe, thick-cut bacon works best because it holds its shape and adds chewy texture alongside crispy edges.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the bacon pieces to the bowl with the Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well until everything is coated in seasoning and oil. This ensures every sprout absorbs both flavor and fat during roasting.
Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the mixture into a single layer, ensuring the sprouts are cut-side down for better browning. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of roasting, so use two pans if necessary.
Step 5: Roast Until Crispy
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the sprouts and bacon for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking. They’re done when the edges are golden brown, and the bacon is crisp.
Step 6: Add Balsamic Glaze
Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with balsamic glaze. Toss gently to coat every sprout. The residual heat helps the glaze thicken and stick, creating that signature glossy finish.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot and crisp. The aroma alone will make it hard to wait.
How to Serve
Bacon Brussel Sprouts are incredibly versatile on the table. They can be served as:
For presentation, use a shallow white serving bowl or platter to highlight the color contrast between green sprouts and golden bacon. A small drizzle of extra glaze or sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley adds a professional finishing touch.
Additional Tips
These tips are the difference between average sprouts and unforgettable ones.
Recipe Variations
Each version brings its own personality, showing just how flexible Brussels sprouts can be when paired with bacon.
Freezing and Storage
These storage options make it a convenient Shepherd’s Pie Freezer Meal-style dish for busy days or holidays.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
These values are approximate and can vary depending on the type of bacon and glaze used.
Final Words
Cooking Bacon Brussel Sprouts at home is the kind of experience that reminds you how simple ingredients can become something exceptional with the right technique. This dish brings together texture, color, and balance in a way that feels both comforting and elevated. The salty crunch of bacon enhances the sweetness of caramelized Brussels sprouts, while that light balsamic glaze or hint of honey ties everything together. It’s a beautiful harmony of smoky, sweet, and savory the kind of side that steals attention from the main course.
The best part is how forgiving this recipe is. Whether you roast them a little longer for extra crispiness or prefer them tender with a deeper glaze, the result is always delicious. You can prepare it in under 40 minutes, yet it looks and tastes like something straight from a restaurant kitchen.
If you’re hosting a dinner or planning a festive menu, this recipe works wonderfully because it pairs with almost anything roasted meats, poultry, fish, or even vegetarian mains. It’s also one of those rare sides that can hold its flavor when reheated, making it perfect for make-ahead cooking or weekly meal prep.
So next time you’re planning your meal, skip the complicated sides and let this one shine. Bacon Brussel Sprouts are not just a dish they’re proof that with a little care and balance, even the simplest vegetables can become the star of your table.
FAQ’s
Crispy Bacon Brussel Sprouts – Easy Roasted Side Dish
Course: Christmas Recipes4
servings10
minutes25
minutes210
kcalIngredients
1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra caramelization)
Directions
- Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any discolored outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half to help them cook evenly. For larger sprouts, cut into quarters to ensure they roast properly. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until each piece is lightly coated.
- Cut the bacon into small, even pieces so it cooks evenly and crisps without burning. For this recipe, thick-cut bacon works best because it holds its shape and adds chewy texture alongside crispy edges.
- Add the bacon pieces to the bowl with the Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well until everything is coated in seasoning and oil. This ensures every sprout absorbs both flavor and fat during roasting.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the mixture into a single layer, ensuring the sprouts are cut-side down for better browning. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of roasting, so use two pans if necessary.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the sprouts and bacon for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking. They’re done when the edges are golden brown, and the bacon is crisp.
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with balsamic glaze. Toss gently to coat every sprout. The residual heat helps the glaze thicken and stick, creating that signature glossy finish.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot and crisp. The aroma alone will make it hard to wait.
Notes
- Always roast at high heat for maximum crispiness. Lower temperatures make sprouts soft instead of caramelized.
- Keep bacon pieces evenly sized so they cook uniformly.
- Don’t skip flipping halfway through roasting it ensures both sides get browned.
- If using frozen sprouts, thaw completely and pat dry before roasting.
- For restaurant-level flavor, finish with a small pat of butter tossed in right after removing from the oven.
