Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts are one of my favorite side dishes! They’re great for a holiday meal, or an everyday dinner. In this easy recipe, Brussels sprouts are tossed with bacon; then oven baked to crispy perfection and drizzled with maple syrup. Just a few ingredients yield a flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of entrees from baked chicken to steak or pork.
Crispy, delicious Bacon Brussel Sprouts are a simple, yet flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins. You only need about 10 hands-on minutes and 3 ingredients, plus a little bit of oil, salt and pepper to pull this recipe together. Tossing crisp, tender Brussel sprouts with crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup is pure heaven!
Brussels sprouts are one of those veggies that people either love or hate. But, this version is one that you’re most likely to love! These are not your mother’s Brussel sprouts! Those were the days of steamed and boiled everything. It turned vegetables to bland mush. No wonder we didn’t want to eat our veggies growing up!
These are roasted in the bacon grease, which caramelizes the sprouts to crisp on the outside, tender on the inside perfection. Flavored with smoky, salty bacon and a splash of maple syrup for a sweet and salty flavor that is truly incredible! Your whole family will love this perfect side dish.
Reasons to try this recipe
- So tasty. Brussels sprouts have a nutty, sweet taste; and a nice al dente bite on the outside with a tenderness on the inside, when cooked properly. In this recipe, the sprouts soak up the flavor from the bacon for a complex, nutty, savory taste that pairs impeccably with the deep, sweet flavor of the maple syrup.
- Super easy to make. You can hardly call this a recipe. Once you’ve made it a few times, you won’t need to look at the instructions at all. It’s super simple to throw together with very little hands-on time.
- It’s healthy. Not only are Brussels sprouts super delicious, but they are also a nutritional powerhouse! According to Healthline, they are packed with antioxidants and are a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and manganese. They also have a good amount of fiber, and are low in calories and fat.
- Versatile. This dish pairs perfectly with steak, chicken or fish. We love these with our favorite salmon patties!
Ingredients needed
You only need 4 simple key ingredients to make this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements. Here’s everything you need to make it:
- Bacon. Yes, please! This bacon recipe cooks in the oven, so no need to dirty up another dish. To make this vegetarian and vegan, you can omit the bacon, but the dish won’t have quite the same delicious flavor.
- Brussels sprouts. Definitely use fresh Brussels sprouts in this recipe. Frozen Brussels will bake up more mushy than tender and crispy.
- Avocado oil or olive oil. You only need 1 tbsp of oil to coat the Brussels and help them bake up nice and crispy.
- Salt & pepper. To bring out all of the flavors!
- Maple syrup. Just 2-3 tablespoons will add the perfect amount of sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the nutty, earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts.
Quick tip
Fresh Brussel sprouts can be found separately or sometimes they can be found still connected to the stalk. If this is the case, just cut them off the stalk at the base. Rinse and pat dry before cooking.
How to make this recipe
This is one of the easiest side dish recipes! It’s best cooked right before serving, so plan accordingly. You don’t want to make this too far ahead because everything will become less crisp over time. Eating this as soon as it’s done baking is the best. Here’s the simple process:
- Cook the bacon. Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and place in a 9×13-inch pan or a large sheet pan, lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 400ºF.
- Prep the Brussels. While the bacon is cooking, clean and trim Brussels sprouts and cut each one in half. If they are extra large, cut again.
- Roast the Brussels. After bacon has cooked for 10 minutes, add Brussels sprouts, oil and salt. Toss to combine. Continue to cook an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add maple syrup. Drizzle maple syrup over the top of the cooked bacon brussel sprouts. Toss and give the Brussels a taste. Add more kosher salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve. Enjoy immediately, with your favorite entree.
Expert tips
Here are a few tips and tricks that will ensure your roasted Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly, every time.
- Smaller sprouts. If you can find them, try to purchase Brussels sprouts that are smaller in size. They tend to be sweeter and more tender.
- Similar size. Cut the sprouts in a similar size, so they cook evenly. As you’re cutting, discard any yellow or brown outer leaves. These are on the outside and easy to remove once you’ve trimmed the stubby ends.
