There’s a certain joy that comes from roasting vegetables until they’re perfectly crispy, and nothing embodies that magic quite like these Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. As the Brussels sprouts sizzle in the oven, the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, intertwining with the savory scent of crisping bacon that brings back memories of family gatherings.
This dish transforms the often-overlooked sprout into a delightful centerpiece, bursting with rich flavors and textures that everyone will be reaching for seconds of. The combination of the crispy outer leaves and the slight chewiness inside creates an irresistible crunch, while the smoky bacon and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevate it to pure comfort food bliss.
Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish to impress at your next dinner party, or simply want to jazz up a weeknight meal, this recipe is here to rescue you from bland fast food alternatives. Plus, it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and high-fiber—making it as satisfying as it is nutritious. Let’s dive into this culinary delight that promises to satisfy both your palate and your cooking spirit!
Why Will You Love Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon?
Crispy, Mouthwatering Goodness: These Brussels sprouts achieve the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, making every bite a celebration.
Bacon Bliss: The addition of savory bacon brings layers of flavor that elevate this dish to a new level.
Easy and Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without the hassle.
Versatile Pairing: Perfectly complements roasted chicken, grilled meats, or a flavorful grain salad, making it a go-to side for any occasion.
Nutritious and Guilt-free: Enjoy a high-fiber, low-carb dish that fits seamlessly into your healthy lifestyle.
Crowd-Pleaser: Watch as your friends and family savor every bite and come back for more—this is one side dish that won’t go unnoticed!
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to craft the perfect Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!
For the Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels sprouts – Essential for the main texture; choose fresh sprouts, discarding any bruised leaves.
- Olive oil – Keeps the sprouts crispy while roasting; avocado oil is a great substitute for a higher smoke point.
- Salt – Enriches the overall flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Red pepper flakes – Adds a delightful hint of heat; feel free to omit for a milder bite.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Boosts depth of flavor; using freshly ground ensures the best taste.
For the Bacon
- Bacon (uncured, center-cut) – Infuses savory richness; turkey bacon can be substituted for a lighter twist.
For the Finish
- Lemon juice – Brightens the flavors with a fresh zing; always opt for freshly squeezed juice.
- Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a creamy, salty finish; skip it for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that irresistible crispiness in your Brussels sprouts.
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Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming the stems and discarding any discolored or damaged leaves. Keep the smaller sprouts whole and halve the larger ones for even cooking.
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Toss the Brussels sprouts in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated to guarantee maximum flavor and crispness.
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Arrange the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down. This allows them to roast evenly and develop a beautiful golden brown color for about 15-20 minutes.
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Flip the Brussels sprouts carefully with a spatula, then continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes. Watch for that perfect crispy texture, which is when they’ll be done.
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Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches a delightful crisp texture, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease.
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Combine the roasted Brussels sprouts in a serving bowl with the crispy bacon pieces and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss thoroughly and add Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra decadent finish.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a hint of color and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
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Even Spacing: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are well-spaced on your baking sheet for even roasting and maximum crispiness.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid crowding the pan while roasting; this can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
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Watch the Oven: Every oven is different; check your Brussels sprouts regularly to achieve that perfect golden-brown color without burning.
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Bacon Cooking: Use a cast iron skillet for cooking bacon—it helps render the fat more evenly for those perfect crispy bits.
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Flavor Boost: Consider squeezing extra lemon juice over the dish right before serving to enhance the fresh flavors of your crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can wash and trim the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance, placing them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Additionally, cook the bacon ahead of time, storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat the bacon slightly before combining it with the sprouts. When you’re ready to serve, toss the prepped sprouts with olive oil, seasoning, and roast them as directed. This not only saves time but also ensures that your dish will deliver just as delicious results, bringing your busy weeknights one step closer to culinary delight!
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Variations
Feel free to personalize these crispy delights for a unique twist that satisfies your taste buds.
