Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are the perfect side dish for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays! The caramelized roasted brussels sprouts, savoury bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar provide a mouthwatering, irresistible flavour. Make this quick and easy recipe in about 30 minutes.

Looking for more delicious holiday side dishes to try this Thanksgiving? Check out Jerk Chicken Mac and Cheese, Jamaican Steamed Cabbage, Easy Classic Homemade Stuffing and this Skillet Cornbread Recipe.

wooden spoon with roasted brussels sprouts with bacon.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe
What Do Roasted Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?
Are Roasted Brussel Sprouts Still Healthy?
What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)
Ingredients and Ingredient Notes
How to Prep Brussels Sprouts
How to Roast Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Recipe Substitutions and Tips
Serving Suggestions and Tips
Recipe Notes and Tips for Success
Can I Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Ahead of Time?
Storage Instructions
Reheating Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Interested in more Side Dish Recipes? Check These Out!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

If you don’t like brussels sprouts, you probably haven’t had them seasoned to perfection, drizzled with balsamic glaze and served with crispy salty bacon. These oven roasted brussel sprouts with bacon are one of my favourite sides to serve at the dinner table, especially during the holidays. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients and adds flavour and nutrients to every meal.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep work, and about 20 minutes of cooking time, these oven roasted brussel sprouts with bacon are super simple to make.
Healthy Side: This low-carb side dish is more than welcome on a holiday table filled with rich, decadent sides. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, contain very few calories, high in fibre, and loaded with vitamins C and K.
So Versatile: This brussels sprouts recipe is easy to customize; change the glaze, make it spicy, use pancetta instead of bacon… there are so many options!

What Do Roasted Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?

Brussels sprouts have a unique, earthy flavour that can be slightly bitter. When roasted properly, brussels sprouts have a mildly sweet and nutty taste, with a tender yet slightly crunchy texture.

Are Roasted Brussel Sprouts Still Healthy?

Roasted brussels sprouts retain more nutrients than boiled brussels sprouts. If fat or calories are a concern, use less oil and consider omitting the bacon. Regardless, the brussels sprouts themselves are still an excellent source of vitamins and fiber.

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

Large Baking Sheet: Roast brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet so they have room to spread out and cook evenly.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

Brussels Sprouts: Chop off the ends and halve them so they’re bite-sized.
Thick-Cut Bacon or Pancetta: This adds salty, savory flavour to the dish.
Olive Oil: Use a high-quality oil for the best flavour.
Garlic cloves: Mince fresh garlic for the best results.
Balsamic Reduction or glaze: You can make your own by combining balsamic glaze with maple syrup or brown sugar. Alternatively, use your favourite brand.
Seasoning: Season simply with salt (more or less to taste) and black pepper.

How to Prep Brussels Sprouts

Begin by chopping off the ends of the sprouts, then slice them in half lengthwise. Rinse them under cool water to remove all dirt and debris. Then pat them dry with paper towels,

How to Roast Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking oil spray, set aside.
Lightly grease a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray or a light coating of oil. Set aside.
Arrange brussels sprouts, bacon and garlic on the pan. Spread out the brussel sprouts and do not overcrowd your sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
Place in oven and roast for 20-30 minutes or until sprouts tender, and charred along the edges, bacon cooked through and crispy.
Remove from oven, and drizzle on balsamic reduction, adjust taste with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Serve immediately & enjoy!

brussels sprouts, garlic and bacon seasoned with salt and pepper on baking tray.

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

Glazes: Want to try something other than balsamic vinegar? Swap it for dijon mustard or honey sriarcha.
Cheese: Roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and parmesan
Fruits and Nuts: Toss in some pecans and dried cranberries for the ultimate seasonal side dish.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Brussels sprouts with bacon is best served as part of a holiday feast, or at least a hearty meal. Try serving it with:

Roasted Meats: This pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken.
Salmon: For a well-balanced, wholesome meal, pair the sprouts with rich, fatty salmon. It’s a delicious contrast to the lightly bitter and nutty flavour of brussels sprouts. Try them with one of my salmon recipes like Garlic Butter Salmon, Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon or Baked Honey Mustard Salmon.
Pasta: Brussels sprouts can be incorporated into pasta dishes, either by tossing them with pasta and olive oil or by using them as a topping for creamy pasta dishes.

Recipe Notes and Tips for Success

Cut brussels sprouts in half to ensure they cook evenly.
Fresh brussels sprouts work best but if you use frozen brussels sprouts, allow them to completely thaw first. Then proceed with the recipe directions.
Spread the brussels sprouts and bacon out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can cause the sprouts to steam instead of roast, affecting their texture and flavour.

Can I Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Ahead of Time?

You can make this dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat them in the oven or on the stove top for the best results.

Storage Instructions

Allow the brussels sprouts with bacon to completely cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to retain their crisp exterior.

halved brussels sprouts on cutting board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before roasting?

Some recipes soak brussel sprouts to tenderize them but doing so can lead to excess moisture that could make the final dish soggy. However, if you decide to soak them, be sure to thoroughly dry the brussels sprouts before roasting them.

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts not crispy?

Ensure you are cooking the brussels sprouts at a high enough temperature (at least 400°F). You may also be using too much oil.

Do you need to trim brussel sprouts before roasting?

Yes, you should trim brussels sprouts before roasting. Remove any loose or disclored leaves, cut off the stem and then slice the sprouts in half, legthwise. Trimming helps the brussel sprouts cook more evenly and removes and tough or undesirable parts that could compomise the flavour and texture of the dish.

Interested in more Side Dish Recipes? Check These Out!

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