Bacon Brussels Sprouts is a classic side dish that transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a savory, mouthwatering addition to any meal. The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon creates a perfect balance of tender vegetables with caramelized edges and salty, smoky bacon that adds richness to every bite. Roasting at high heat brings out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts, while garlic enhances the flavor with aromatic depth. This dish is especially popular during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday gatherings, but it’s simple enough for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Whether you serve it alongside roasted meats, steak dinners, or as a low-carb dish on its own, Bacon Brussels Sprouts are irresistibly crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. One pan, simple ingredients, and big flavor, this is a side that guarantees everyone will come back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or bacon drippings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
- Rinse Brussels sprouts and trim the ends. Remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves.
- Cut each sprout in half, ensuring they are all similar in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Render the Bacon
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or on a baking sheet, spread chopped bacon in a single layer.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the fat has rendered and bacon is starting to crisp. Remove from oven (do not drain fat unless excessive).
Step 3: Season the Sprouts
- Add Brussels sprouts directly into the pan with the bacon and its drippings or transfer both to a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil (if needed), add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat thoroughly.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
- Return pan to oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Brussels sprouts should be browned and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice immediately after roasting.
- Toss everything together, making sure the bacon is evenly distributed.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately while the bacon is crispy.
Variations
- Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup before roasting for a sweet and savory finish.
- Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Bacon & Cranberry Brussels Sprouts: Add dried cranberries or chopped pecans after roasting for a festive holiday twist.
- Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts: Toss finished sprouts in melted garlic butter for richer flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Roasting at high heat caramelizes the Brussels sprouts, bringing out sweetness and reducing bitterness.
- For extra crispiness, spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer with the cut side facing down.
- Bacon drippings infuse the sprouts with flavor, but olive oil can be used for additional moisture.
- Leave the outer leaves,they crisp beautifully and add texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, ham, or steak.
- Add to holiday platters with mashed potatoes and stuffing.
- Use as a keto-friendly main dish by tossing with a fried egg on top.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze to elevate presentation and flavor.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves for best results.
- If using frozen Brussels sprouts, thaw and pat dry completely before roasting.
- To save time, prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and roast just before serving.
- Stir halfway through roasting to ensure even browning.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes. Roast as directed, then reheat in a 400°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp everything back up.
Q2: Can I make this without bacon?
- Absolutely. Replace bacon with turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit entirely and roast with garlic and olive oil.
Q3: Why are my Brussels sprouts soggy?
- Overcrowding prevents proper roasting. Ensure sprouts are in a single layer with space between them.
Q4: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
- Yes. Air fry at 380°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Q5: What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
- Lemon juice, sherry vinegar, or apple cider vinegar all work well.
Conclusion
Bacon Brussels Sprouts is the ultimate combination of savory, smoky, and crispy flavors that elevate any meal—from casual dinners to festive holiday tables. The Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven, while the bacon adds a satisfying crunch that makes this dish impossible to resist. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and big flavor, this recipe proves that Brussels sprouts can be truly delicious , even for picky eaters.
Serve it fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness, and watch this dish become a new family favorite side that everyone requests year after year.