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Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic or garlic powder when tossing the sprouts for an aromatic depth.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in pine nuts or walnuts during the last few minutes of roasting for added texture and nutrition. The nuts add a delightful crunch, complementing the Brussels sprouts beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or sprinkle in cayenne pepper for a fiery flavor boost. The heat levels will elevate the dish and excite spicy food lovers.
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Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the cooked sprouts before serving for a tangy sweetness that balances the savory elements.
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Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary mixed in before roasting. The fragrant herbs will take your sprouts to fragrant new heights.
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Creamy Vegan: Swap out bacon for tempeh or coconut bacon, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, dairy-free option. This ensures everyone can enjoy a delicious meal.
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Zesty Citrus: Replace lemon juice with orange juice or zest for a sweet, citrusy twist that brightens the dish, making it feel vibrant and fresh.
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Cheesy Varieties: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta or goat cheese to add a different richness and flavor profile, ideal for cheese lovers.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
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Fridge: Store leftover crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their flavor.
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Freezer: If you want to freeze, place the cooled Brussels sprouts in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture may change.
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Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to regain that crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
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Airtight Storage: Always ensure that any storage container is airtight to prevent exposure to moisture, which could affect the quality of your crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
What to Serve with Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon?
Pair your mouthwatering dish with these delightful sides that enhance the flavors and textures of your meal.
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Savory Roasted Chicken: Juicy roasted chicken is a classic companion, balancing the crunchy Brussels sprouts with tender meat.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes plays beautifully against the sprouts’ crispiness, creating a delightful contrast on your plate.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh herbs and a citrus dressing adds a refreshing crunch, brightening your meal and complementing the savory bacon.
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Grilled Steak: The rich flavors of grilled steak elevate the Brussels sprouts, making for a hearty, satisfying dinner that’ll impress any guest.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: The crispy and buttery garlic bread offers a perfect vehicle for the savory notes from the Brussels sprouts and bacon, making every bite more enjoyable.
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Apple Cider: A glass of chilled apple cider brings a sweet, tangy note that contrasts with the savory elements, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
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Pumpkin Pie: End your meal with a slice of pumpkin pie for an autumn-inspired dessert that’s sweet and spiced, perfectly rounding out the flavors of your dinner.
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select fresh Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for ones that are firm, compact, and vibrant green. Avoid any that have yellowing or dark spots, as this indicates they may be past their prime. The smaller, tightly closed sprouts are often sweeter and tastier.
How should I store leftover Brussels sprouts?
To store leftover crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven for about 10–15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Can I freeze crispy roasted Brussels sprouts?
Yes! To freeze, allow the Brussels sprouts to cool completely first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven for best results.
What should I do if my Brussels sprouts are not crispy enough?
Very! If your Brussels sprouts aren’t as crispy as you’d like, it could be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet, which causes them to steam rather than roast. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer and check for doneness regularly. You can also try increasing the oven’s temperature slightly or extending the cooking time if needed.
Are there any dietary concerns with this recipe?
Of course! For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is gluten-free and low-carb. If you need it dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese. Additionally, if you want a lighter option, you can replace the bacon with turkey bacon. Always consider any allergies, especially regarding bacon or Parmesan cheese.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Brussels sprouts?
I often make this dish even more aromatic by adding garlic powder or tossing in some chopped garlic with the Brussels sprouts before roasting. You can also sprinkle a bit of balsamic vinegar just before serving for an extra flavor boost. If you love added crunch, consider mixing in some toasted nuts, like walnuts or pine nuts, in the final toss!
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon You'll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming the stems and discarding any discolored or damaged leaves. Keep the smaller sprouts whole and halve the larger ones.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down, and roast for about 15-20 minutes.
- Flip the Brussels sprouts carefully with a spatula and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, until crispy.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Combine the roasted Brussels sprouts with the crispy bacon and a squeeze of lemon juice in a serving bowl. Toss and add Parmesan cheese if desired.