If you are on the hunt for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, look no further than this Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe. Perfectly caramelized on the outside while tender inside, these little green gems get a smoky, savory upgrade from crispy bacon bits. This dish transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike. The combination of crunchy edges, salty bacon, and just the right seasoning will have you craving more every time you bake it up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe just right is surprisingly simple because each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the freshness of the Brussels sprouts to the smoky crunch of bacon, every component brings something special to the table.
- Brussels sprouts (2 lb): Choose firm, vibrant green sprouts with tightly packed leaves for the best texture and flavor.
- Cooked bacon (4 oz, chopped): Adds a smoky saltiness and irresistible crunch that balances the earthiness of the sprouts.
- Olive oil (4 tbsp): Helps the sprouts roast up crispy and golden while carrying the seasoning evenly.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Brings a subtle warmth and depth to the dish without overpowering it.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by preheating your oven to 400 °F to ensure it’s hot enough to create those crisp edges. Trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the stem ends and removing any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Then, slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This step is key; halving the sprouts exposes more surface area for roasting and caramelization, giving you that perfect crispy bite.
Step 2: Season the Sprouts
Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together so each sprout is evenly coated in oil and seasoning. This simple seasoning mixture elevates the natural sweetness of the sprouts and encourages browning in the oven.
Step 3: Add Bacon and Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts cut side down on a baking sheet in a single layer; this ensures maximum crisping without steaming. Scatter the chopped cooked bacon evenly over the sprouts. The bacon will render a little more fat during roasting, infusing extra flavor into the sprouts as they cook.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye out for those golden brown, crispy edges. Depending on your oven and the size of the sprouts, cooking times may vary slightly. The roasted sprouts should be tender inside but with crunch and a lovely caramelized crust on the outside.
How to Serve Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
To bring an extra pop of flavor and texture, sprinkle your finished sprouts with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans also add a delightful crunch and nuttiness that plays wonderfully against the savory bacon.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or steak, making it a versatile companion for many main courses. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside hearty grains like quinoa or wild rice. The combination of crisp sprouts and smoky bacon complements a wide range of flavors and textures on your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve these sprouts family-style in a large rustic bowl where guests can help themselves. Alternatively, arrange them on a platter with sprigs of fresh herbs for a festive holiday display. You can also toss them with cooked pasta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a unique twist on a warm Brussels sprouts salad that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and retain much of their crispiness when reheated properly.
Freezing
While Brussels sprouts can be frozen, roasted ones with bacon don’t freeze as well because the texture tends to get mushy. For best quality, it’s recommended to enjoy this Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness when reheating, spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350 °F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps refresh their texture better than microwaving, which can often make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use raw bacon instead of cooked bacon?
Using cooked bacon is best for this recipe since it crisps up nicely without overcooking the Brussels sprouts. If you prefer, you can use raw bacon, but it should be cut into small pieces and added early so it has time to cook through alongside the sprouts.
How do I get my Brussels sprouts extra crispy?
Cutting the sprouts in half lengthwise and roasting them cut side down on a hot baking sheet ensures maximum caramelization. Using enough olive oil and keeping the sprouts in a single layer also helps prevent steaming and promotes crispiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you check the bacon ingredients for any added gluten-containing additives.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you want a different flavor profile, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well for roasting. Avoid using butter as it may burn at the high oven temperature required for roasting the sprouts crispy.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
This recipe works well for meal prep since Brussels sprouts reheat nicely after roasting. Just store them separately from any sauces or fresh garnishes and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the fence about Brussels sprouts, this Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe will win you over in a heartbeat. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients taken to the next level with roasting and smoky bacon magic. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor the irresistible crispy edges and bold flavors that make this dish such a standout on any table.
Print
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe delivers perfectly caramelized, tender Brussels sprouts with a savory touch of crispy cooked bacon. Roasting at high heat enhances their natural sweetness and creates delicious golden-brown edges, making this a flavorful and easy vegetable side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lb Brussels sprouts
Meat
- 4 oz cooked bacon, chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prep Brussels sprouts: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (204 °C). While the oven heats, trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Season the sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat each sprout with the seasonings and oil for enhanced flavor and roasting.
- Arrange and add bacon: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a baking sheet in a single layer to encourage even roasting and caramelization. Sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon evenly over the sprouts, adding a smoky, savory element.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Roast until the Brussels sprouts are tender inside and their edges turn golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- For crispier sprouts, make sure they are spaced out and not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if your bacon is already salty.
- You can omit bacon to make this dish vegetarian or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Roasting time may vary slightly depending on sprout size and oven variations.
- Use fresh black pepper for the best flavor impact.
