Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is one of those simple side dishes that packs in sweet, smoky flavors with very little effort. In this recipe, I’m roasting halved Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and basic seasonings to create a dish that’s full of flavor and texture. The sprouts turn tender on the inside and crispy on the edges, while the bacon adds a salty, crunchy bite. It’s easy to make in a pan or the oven, so you can choose whichever method suits you best.
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I know Brussels sprouts sometimes get a bad rap, but trust me, when you roast them the right way, they taste amazing! The natural sweetness of the sprouts really comes out, and when you add bacon, it takes them to a whole new level. The bacon grease infuses the sprouts with a rich, savory flavor that makes each bite delicious. Even if you have picky eaters at home, this combo might just win them over.
What I love about this dish is how versatile it is. You can serve it with rice, pasta, grilled meats, or even your favorite holiday roasts. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it also fits right in on the Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to make, so it’s great when you need something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe keeps things super simple. Just a handful of ingredients, a few easy steps, and you’ve got a side dish that’s sure to please. If you want to keep it even simpler, you can roast the sprouts with just seasonings, but adding bacon makes everything better!
In this post, I’ll show you two easy ways to make it: roasting in a pan or in the oven. Both methods are quick and foolproof, and you’ll end up with Brussels sprouts that are crispy, savory, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a regular meal or a festive gathering, give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite!
Enjoy More Roasted and Baked Vegetable Recipes:
- Roasted Beets
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Green Beans
- Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted Zucchini
- Roasted Pumpkin
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Green Beans
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients for making these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are simple and easy to find. Let’s go over each one in detail below.
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for small to medium-sized Brussels sprouts. Smaller ones cook faster and tend to be sweeter. Fresh sprouts should be bright green with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that have yellowing, browning, or wilted leaves, as these can taste bitter or stale when cooked.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe because it stays crispy and holds its shape while roasting or sautéing. Hardwood-smoked bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sprouts. You can go for cured or uncured bacon based on your taste. If you prefer a milder, less salty option, uncured bacon is a great choice.
- Seasonings: Simple seasonings like salt and black pepper let the natural flavors of the bacon and Brussels sprouts shine. But if you’re in the mood for something different, try tossing them with a drizzle of balsamic reduction, honey mustard dressing, or a bit of maple syrup for extra flavor.
How to Roast Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in Pan?
Let’s make a simple and delicious Brussels sprouts and bacon dish—all in one pan! I’ll walk you through how to prep the Brussels sprouts, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, and roast everything together for a flavorful side. To make things even easier, I’ve included detailed photos and a step-by-step video to guide you.
Prefer roasting everything in the oven? No problem! I’ve also shared oven instructions in a section below, so you can choose the method that works best for you. Ready to get started? Let’s do this!
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (2 Ways)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts, washed and dried
- 1 lb Bacon, chopped
- Black Pepper Powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel—getting them completely dry helps them roast and caramelize better. Trim off the tough stem ends and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise. Set the halved sprouts aside for later use.
Cooking the Bacon
- Place a pan over medium heat and add the chopped bacon, spreading it out evenly. Chopping the bacon into small pieces helps it cook more evenly and render its fat faster. Spreading the pieces out helps each bit get crispy and browned, adding a smoky flavor to the dish.
- As the bacon cooks, stir it occasionally to brown it evenly on all sides. You’ll see the fat start to render, which helps the bacon crisp up nicely. Keep cooking until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, with a rich, caramelized texture.
- Once the bacon is done, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate or tray to drain any excess grease. Set it aside. Leave the bacon drippings in the pan, as they’ll be used to cook the Brussels sprouts in the next steps, adding a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
Making Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- In the bacon drippings left in the pan, add the halved Brussels sprouts. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the sprouts instead of allowing them to roast.
- Sauté the Brussels sprouts in the bacon drippings, stirring occasionally to coat them evenly. The smoky fat enhances their flavor and helps them caramelize to a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Once the sprouts are coated, cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes. The trapped heat and moisture soften the sprouts while the drippings add flavor. This creates a tender interior and crispy exterior for a perfect texture.
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and add the crispy bacon bits. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently toss to mix everything evenly, letting the flavors meld together. Once well-mixed, take the pan off the heat. Your Brussels sprouts with bacon are ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Serve these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon as a side dish with rice, pasta, or grilled meats. Perfect for both regular meals and holiday feasts. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our serving suggestions section below!
