Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon offer a simple way to turn a healthy vegetable into a flavorful side dish. The combination of crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts creates a tasty mix of salty and slightly sweet flavors. This dish works well for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The key to great roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is cooking them until they are crispy and browned while letting the bacon add smoky richness. It takes only a few ingredients and about 35 minutes to make a dish that many enjoy, even those who don’t usually like Brussels sprouts.
Adding a glaze or seasoning like balsamic vinegar or mustard can bring extra flavor without adding much effort. This makes the recipe easy to customize to what each person likes, making it a favorite for any meal.
Why Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Is So Delicious
This dish brings together flavors and textures that balance well. The smoky taste of bacon enhances the sprouts’ earthiness. Plus, the crispiness adds a satisfying bite. It also offers nutritional benefits that make it a smart side choice.
Flavor Pairings That Work
The smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the mildly bitter taste of Brussels sprouts. When roasted, the sprouts develop a caramelized, slightly sweet flavor. This helps balance the saltiness of the bacon. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or maple syrup can deepen the flavor even more.
Garlic and mustard are often used to boost flavor without overpowering the dish. These simple additions blend smoothly with the sprouts and bacon, making the sides tasty but not too complex. This mix of sweet, smoky, and savory creates a well-rounded dish.
Texture and Crunch
Roasting Brussels sprouts makes their outer leaves crispy while keeping the inside tender. When bacon is cooked until crisp and added, it brings a crunchy contrast that many enjoy. The combination of soft and crunchy textures makes each bite interesting.
Careful roasting at high heat creates caramelized edges on the sprouts. This adds a slight crispiness and rich flavor. Bacon’s natural fat helps the sprouts brown and crisp up, avoiding sogginess. Together, these textures make the dish satisfying.
Nutritional Benefits
Brussels sprouts are full of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients support immune health and digestion. When combined with bacon, the dish also provides protein and fat, which help keep you full longer.
While bacon adds taste and protein, it is important to balance it with the health benefits of the sprouts. Roasting with minimal oil keeps the dish lighter. This simple side offers a tasty way to eat more vegetables while still enjoying a flavorful addition.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Results
Picking the right Brussels sprouts, bacon, oil, and seasonings can make a big difference. These ingredients work together to bring out the best taste and texture in the dish.
Choosing Fresh Brussels Sprouts
Fresh Brussels sprouts should be firm and bright green. Avoid any that look yellow or have soft spots. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender, making them better for roasting.
Trimming the sprouts is important. Cut off the tough stem ends and remove any loose or damaged outer leaves. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy edges. Rinsing them well and drying before roasting prevents steaming, which keeps them crunchy.
Types of Bacon to Use
The bacon choice affects both flavor and texture. Thick-cut bacon adds a smoky crunch and holds up well during roasting. Thinner slices cook faster but can burn if not watched closely.
Look for bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. The fat renders out, creating a crispy coating on the sprouts. Smoked bacon gives a richer flavor, but mild bacon works fine too if you want a less intense taste.
Best Oil and Seasonings
Use an oil with a high smoke point like olive oil or avocado oil to roast Brussels sprouts at high heat. This helps them caramelize without burning.
Season simply with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. These bring out the natural sweetness of the sprouts and the bacon’s smokiness. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice after roasting brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
For a twist, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of honey adds a sweet tang that pairs well with the bacon.
Step-By-Step Guide to Roasting
Roasting Brussels sprouts with bacon starts with the right prep and careful cutting. Properly seasoning them and choosing the right oven temperature will help create crispy, flavorful sprouts. The cooking time and temperature ensure the bacon crisps without burning the sprouts.
Preparation and Cutting Tips
First, rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt. Dry them well because wet sprouts won’t roast properly.
Trim off the stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cutting Brussels sprouts evenly helps them cook at the same rate.
Cut the sprouts in half from top to bottom. For larger sprouts, cutting them into quarters is better to avoid undercooked centers.
Using a sharp knife is important to get clean cuts. This helps the edges caramelize well during roasting.
Mixing and Seasoning
Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add chopped bacon that’s thick enough to stay crispy after roasting.
Drizzle olive oil or bacon fat over the mix to help with browning. Then season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, a small pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar can be tossed in before roasting.
Toss everything together with a spoon or your hands until the sprouts and bacon are evenly coated. This helps the seasoning stick and creates a more even roast.
Oven Roasting Techniques
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is crucial for a crispy outside and tender inside.
Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Crowding the pan will cause steaming, not roasting.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. This lets the bacon crisp on all sides and the sprouts caramelize evenly.
If they need more crispiness, roast for an extra 5-10 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
After roasting, remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. It’s best to serve immediately for the crunchiest texture.
Creative Recipe Variations
There are many ways to change up roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon to suit different tastes. Some ideas include adding cheese or nuts for texture, making the dish spicy, or swapping bacon for vegetarian options.
Adding Cheese or Nuts
Cheese can add a rich, creamy flavor that pairs well with the crispy Brussels sprouts. Parmesan is a popular choice because it melts lightly and adds a salty bite. Crumbled goat cheese or feta also works well, lending a tangy contrast.
Nuts bring a nice crunch and extra flavor. Toasted walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds are great options. They add a toasty note and help balance the dish’s texture. Adding nuts at the end keeps them from getting soggy.
To try this, sprinkle grated cheese or chopped nuts over the sprouts during the last 5 minutes of roasting. This way, the cheese softens without completely melting, and the nuts stay crisp.
Making It Spicy
To give the dish some heat, peppers and spices can be added. Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper sprinkled on before roasting add a gentle kick.
For a smoky heat, smoked paprika mixes nicely with the bacon flavor. Fresh jalapeño slices can be roasted with the Brussels sprouts for a sharper spice that warms the dish.
Another option is to drizzle hot sauce or a spicy glaze over the cooked sprouts. This lets the heat be controlled according to taste. Spicy mustard or a chili-infused oil also add heat and depth.
Vegetarian Alternatives
For those who don’t eat bacon, there are tasty swaps that maintain the savory flavor. Smoked paprika or liquid smoke can give the Brussels sprouts a similar smoky taste.
Sautéed mushrooms, especially shiitake or cremini, add a meaty texture. Crispy tempeh or coconut bacon (made from toasted coconut flakes with spices) can be mixed in for crunch.
Using a combination of soy sauce, smoked salt, and garlic powder helps mimic the umami flavor bacon provides. Roasting the sprouts until crisp brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs well with these substitutes.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon work well as a warm or room temperature side dish. They can be dressed up with simple toppings or served alongside various main courses. Keeping leftovers fresh and easy to reheat is key to enjoying this dish again.
Best Ways to Serve
The dish is best served hot but also tastes great warm or at room temperature. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can boost the flavor. For a sweeter touch, a light drizzle of maple syrup works well.
It pairs nicely with holiday meals or casual dinners. Serving it on a large platter shows off the crispy edges and smoky bacon. Using a shallow dish helps keep the texture crisp without sogginess.
Pairing With Other Dishes
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon pairs well with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. It balances rich flavors and adds a savory vegetable side.
For a full meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a simple grain dish like quinoa. It also complements turkey well, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to keep the sprouts crispy.
Microwaving can make them soft and lose their crunch, so heat them at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes instead. Leftover Brussels sprouts can also be tossed into salads or omelets for added flavor.
