Name: Irresistible Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in 25 Min
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder

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Oh, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon—this dish changed everything for me! I used to think Brussels sprouts were those sad, mushy things from childhood dinners until I discovered the magic of roasting them with crispy bacon. Now, it’s my go-to side dish for everything from weeknight meals to holiday feasts. After years of tweaking oven temps and testing spice combos, I’ve landed on this foolproof method that turns even veggie skeptics into believers. The secret? High heat, a generous sprinkle of garlic powder, and that glorious bacon fat working its savory magic. Trust me, one bite of these caramelized, crispy-edged sprouts with salty bacon bits, and you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Let me count the ways this dish will steal your heart! First off, it’s ridiculously easy—just chop, toss, and roast. No fancy techniques, no endless stirring. The bacon does half the work for you, crisping up while giving those sprouts an irresistible savory kick. And that texture? Pure perfection. Crispy edges, tender centers, and bacon bits clinging to every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough for Tuesday dinners yet fancy enough for Thanksgiving. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Grab these simple ingredients – that’s all you need for magic to happen! First, 1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts (look for firm, bright green ones). You’ll trim off those tough ends and slice them in half – trust me, halving is key for maximum crispiness. Then, 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces (the fattier, the better for flavor). For seasoning: 1 tablespoon of good olive oil (I use extra virgin), 1/2 teaspoon of salt (I’m generous here), 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – my secret weapon for that irresistible savory depth.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Okay, let’s get these beauties roasting! First, crank your oven to 400°F (200°C) – that high heat is crucial for getting those crispy edges we crave. While it heats up, grab your prepped Brussels sprouts and bacon. This next part is practically foolproof, I promise.

Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Here’s where a little patience pays off. Take each sprout and slice off that tough little stem end – just about 1/8 inch. Then halve them from top to bottom so each piece has a flat side to caramelize against the pan. Try to keep them roughly the same size (about 1-inch pieces) so they cook evenly. No need to be perfect – rustic is charming!

Roast to Perfection

Toss those halved sprouts in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until they’re nicely coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer – overcrowding leads to steaming, not roasting! Now sprinkle the bacon pieces evenly over top (they’ll render fat as they cook, basting the sprouts in bacony goodness). Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, but here’s the key – give everything a good stir at the 15-minute mark so all sides get crispy. You’ll know they’re done when the sprouts are fork-tender with gorgeous browned edges and the bacon is perfectly crisp. Oh, that smell!

Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Listen, I’ve burned my fair share of Brussels sprouts before getting this just right! Here’s what I’ve learned: First, give those sprouts breathing room on the pan – overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp up. I use two pans if needed. Always start with fresh sprouts; the tighter and greener the leaves, the better they’ll roast. And here’s my trick – go light on salt before roasting since bacon adds saltiness, then adjust at the end. Oh! Try drizzling with balsamic vinegar right before serving – the sweet tang cuts through the richness beautifully. Just 1 tablespoon makes all the difference.

Ingredient Substitutions for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Out of an ingredient? No worries – I’ve tested plenty of swaps! Turkey bacon works if you’re avoiding pork, though it won’t render as much fat (add an extra drizzle of oil). Prefer avocado oil? Its high smoke point makes it perfect for roasting. And if garlic powder’s not your thing, smoked paprika adds incredible depth – just use half the amount since it’s more potent. The beauty of this recipe? It’s flexible without losing that crave-worthy flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These sprouts steal the show no matter what you pair them with! For weeknights, I love them alongside simple roast chicken – the crispy sprouts balance the juicy meat perfectly. Grilled steak nights? Absolutely. The bacon’s smokiness matches beautifully with charred beef. Come Thanksgiving, I triple the batch – they disappear fast next to turkey and mashed potatoes. Honestly, they’re good straight from the pan too… not that I’d know!

Storing and Reheating Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Listen, I know leftovers are rare with this dish – but if you somehow have some, here’s how to keep them tasting great! Store cooled sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, the oven’s your best friend (350°F for 8-10 minutes) to bring back that crispness – microwaving turns them soggy. Want a pro tip? Toss them in a hot skillet to revive the bacon’s crunch. Just know they’ll never be quite as perfect as fresh from the oven!

Nutritional Information for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Let’s talk numbers – because yes, this delicious side is actually pretty good for you too! One serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) comes in around 180 calories, with 12g of fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil and bacon), 6g of protein, and 4g of filling fiber. Of course, these are estimates – your exact counts will vary based on bacon thickness and sprout size. But here’s what matters: you’re getting a veggie-packed dish with flavor that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Technically yes, but fresh is SO much better! Frozen sprouts release extra moisture while roasting, making them soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw completely and pat them bone-dry first – and expect less crispiness.

How do I prevent soggy Brussels sprouts? Three secrets: 1) Dry sprouts thoroughly before roasting, 2) Don’t overcrowd the pan (they steam instead of crisp!), and 3) Roast at high heat (400°F) – that caramelization is everything.

Can I prep this dish ahead? Absolutely! Chop sprouts and bacon up to 24 hours ahead (store separately). The bacon keeps its texture better when added fresh though. Already roasted? Reheat in a hot oven to revive crispiness.

Why do my sprouts taste bitter? Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter! Also, that initial roasting smell is normal – it mellows into delicious nuttiness. A splash of balsamic vinegar at serving time balances any bitterness beautifully.

Irresistible Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in 25 Min

Print Recipe

Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with savory bacon make a delicious side dish. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Author: Nada
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Spread on a baking sheet and add chopped bacon.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until sprouts are crispy and bacon is cooked.
Serve warm.