Roasted Veggies

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Name: Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

By Camille Calloway · June 19, 2026 · Roasted Veggies

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon — Crispy Bacon, Roasted Perfection

As the seasons change, I find myself craving hearty, comforting dishes that bring warmth to my table. One of my favorite recipes to make during this time is Brussels sprouts with bacon. It's a dish that never fails to impress, with its perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and smoky flavors. I've made it for countless gatherings, and it's always a hit.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, I was a bit skeptical about the combination of Brussels sprouts and bacon. But as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had created something special. The way the crispy bacon complements the tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts is pure magic.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, add it to a salad, or even use it as a topping for a hearty bowl. It's also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of creating the perfect Brussels sprouts with bacon. From selecting the freshest ingredients to achieving the perfect roast, I'll share all my tips and tricks to ensure you get the best results. So, let's get started and make some delicious Brussels sprouts with bacon!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their meal routine. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight, and the best part is that it's incredibly easy to make. So, go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.
The combination of Brussels sprouts and bacon is a match made in heaven, with the crispy bacon complementing the tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts perfectly.
This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you're serving it as a side dish, adding it to a salad, or using it as a topping for a hearty bowl.
The recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients or spices.
The dish is also very healthy, with the Brussels sprouts providing a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, and the bacon adding a boost of protein.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
The dish is also very budget-friendly, with the ingredients being relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Brussels sprouts with bacon lies in the cooking technique. By roasting the Brussels sprouts in the oven, we're able to bring out their natural sweetness and add a nice caramelized crunch to the exterior. At the same time, the bacon is cooked to a crispy perfection, adding a smoky flavor that complements the Brussels sprouts beautifully.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the balance of flavors. By using a combination of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice, we're able to bring out the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and bacon without overpowering them. This balance of flavors is what makes the dish so delicious and addictive.

Finally, the texture of the dish is also important. By cooking the Brussels sprouts until they're tender but still crisp, we're able to add a nice contrast to the crunchy bacon. This contrast of textures is what makes the dish so interesting and engaging.

Overall, the combination of cooking technique, balance of flavors, and texture is what makes this recipe so successful. By following these simple steps and using a few basic ingredients, you'll be able to create a dish that's sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Brussels sprouts with bacon, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. You'll want to use fresh, high-quality Brussels sprouts that are free of blemishes and have a nice, tight head. For the bacon, look for thick-cut slices that are smoked to perfection. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, salt, and pepper.

In addition to these main ingredients, you'll also need some lemon juice, garlic, and chopped fresh parsley to add some brightness and freshness to the dish. Don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and add your own favorite spices or herbs to make the recipe your own.

1 pound (450g) fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halvedLook for fresh, high-quality Brussels sprouts that are free of blemishes and have a nice, tight head. You can also use frozen Brussels sprouts, but be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel before using.
6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesUse thick-cut bacon that is smoked to perfection. You can also use regular bacon, but the thick-cut variety will give you a better texture and flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that has a good flavor and aroma. You can also use other oils, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
1 teaspoon saltUse a flaky, kosher salt that will add a nice texture and flavor to the dish. You can also use regular table salt, but the kosher salt will give you a better flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepperUse a freshly ground black pepper that will add a nice flavor and aroma to the dish. You can also use pre-ground pepper, but the freshly ground variety will give you a better flavor.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceUse a freshly squeezed lemon juice that will add a nice brightness and freshness to the dish. You can also use bottled lemon juice, but the freshly squeezed variety will give you a better flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse a high-quality garlic that has a good flavor and aroma. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt, but the fresh garlic will give you a better flavor.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyUse a fresh, high-quality parsley that has a good flavor and aroma. You can also use dried parsley, but the fresh variety will give you a better flavor.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseUse a high-quality Parmesan cheese that has a good flavor and aroma. You can also use other cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakesUse a high-quality red pepper flakes that will add a nice heat and flavor to the dish. You can also use other spices, such as paprika or cumin, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerLarge bowlWhiskSpatula

How to Make Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2
In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3
Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the largest sprout; it should slide in easily.
4
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
5
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly softened.
6
Add the roasted Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the garlic and oil mixture. Toss to combine, then stir in the cooked bacon, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
7
Transfer the Brussels sprouts mixture to a large serving dish or individual plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
8
To add some extra flavor and texture, you can also top the Brussels sprouts with some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts.
9
If you want to make the dish more substantial, you can serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
10
To make the dish ahead of time, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon up to a day in advance, then assemble and reheat the dish just before serving.
11
To reheat the dish, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Check the dish for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the largest sprout; it should be tender and heated through.
13
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.

Expert Tips

To get the best flavor out of your Brussels sprouts, make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to not overcook them.
If you're using frozen Brussels sprouts, be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel before using.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can also use other ingredients such as diced onions, minced ginger, or grated carrots.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
To make the dish ahead of time, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon up to a day in advance, then assemble and reheat the dish just before serving.
To reheat the dish, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
To add some extra texture to the dish, you can also top the Brussels sprouts with some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Brussels sprouts, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough oil or seasoning, which can result in a bland and unflavorful dish.
Not cooking the bacon until it is crispy, which can make it chewy and unpleasant.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can result in a messy and unappetizing presentation.
Not using fresh, high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.
Not following the recipe instructions, which can result in a dish that is overcooked or underseasoned.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced onions or minced ginger to the dish for extra flavor.
Using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
Adding some heat to the dish with red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Using different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or brown sugar-cured, for a unique flavor.
Adding some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, for extra texture.
Using different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider, for a unique flavor.
Adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

This Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is perfect for serving as a side dish or adding to a salad. You can also use it as a topping for a hearty bowl or as a filling for a sandwich. The dish is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoesAdd to a salad or use as a topping for a hearty bowlUse as a filling for a sandwich or wrapServe alongside your favorite protein, such as chicken or steak

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store this dish, simply place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months, then reheat it in the oven or microwave when needed.

To reheat the dish, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.

Some other tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Brussels sprouts should I use for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel before using.

Can I use different types of bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bacon for this recipe. Some options include applewood-smoked, brown sugar-cured, or peppered bacon.

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?

The Brussels sprouts are done when they are tender and caramelized, with a nice brown color. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the largest sprout; it should slide in easily.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Simply roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon up to a day in advance, then assemble and reheat the dish just before serving.

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I freeze the dish?

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or microwave.

What are some variations I can make to the recipe?

Some variations you can make to the recipe include adding diced onions or minced ginger, using different types of cheese, or adding some heat with red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.

Can I use this recipe as a side dish or main course?

Yes, you can use this recipe as either a side dish or main course. It's perfect for serving alongside your favorite protein or as a filling for a sandwich or wrap.

The Full Recipe

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