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Brussels sprouts and bacon are the stars of this dish, so fresh ingredients make a big difference. I recommend picking small to medium-sized sprouts with firm texture and tightly packed leaves. Avoid any with yellowing or wilted leaves, as they won’t taste as good.
- Use a Heavy Pan or Baking Tray: Whether you're using a skillet for the pan version or a baking sheet for the oven version, a sturdy, heavy pan or tray works best. It distributes heat evenly and helps the sprouts and bacon cook to perfection, giving you those crispy, caramelized edges.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Your Preference: Like your Brussels sprouts more tender? Reduce the cooking time by a few minutes to keep them soft and slightly sweet. If you prefer extra crispy, caramelized edges, let them roast a bit longer to achieve that texture you love.
- Customize the Seasonings: I’ve kept it simple with just salt and black pepper, but feel free to mix it up! Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey for a touch of sweetness or acidity. For extra flavor, try grated Parmesan, lemon zest, or even a bit of honey mustard dressing for tang and sweetness.
- Garnishing for Crunch: For added crunch and texture, sprinkle some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts over the dish before serving. This pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and caramelized sprouts.
- Oven Method Option: If you prefer roasting in the oven instead of the stovetop, I’ve got you covered! Check out the detailed oven instructions below for an easy, hands-off method.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
If you prefer roasting Brussels sprouts and bacon in the oven instead of using the stovetop, this one-sheet pan method is for you. It’s super simple, hands-off, and perfect for multitasking. Just pop everything in the oven, and you can focus on other dishes or tasks while it roasts to perfection.
- Chop the Sprouts and Bacon: Start by preparing your Brussels sprouts and bacon. Slice the sprouts in half, trimming off any tough ends and removing any loose outer leaves. For the bacon, chop it into small, evenly sized pieces. When oven roasting, it helps to dice the bacon into smaller bits compared to the pan version. This way, the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely since you won’t be stirring during roasting. Plus, smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the dish, giving you a perfect balance of bacon and sprouts.
- Season the Brussels Sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. In the pan version, extra oil isn’t needed since the bacon releases enough fat to coat the sprouts. But for this oven method, adding 2-3 tablespoons of oil is key. It helps the sprouts caramelize beautifully and prevents them from drying out while roasting.
- Arrange: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you’ll miss out on that golden, crispy texture. For the best results, leave a little space between the pieces so the hot air can circulate properly.
- Roast: Place the tray in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the Brussels sprouts halfway through so they brown evenly. The high heat helps the sprouts develop that delicious caramelization while making the bacon crispy. No need to flip the bacon pieces—they’ll crisp up naturally during roasting.
- Check for Doneness: After 20-25 minutes, check if the Brussels sprouts are golden and caramelized, and the bacon is crispy. If the sprouts need a bit more browning, leave them in the oven for another 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, especially if your oven runs hot.
- Remove and Serve: Once everything is roasted to perfection, take the tray out of the oven. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the flavors to settle. Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon to a serving dish. If you want, drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze, maple syrup, or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is a versatile side dish that works beautifully with many meals. Here are some of our favorite pairings you might enjoy:
- Roasted or Grilled Meats: Pair with roast chicken, grilled steak, baked salmon, or pork chops. The smoky bacon and caramelized sprouts balance the flavors of these juicy mains.
- Holiday Classics: Serve with roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. This dish adds great flavor and texture to festive meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Grain Bowls: Add to bowls with quinoa, couscous, barley, or rice. Top with avocado, nuts, or a soft-boiled egg for a hearty and nutritious meal.
- Rice Dishes: Enjoy with white, basmati, or brown rice. For extra flavor, try it with cilantro lime rice, garlic rice, or creamy risotto.
- Pasta Dishes: Pair with creamy pasta like Alfredo, parmesan pasta, or salmon pasta. The smoky bacon and sprouts add a savory twist.
- Creamy Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or mac and cheese. The crispy sprouts and bacon add texture and flavor.
- Salads: Complement leafy green, quinoa, or couscous salads. The roasted flavors add warmth and depth to fresh, crisp greens.
- Egg Dishes: Top with a fried egg or sunny-side-up egg for a hearty breakfast. They also make a great side for quiche or frittata, adding flavor and texture.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend serving this dish fresh, right out of the pan or oven, to really enjoy the smoky, charred flavors. But if you have leftovers, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Just a heads-up—the bacon won’t be as crispy as when it’s freshly cooked, but it’ll still taste great.
Tip: If you want to bring back some of that crunch, try reheating the leftovers in a skillet. It helps the bacon and sprouts crisp up a bit more.
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