- Roast cut-side down. For the most crispy Brussels sprouts possible, flip each one to be cut side down, so the flat side is touching the baking sheet. This gives better caramelization and is well worth the extra step.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Allow for some breathing room on the baking sheet, or they’ll produce so much steam that they never crisp up. If necessary, use two pans, arranged on separate racks near the middle of the oven. There is no need to flip Brussels sprouts during the cooking process.
Shopping tip
Brussels sprouts are in season from September to March. You can find them year round in the United States, but they will be the sweetest when they’re in season. When shopping for Brussels sprouts, look for bright green sprouts with intact outer leaves. They should feel firm when gently squeezed. Store unused Brussels sprouts in a bag in the vegetable drawer. They should keep well for 7 to 10 days.
Frequently asked questions
If your Brussels sprouts are not crispy, it could be because you overcrowded the pan with too many. Overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam rather than roast. The Brussels sprouts should be in a single layer without touching, so the air has room to circulate around them. Also, make sure you roast them at high heat of 400 degrees F.
Parboiling Brussels can reduce the roasting time, but for this recipe it is not necessary and just an extra step that you do not need to take.
Yes, to prepare brussel sprouts, you should rinse and dry them well. Trim the bottoms and outer leaves off, then cut them in half (lengthwise) to prep them for roasting.
Variations
We love how simple these are with just bacon, salt & pepper, and a drizzle of maple syrup, but feel free to make them your own! Here’s some ways to experiment:
- Flavor boosters. Add your favorite spices and seasonings, like chili powder and/or cayenne pepper for a little heat. Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze would also be a delicious addition. Chopped onion and garlic would also be a tasty option.
- Replace the bacon. If you don’t have bacon, you can duplicate the salty flavor using pancetta, prosciutto, or even turkey bacon.
- More veggies. Roast extra veggies like carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, bell pepper, cauliflower or broccoli florets with the Brussels. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan, so that they cook evenly.
- Nuts. For added texture and crunch, add some chopped pecans in the last few minutes of roasting.
- Cheese. Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese right after taking these out of the oven while they are still hot.
Ways to serve
- Chicken. A delicious pairing! Chicken Piccata, Honey Mustard Chicken, Baked Chicken Parmesan, and Grilled Chicken Breast would all be wonderful.
- Seafood. One of our favorite meal combinations! Try them with: Grilled Salmon, Honey Glazed Salmon, Salmon Croquettes, or Parmesan Baked Cod.
- Pork. Baked Pork Chops are a perfect complement to these Brussels sprouts.
- Pasta. Serve your roasted sprouts alongside a hearty plate of this Turkey Bolognese or Italian Sausage Pasta.
Storage recommendation
Oven roasted Brussels sprouts are best served right away, so that the Brussels and bacon are crispy. However, we do enjoy leftovers served over a salad, and they will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop or in an air fryer at 350ºF for about 5 minutes to crisp everything up. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Bacon roasted Brussels sprouts makes for such a tasty way to eat your veggies! The sweetness of the maple syrup and saltiness in the bacon tastes so good with tender, freshly cooked Brussels sprouts. This dish is great for holidays and dinner parties, but it’s easy enough to make any time of the year. Add this to your Thanksgiving and Christmas menus and enjoy it for weeknight dinners!
More side dish recipes
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Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 5 slices good quality, thick cut bacon
- 1½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and place in a 9×13-inch pan or on a large sheet pan. Cook in the oven for 10 minutes.
- While bacon is cooking, clean and trim Brussels sprouts and cut each one in half. If they are extra large, cut again.
- After bacon has cooked for the first 10 minutes, add Brussels sprouts, oil and salt. Toss to combine. Do NOT overcrowd the pan with sprouts. Brussels sprouts will cook best when the flat edge is flush against the pan.
- Cook an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle the maple syrup over the top. Toss and give the Brussels a taste. Add more salt and pepper as needed. Best served immediately.
Notes
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