Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

There’s something about the aroma of bacon roasting alongside Brussels sprouts that instantly takes me back to cozy family dinners during the fall. I first tried this Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe at a friend’s holiday gathering, and it was an immediate hit — even the Brussels sprouts skeptics couldn’t get enough. The crispy bits of bacon add that savory punch that makes these little greens addictive, while roasting brings out their natural sweetness and a slight char that’s just irresistible.

This Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together to deliver bold flavor, vibrant color, and crisp-tender texture. The olive oil gives a light, silky coating that helps the sprouts roast to a perfect golden brown, while the bacon pieces crisp up and infuse the dish with smoky, salty goodness. It’s quick, effortless, and perfect as a side for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike. You’ll enjoy how the fresh parsley on top adds brightness and a pop of color right before serving.

Don’t worry if you haven’t roasted Brussels sprouts before — this recipe is beginner-friendly, and I’ll guide you through every step so you nail it the first time. From prepping your sprouts to baking them just right, you’ll have an easy, fail-proof method to rely on again and again. Ready to add a new favorite veggie side to your dinner table? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With

Getting your ingredients ready ahead will help this Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe come together smoothly. For best results, measure carefully—but remember, the exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

• Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved for even roasting; pick medium-sized, uniform ones.
• Olive oil: Helps caramelize sprouts and keeps them tender; extra virgin preferred.
• Salt and pepper: Season generously to enhance all the flavors.
• Bacon: Cut into small pieces; regular cut works best to cook evenly and crisp.
• Parsley: Fresh and chopped; adds a fresh, bright finish.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

If you want to lighten this up, turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon substitute can work, though flavor and texture will vary. For a dairy-free twist, everything here is naturally compliant since there’s no cheese or butter.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sheet pan: A rimmed baking sheet ensures even roasting and easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife: For trimming and halving Brussels sprouts cleanly.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to prep your veggies and bacon.
• Measuring spoons: To get oil and seasonings just right.
• Cooking spray: To coat the pan and prevent sticking.
• Oven mitts: Always handy when dealing with hot pans.

How to Make Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Let’s get those Brussels sprouts perfectly roasted with crispy bacon by following a few easy steps. Prepping the pan and veggies right is key to success here.

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the sprouts caramelize beautifully while crisping the bacon just right.
2. Prepare the pan: Spray a large rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray. This stops sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Trim and halve Brussels sprouts: Wash and dry the sprouts well. Cut off the tough stem ends and slice in half lengthwise to promote even cooking.
4. Layer and season: Spread the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
5. Scatter chopped bacon: Sprinkle the small pieces of bacon evenly among the sprouts. This lets the smoky flavor mingle as everything roasts.
6. Roast without stirring: Pop the pan in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes. Don’t toss halfway—letting the cut sides brown undisturbed helps build that fantastic crispiness.
7. Check doneness: At 20 minutes, the bacon should be crispy and the sprouts nicely browned at the edges. The insides should feel tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Finish and serve: Remove from oven; sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, colorful touch, and dig in while hot.

How to Serve

Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Flavor Boosters

If you want to mix things up a bit, try drizzling a little balsamic glaze or honey right after roasting to add a sweet contrast to the smoky bacon. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens the flavor instantly. For a touch of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or swap parsley for chopped fresh thyme or rosemary.

Perfect Pairings

This Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or your favorite pork chops. For drinks, I find a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer balances the richness well. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa salad to round out the meal.

Presentation Touches

For gatherings, serve these sprouts family-style in a warm serving dish sprinkled generously with fresh parsley. If you’re plating individually, nestle a portion alongside your main and add a lemon wedge for popping color. These also reheat well to serve next-day lunches—just flash under the broiler for a minute to refresh that crisp texture.

Variations & Easy Swaps

• For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and roast with smoked paprika for a smoky vibe.
• Swap bacon with pancetta or prosciutto for a different cured meat flavor.
• Add chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts after roasting for crunch and richness.
• Mix in halved cherry tomatoes 5 minutes before done for a juicy, colorful twist.
• Toss finished sprouts with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy notes.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Make and roast the Brussels sprouts up to 1 day ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Reheat in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp back up.
• Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to make sprouts soggy.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3–4 days, making them perfect for meal prep.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
  Frozen sprouts tend to be softer and might steam instead of roast, resulting in less crispiness. Fresh sprouts work best for this Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe.
• What if I don’t have a high-temperature oven?
  You can roast at 400°F, but expect slightly longer cooking time and less browning. Keep an eye on the sprouts and bacon to avoid drying out.
• How do I make sure the bacon crisps without overcooking the sprouts?
  Cutting bacon into small pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly. Also, keep the oven hot and spread everything out so it roasts, not steams.
• Can I prepare sprouts ahead of time?
  Yes! Trim and halve your sprouts a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Just roast them fresh for the best texture.
• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
  Absolutely! This recipe naturally contains no dairy, so you can enjoy it as is with no substitutions needed.

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