Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts: The Ultimate Roasted Side Dish Recipe

Even the most dedicated vegetable lovers sometimes need a little extra incentive to get their greens on the dinner table, especially when feeding a crowd. That’s where these incredible Bacon Brussels Sprouts come into play! This recipe is a game-changer, transforming humble Brussels sprouts into an irresistible side dish that even skeptics will devour. The secret? A generous helping of crispy bacon and its flavorful fat, which perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the roasted sprouts.

My dad always jokes that bacon is so good, you could even eat it on cardboard. While we won’t be testing that theory, it’s certainly true that tossing these mini cabbages with the rendered fat and crunchy bits of bacon brings out their inherent sweetness and adds a depth of savory flavor that is simply divine. When roasted to perfection, the Brussels sprouts become tender on the inside with delightfully charred, crispy edges, creating a textural and taste sensation that’s hard to beat.

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• **Irresistible Flavor:** The combination of savory bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and earthy Brussels sprouts is simply magical.
• **Perfectly Crispy Texture:** Roasting at a high temperature ensures those coveted crispy edges and tender interiors.
• **Easy & Straightforward:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and a fuss-free method, making it ideal for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.
• **Crowd-Pleaser:** It’s a fantastic way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters, as bacon has a universal appeal.
• **Nutritious:** Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a healthy addition to any meal.

The Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Often misunderstood, Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition. These small, green gems are cruciferous vegetables, a family that includes broccoli, cabbage, and kale, known for their health-promoting properties. They are an excellent source of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports the immune system. Beyond that, Brussels sprouts are rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health, and contain various other vitamins and minerals like Folate, Vitamin A, and Manganese. Incorporating them into your diet, especially in such a delicious form, is a fantastic way to boost your nutrient intake.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Gathering Your Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Making truly exceptional bacon Brussels sprouts starts with quality ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need just a few key components, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Brussels Sprouts: Selection and Preparation

You have a couple of options when it comes to the star of our dish. You can purchase fresh Brussels sprouts whole, or if you’re looking to save some prep time, many grocery stores now offer them pre-shaved. If buying whole, look for bright green, firm sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have loose leaves. To prepare whole sprouts, simply trim the tough end of the stem and remove any discolored outer leaves. For maximum crispiness and even cooking, I highly recommend shaving them thinly. A mandoline slicer makes quick work of this, creating uniform slices that roast beautifully. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife can also achieve thin shavings.

Bacon: The Flavor Powerhouse

Choosing the right bacon is crucial for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon is my preference as it yields substantial, meaty pieces and renders plenty of flavorful fat, which we’ll use to coat our sprouts. I like to crisp up my own bacon in the oven beforehand. This not only gives you perfectly cooked bacon bits for tossing with the sprouts but also provides that precious bacon fat – an essential ingredient that infuses the sprouts with incredible savory flavor. You’ll reserve about two tablespoons of this golden fat for roasting.

Onions and Seasonings: For Balance and Sweetness

Beyond the bacon and sprouts, you’ll need just a few simple seasonings and an onion to round out the flavors. I prefer a sweet yellow onion, as its natural sugars caramelize beautifully when roasted, adding another layer of sweetness that perfectly balances the slight bitterness of the sprouts and the saltiness of the bacon. Shallots or red onions can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile. A simple sprinkle of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card with ingredient measurements and instructions.

Step-by-Step Method for Irresistible Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Preparing these bacon Brussels sprouts is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The key steps involve preparing your ingredients and then letting the oven do the hard work.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Bacon

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup – you’ll thank yourself later! Lay your thick-cut bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Cook the bacon in the preheated oven until it starts to crisp but is still slightly pliable, usually about 15-18 minutes. Remember, it will cook further with the sprouts. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and carefully reserve about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat from the pan. This fat is liquid gold for flavor!

