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This roasted Brussel sprouts with bacon recipe is a classic dish that is sure to win the hearts and taste buds of everyone, kids included. Serve it as an easy weeknight dinner side dish, or add it to your holiday table for a veggie option that pairs well with all your festive favorites!
I nominate these caramelized Brussel sprouts, paired with crispy bacon, perfectly and simply seasoned with salt and pepper, for the perfect side dish! They are the BEST!
I always associate brussels sprouts with holiday dinners and Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, but who says you can’t enjoy them year-round? These crispy Brussels sprouts are sure worth making over and over again. You will only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to achieve perfectly roasted, tender Brussels sprouts complimented by crispy bacon. The salty bacon in this recipe renders just the right amount of flavorful fat to make this side dish irresistible. It’s nothing fancy, but it sure is delicious and always welcome at our dinner table.
Why I Love This Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
- Quick Prep: Just 5 minutes of prep time means you can have a delicious side dish without spending long hours in the kitchen.
- Simple: With only five ingredients, this recipe strips Brussels sprouts down to their most delicious essence.
- Perfectly Caramelized: This brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is roasted to achieve a sweet caramelization, bringing out the best flavors!
- Bacon Bliss: The crisp bacon not only adds a savory contrast but also contributes its flavorful smoky bacon fat to enhance the overall taste.
What You’ll Need
An easy side dish that requires only five ingredients? Sign me up! Here’s a list of what you will need to make this Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for full instructions and detailed measurements.
- Large Brussels sprouts – You can buy packaged brussels sprouts that have already been trimmed and outer leaves removed. Check the bottoms and cut off the ends if needed.
- Thick-cut bacon – You can use regular bacon if you can’t find thicker cuts of meat.
- Olive oil – Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil.
- Salt & black pepper – They’re key for bringing out all the flavors in this dish.
How to Cook Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
If this is your first time making brussels sprouts, you’re in for a treat! With just a few minutes of prep and simple steps, you’ll have fresh Brussels sprouts paired with salty bacon, ready to serve as a delicious side dish or even as a main course.
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 400˚F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
Yes, that’s really it! This bacon brussels sprouts side dish couldn’t get any easier. You could even drizzle some roasted garlic aioli, maple syrup, or balsamic vinegar over them for the tastiest finishing touch.
Recipe Tips
- How to choose Brussels sprouts. Select bright green, large sprouts with firmly intact leaves. It is also beneficial to select sprouts that are about the same size – this will help ensure even cooking time.
- Don’t crowd the pan. The fresh sprouts will not caramelize properly if stacked on top of one another. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Feel free to use two sheets if necessary.
- Start cut side down. Try to arrange the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet cut side down. No need to be too nit-picky, but this will help them brown up perfectly and keep them from drying out.
- Keep it moving. While roasting, give the Brussels sprouts a stir or two to ensure even cooking. And meanwhile, work on this quick instant pot pork tenderloin to pair with them!
- Variations. For a flavor boost, try tossing in some minced fresh garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. A drizzle of balsamic reduction at the end adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty bacon.
Serving Suggestions
While I see no fault in munching on these tasty bacon brussel sprouts as they are, the best way to enjoy this dish is by serving it as a side to a delicious entree, like with my tender and juicy pork loin roast recipe or these smothered pork chops.
This heartwarming side goes great with a juicy steak. I have been loving this oven grilled steak recipe and this easy ribeye steak dinner. Also, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are the perfect holiday side dish to be served right along with my turkey gravy recipe and this bacon wrapped spatchcock turkey.
Serve them with other festive side dishes such as my cheesy Italian sausage stuffing, this slow cooker cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and a sweet potato casserole.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- To Store Leftovers: Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for 1 to 2 months.
- To Reheat: When ready to enjoy, arrange the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 10 minutes at 350˚F or until heated through. They’ll need longer if they are reheated from frozen.
More Easy Brussel Sprouts Recipes
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound large brussels sprouts, washed, halved, ends cut off
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 400˚F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Mix it all together. Combine the Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl; toss to coat evenly.
- Bake. Spread the contents of the mixing bowl on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the brussel sprouts for 30 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Finish and serve. Remove your brussel sprouts with bacon from the oven and taste for salt and pepper. Adjust to taste and serve.
Equipment
Notes
- Pick large, bright green Brussels sprouts with tight leaves. Try to choose similar-sized sprouts for even cooking.
- Avoid overlapping the sprouts on the pan – spread them out in just one layer. Use multiple baking sheets if needed.
- Stir the Brussel sprouts and bacon once or twice while roasting.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Can you prep these the day before to save some time, so all you have to do is put them in the oven?
Hi!
Yes, you can definitely prep them ahead of time! Just keep them covered and stored in the fridge until about 15 minutes before cooking. Letting them come closer to room temperature before going in the oven will help them cook more evenly.
Am I supposed to cook the bacon first and then combine? Or use raw bacon and let it cook with the sprouts in the oven?
Hi!
No, for this recipe, I don’t precook the bacon because it crisps up nicely in the oven in those 30 minutes.
This is just a fantastic recipe! So easy and delicious. My new fave!