Roasted Brussels sprouts are beautifully caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside, and complemented by crispy bacon bits. The earthy sweetness of the sprouts blends with the smoky richness of the bacon, creating a truly savory and satisfying dish.
This roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is for everyone who believes they don’t like Brussels Sprouts. I’ve been there! I felt in my heart that I didn’t like, indeed could NEVER like, Brussels Sprouts.
Right about when I became a know-it-all teenager, I remember Brussels Sprouts being placed in front of me. A green-colored, mushy mess that didn’t look very good and smelled even worse. Just that fast, I was convinced they weren’t for me.
But one day, while in the kitchen facing some of my culinary fears, I discovered the trick to out-of-this-world Brussels Sprouts. Roast them in a hot oven until they caramelize to a beautiful golden brown outside and become tantalizingly tender inside. But the secret – because everything is better with bacon – is to roast the Brussels Sprouts with bacon so they soak up all that extra, delicious flavor.
A holiday gathering or an up-scale weeknight dinner, any meal is the right meal for these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
Ingredients for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
The first step to preparing this, or any recipe, is to read and understand the recipe, collect all the necessary equipment, then gather and measure all the ingredients required to make this Roasted Brussels Spouts with Bacon recipe. In culinary terms, this is called “Mise en Place,” which means “Everything in its Place.” Prereading the recipe, preparing ingredients, and setting up any needed equipment in advance not only speeds up cooking but also ensures you are familiar with each of the recipe steps, and that all the necessary components of the recipe are within reach and ready for the dish.
Key Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts – Choose sprouts that are bright green and firm to the touch. Avoid any with loose leaves or spots.
- Olive Oil – With so few ingredients, it’s important to choose a high quality Olive oil to get the best flavor.
- Bacon – Any smoked bacon will work in this recipe.
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Rinse the sprouts, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Trim the ends and remove any damaged leaves, then cut the sprouts in half lengthwise through the stem.
- Cut the bacon into 1/4 inch pieces.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl with the Olive Oil, Bacon pieces, Kosher salt, and fresh ground Pepper. Every side of the sprouts should be shiny and coated with oil.
- Arrange the sprouts on a prepared baking sheet in a single layer with the bacon evenly distributed.
- Roast for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees F. Stir once after about 12-14 minutes.
- Check for doneness. They should be tender enough to be able to easily insert a fork into the center. The leaves should be beginning to lightly brown.
- Serve hot from the oven.
Variations
- Sprinkle Feta Cheese over the roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon when it comes out of the oven for a wonderful full flavor alternative.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard – drizzle over the Brussels Sprouts before you stir during the roasting, then continue to cook another 10 minutes.
- Mix a tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar with one teaspoon of Honey and one tablespoon of Olive Oil. Drizzle over the sprouts after they come out of the oven and toss to evenly coat.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Place leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Place leftover cooked Brussels sprouts on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, you can use an air fryer. The microwave is not recommended as it may make them soggy.
- To Freeze. Freezing roasted Brussels sprouts is not ideal, as they can become soggy. However, if you have a large quantity of leftovers, you can freeze them and accept a softer texture when you reheat. To thaw, place the frozen sprouts in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat according to the reheat instructions.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Discover the ultimate way to prepare Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Beautifully caramelized on the outside, and tender on the inside, these Brussels sprouts are complimented by smoky bacon bits, adding a rich, savory flavor. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms simple Brussels sprouts into a delicious and impressive side for any meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 (1 cup) servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Brussels Sprouts
- 6 Bacon Slices,, regular cut
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash the Brussels Sprouts, remove any loose leaves, and cut off the dry stem end. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise through the stem.
- Cut the bacon into 1/4 inch pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels Sprouts, bacon pieces, Olive Oil, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure all of the Brussels Sprouts are evenly coated with oil.
- Arrange the sprouts in a single layer, cut side down, on a baking sheet. Make sure the bacon pieces are evenly distributed.
- Roast for 20-30 minutes until the Brussels Sprouts are beginning to brown. Stir once after about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve hot.
