This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is the ultimate savory side dish: crispy Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and a sweet drizzle of balsamic glaze all come together in one irresistible pan. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want to jazz up dinner, this recipe turns humble ingredients into something truly crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Edges & Tender Centers: Roasting at high heat delivers perfect texture—golden outside and buttery-soft inside every sprout.
- That Smoky Bacon Magic: Every bite is infused with savory, caramelized bacon flavor and irresistible little crispy bits.
- Elegant, Yet Effortless: Five minutes of prep and just one pan means this dish is weeknight-easy but holiday-worthy!
- A Sweet Drizzle to Finish: The balsamic glaze turns these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon into an unforgettable, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, but each one is carefully chosen for maximum impact. Every component adds its own magic—whether it’s flavor, color, or that irresistible crunch.
- Brussels sprouts: Choose firm, bright green sprouts and halve them for extra crispiness and caramelized edges.
- Bacon strips: Thick-cut or regular both work—bacon brings a smoky, salty richness that transforms the sprouts.
- Olive oil: Coats everything for perfect roasting and a subtle, fruity background note.
- Kosher salt: Larger flakes cling to the sprouts and balance their natural bitterness.
- Black pepper: Just enough to add little pops of heat throughout the pan.
- Balsamic glaze: A sweet-and-tangy drizzle to finish—this is the secret that puts these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon over the top!
Variations
This recipe is fabulously flexible! Don’t be afraid to riff on the basics—Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon can go in so many delicious directions depending on what’s in your pantry or what you’re craving.
- Add a cheese finish: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or crumbled goat cheese on top right after roasting.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey with the balsamic glaze for sweet heat.
- Swap for turkey bacon: Try this lighter alternative if you’re keeping things a little leaner—but still want that smoky flavor.
- Add a pop of color: Throw in a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds after roasting for festive flair and tanginess.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Step 1: Prep the Brussels and Bacon
Start by trimming the stems off your Brussels sprouts and slicing each one in half. If you spot any damaged outer leaves, just peel them away and toss. Chop the bacon into generous bite-sized pieces—don’t worry, they’ll get perfectly crispy in the oven. Both ingredients go into a big bowl, ready to be dressed.
Step 2: Toss and Season
Add the olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Now is the fun part—get in there with your hands or a big spoon and toss everything thoroughly, making sure the sprouts and bacon are evenly coated. This will help them roast up perfectly and season every bite.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Delicious
Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure the sprouts are cut-side down for maximum caramelization. Roast at 450°F, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are beautifully browned on the edges and the bacon is crispy—about 20 to 25 minutes total.
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
Transfer everything to a serving platter or dish while it’s piping hot. Right before serving, drizzle your balsamic glaze over the top and give the pan a gentle toss. The sweet tangy glaze mingles with the salty bacon and roasted sprouts…total flavor fireworks! Serve immediately for peak crispiness.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Sizzle with Space: Don’t overcrowd your baking pan! Spaced-out sprouts and bacon crisp up best, while a packed pan leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Flip for Flavor: Stir or shake the pan about halfway through cooking to ensure deep browning and even caramelization on all sides.
- Balsamic Glaze Timing: Always add the glaze after roasting, not before—it preserves the bright flavor and keeps things from burning.
- Cut-Side Down Secret: Arranging Brussels with the cut side on the pan means more of that mouthwatering, golden-brown surface area in every bite!
How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Garnishes
To bring out the vibrant greens and those glistening bacon bits, sprinkle finished Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon with a little flaky sea salt, extra cracked black pepper, or a handful of toasted sliced almonds. A shave of parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser for an extra savory finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is right at home next to roast chicken, seared salmon, or a holiday ham. For a hearty meal, try pairing with mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, or a vibrant winter salad—Brussels sprouts with bacon add both richness and a veggie-forward balance to almost any main.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon onto a rustic wooden platter or in a shallow, wide serving bowl for family-style feasting. For appetizers, skewer roasted sprouts and crispy bacon onto toothpicks and drizzle with glaze—perfect little party bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon can be cooled and transferred to an airtight container, then kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. They reheat beautifully and make a great snack or side for lunches all week long.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this dish, the texture of the Brussels sprouts can get a bit soft after thawing. If you do freeze, spread the cooled sprouts and bacon on a baking sheet to “flash freeze” before storing in a zip-top bag or container for up to one month.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon on a lined baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes, which brings back the original crisp. A quick zap in the microwave also works but won’t preserve that signature crunch.
FAQs
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Can I make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture a few hours ahead, then pop it in the oven just before serving. For best texture and flavor, roast fresh and wait to add the balsamic glaze until the last minute.
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What’s the best way to get super crispy bacon?
Spread the ingredients out in a single layer on your baking sheet and avoid overcrowding—this lets the bacon crisp up as it roasts. Stirring halfway through helps every piece get evenly golden and crunchy.
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Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Definitely! Simply omit the bacon for a vegetarian version, or substitute with smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon alternatives for that smoky touch.
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Does store-bought balsamic glaze work, or should I make my own?
Store-bought balsamic glaze is super convenient and delicious for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon! If you like, you can also simmer balsamic vinegar with a spoonful of honey or brown sugar until syrupy for a homemade version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that one side dish everyone raves about, make it these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon! It’s quick to put together, totally irresistible, and makes even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics come back for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Print
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The combination of crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and sweet balsamic glaze creates a delicious medley of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts:
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved
Bacon:
- 6 bacon strips, chopped
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Finishing Touch:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Transfer the Brussels sprouts mixture to a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven, stirring halfway through cooking, until the sprouts are tender and lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze before serving. Enjoy warm!
