Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The Ultimate Crispy Side Dish
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’ve been on the hunt for an easy bacon Brussels sprouts recipe that’s both crowd-pleasing and simple enough for a busy weeknight, you’ve come to the right place. These oven roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon come out crispy on the edges, tender inside, and loaded with smoky, savory goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavor Explosion: Bacon fat, garlic, and a hint of lemon brighten up every bite.
- Crispy Texture: High-heat roasting gives the best crunch without deep-frying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect as a side for holiday dinners, potlucks, or casual weeknight meals.
Ingredients for Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use rendered bacon fat for extra flavor)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Pro Tip: For even roasting, choose Brussels sprouts that are similar in size and give them a good shake in the colander to remove excess moisture.
Essential Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet – You’ll need plenty of surface area so the sprouts roast instead of steam. For best results, I love using a sturdy, non-stick baking sheet like this one: Durable Heavy-Duty Baking Sheet on Amazon
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (optional, for easy cleanup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat if you prefer.
- In a large bowl, combine halved sprouts, olive oil (or bacon fat), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss until every piece is well coated.
- Scatter the chopped bacon pieces over the sprouts and give everything one more gentle toss.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the edges are deep golden-brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle lemon zest over the top. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips for the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each sprout room to caramelize.
- Use high heat: Roasting at 425°F ensures crispness.
- Mix halfway: Stirring at the 12-minute mark promotes even browning.
- Customize flavors: Swap lemon for a splash of balsamic vinegar or top with shaved Parmesan.
Variations to Try
- Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup before roasting.
- Spicy Sriracha Style: Toss sprouts with 1 teaspoon of Sriracha after roasting.
- Nutty Finish: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or slivered almonds on top for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can roast them up to 2 hours before serving. Re-crisp in a hot oven (425°F) for 5 minutes before plating.
Q: Are roasted Brussels sprouts healthy?
A: Absolutely—Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins C and K. Using a bit of bacon adds flavor without piling on calories.
Q: What can I serve with bacon Brussels sprouts?
A: They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, steak, salmon, or even as part of a vegetarian spread (just omit the bacon and boost the olive oil).
Let’s Get Cooking!
There you have it—a foolproof, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this easy side dish a whirl, and let me know in the comments how it turned out!
If you loved this recipe, consider grabbing this reliable baking sheet for your kitchen: Durable Heavy-Duty Baking Sheet on Amazon. It makes roasting veggies a total breeze!
Happy cooking, friends! ๐
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