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts and Onion

While the bacon cools slightly, thinly shave your Brussels sprouts. As mentioned, a mandoline is perfect for this, but a sharp knife works just as well. Aim for thin, uniform slices to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Thinly slice your yellow onion into half-moons. Dice the cooled, partially crispy bacon into small bits – these will be tossed directly with the sprouts.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

On a clean, rimmed baking sheet (you can use the same one the bacon cooked on if you peeled off the foil, or use a fresh one), spread out the shaved Brussels sprouts and thinly sliced onion. Sprinkle the diced bacon bits over the sprouts and onion. Drizzle with the reserved bacon fat and a tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Now, get your hands in there and toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the sprouts and onions are evenly coated in the oils and seasonings. This step is crucial for even caramelization and flavor distribution.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Spread the coated Brussels sprouts mixture evenly in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the sprouts instead of roasting them, preventing them from getting crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Continue roasting until the greens reach your desired level of crispiness and caramelization. I personally love them really dark, almost crispy like a potato chip, with beautifully caramelized edges – that’s when their sweetness truly shines. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Once they’re golden brown, crispy, and fragrant, remove the bacon Brussels sprouts from the oven. Serve them piping hot as a delectable side dish for any meal. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These crispy bacon Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic side dish for a wide variety of meals. Their savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor profile complements many main courses:

• **Roast Chicken or Turkey:** A classic pairing that works for any holiday meal or Sunday dinner.
• **Steak or Pork Chops:** The rich flavors of beef or pork are perfectly balanced by the earthy, crispy sprouts.
• **Baked Salmon or Cod:** A lighter main course that benefits from the hearty and flavorful side.
• **Pasta Dishes:** Serve alongside a creamy pasta or a simple lemon garlic pasta for added texture and nutrition.
• **Holiday Feasts:** An absolute must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
• **Brunch:** Believe it or not, these are delicious with scrambled eggs or a frittata for a savory brunch option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

While fresh Brussels sprouts are highly recommended for optimal crispiness, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. However, they tend to release more water, which can make them less crispy. To minimize this, thaw them completely, pat them very dry with paper towels, and then proceed with the recipe. You might need to increase the roasting time slightly.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover bacon Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and restore some crispiness, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly re-crisped. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

For the best texture, these are truly best served fresh out of the oven. However, you can do some prep work in advance. You can shave the Brussels sprouts and slice the onion up to a day ahead and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also cook and dice the bacon ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply combine everything and roast.

Did you make this incredibly delicious recipe? I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a review or comment below. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more amazing recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for daily inspiration!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8 servings

Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into an extraordinary side dish with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and irresistible roasted flavor. This easy recipe is a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon, crisped + fat reserved
• 2 pounds Brussels Sprouts, shaved + stems removed
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Bacon Fat
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt, Morton’s
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425˚F (220°C).

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Cook the bacon on the pan in the oven until beginning to crisp but still slightly limp, as it will cook again with the sprouts. This usually takes 15-18 minutes.

Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat. (Tip: Save leftover bacon fat from previous cooks in a jar in the fridge for future use!)

Dice up the cooled, cooked bacon for use in the recipe.

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, shave the Brussels Sprouts very thin after trimming the stems and removing any outer leaves.

Place the shaved sprouts on a clean rimmed baking sheet (or the bacon cooking sheet, if using) with the thinly sliced onion, reserved bacon fat, olive oil, diced bacon, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the sprouts and onion are well-coated in the oil and seasonings.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the greens begin to get dark brown, tender, and deliciously crispy.

The crispier and more caramelized the sprouts, the better in my opinion, but take them to your preferred level of doneness.

Serve immediately as a delightful dinner side dish.

Notes

Notes & Tips

I share instructions for crisping the bacon in the oven before cooking the greens. This is also a great way to cook your breakfast bacon too. Plus if you start this way, there is no cleanup cause you can just toss the foil.

If you like your sprouts a little more crispy, turn on the broiler at the end, but keep a watchful eye on them. I like a touch of char, but they can all but super fast. Never walk away from anything that is broiling.

If you like a touch of spice, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes. Depending on what I am serving these with I sometimes sprinkle some in.

Substitutions

If you do not want to go the route of crisping your own bacon, use store-bought bacon bits. Just be sure they are real bacon, I like the Costco ones best. Also, replace the bacon fat with more olive oil, or if you have saved bacon fat from previous cooks use that.

I like a nice sweet yellow onion for this recipe. Shallots or Red onions would also be great.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Benriner Japanese Vegetable Slicer, Old Version
• Tovolo Flex-Core Stainless Steel Handled Spoonula Spatula Spoon, Ergonomic Grip, Dishwasher Safe, Charcoal
• John Boos MPL1812125G Chop-N-Slice Select Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board, 18 Inches x 12 Inches x 1.25 Inches
• Shun Classic 7″ Hollow Ground Santoku Knife w/Custom Engraving
• Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet (3 Pack)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 133Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 220mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g

This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram