Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Bacon Roasted Brussels 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, steak or pork. You just can’t go wrong with this one!
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a fall staple, and this recipe gives them a little extra pizzaz with the addition of bacon and maple syrup. There are lots of different ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts rather it be in a salad, sautéed in a skillet or baked with cheese, but this is by far my absolute favorite way to eat (and serve) Brussels sprouts. This oven roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is absolutely incredible!
And I know, 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! Tossed with bacon and roasted until crispy for a super flavorful, nutritious side dish!
What makes Brussels sprouts so great?
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. If you don’t think you like Brussels sprouts, it’s probably just because you haven’t had well seasoned and cooked Brussels sprouts! This Bacon roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is the perfect recipe for Brussels sprouts beginners!
Not only are Brussels sprouts super delicious, but they are also a nutritional powerhouse! They have tons of antioxidants and are a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and manganese. They’re also packed with fiber, so go ahead and enjoy this side dish. Your body will thank you!
Ingredients for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
You only need 4 simple main ingredients to make this roasted Brussels sprouts dish:
- Bacon. Yes, please! The bacon cooks in the oven, so no need to dirty up another dish. If you don’t eat meat, you can leave the bacon out, but the recipe will be less tasty!
- Brussels sprouts. Definitely use fresh Brussels sprouts in this recipe. Frozen Brussels will bake up more mushy than tender and crispy.
- Avocado or olive oil. You only need 1 tablespoon to coat the Brussels and help them bake up nice and crispy.
- Salt & pepper. To taste!
- Maple syrup. Just 2-3 tablespoons is all you need to add the perfect amount of sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the nutty, earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts.
How do you make bacon roasted Brussels sprouts?
This is one of the easiest side dish recipes! Here’s a rundown of the steps, but you’ll find the detailed recipe at the bottom of the post.
- Cook the bacon. Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and place in a 9×13″ pan. Cook 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.
- Cook the Brussels. After bacon has cooked for the first 10 minutes, add Brussels sprouts, oil and salt. Toss to combine. Cook an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add maple syrup. Drizzle maple syrup over the top of the cooked Brussels sprouts and bacon. Toss and give the Brussels a taste. Add more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve. Best served immediately.
How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts
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. Smaller sprouts are typically more tender and sweet, but try to choose sprouts that are roughly the same size so they’re done around the same time. Store unused Brussels sprouts in a bag in the vegetable drawer. They should keep well for 7 to 10 days.
When you’re ready to cook your Brussels sprouts, trim and halve the sprouts. Slice off the stubby ends where they were connected to the plant. Then, cut each sprout in half, vertically. The flat part of the sprout is what will bake against the pan and caramelize.
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Here are a few tips and tricks that will ensure your roasted Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly, every time.
- If you can find them, try to purchase Brussels sprouts that are smaller in size. They tend to be sweeter and more tender.
- Cut the Brussels sprouts in a similar size, so they cook evenly. The flat part should lay flush against the pan.
- Brussels sprouts need some breathing room on the pan, 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 turn Brussels sprouts during the cooking process.
- Oven roasted Brussels sprouts are best served right away, so that the Brussels and bacon are crispy. However, I do enjoy leftovers served over a salad and they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop to crisp everything up. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Customize Your Brussels Sprouts
I love keeping the Brussels sprouts simple with just bacon, salt & pepper, and a drizzle of maple syrup, but feel free to make them your own!
- Add your favorite spices and seasonings, like chili powder and/or cayenne pepper for a little heat. Balsamic vinegar or glaze would also be a delicious addition.
- If you don’t have bacon, you can duplicate the salty flavor using pancetta, prosciutto, or even turkey bacon.
- Roast extra veggies like carrots, red onion, bell pepper or broccoli florets with the Brussels. Just be sure not to overcrowd the veggies, so that they cook evenly.
Bacon roasted Brussels sprouts makes for such a tasty way to enjoy Brussels sprouts! 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. I recommend you give this side dish a try very soon!
More Favorite Sides
If you try this bacon roasted Brussels sprouts recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
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 9x13 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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