These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are crispy, savory, and full of delicious flavor. Fresh Brussels sprouts are roasted until golden brown, then combined with crispy bacon for an easy side dish that pairs beautifully with everyday dinners and holiday meals.
With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe transforms Brussels sprouts into a flavorful dish that even picky eaters may enjoy. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, turkey, steak, or your favorite comfort food.
Why You’ll Love These Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy and flavorful: Roasting creates beautifully browned edges.
- Easy to prepare: Requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Savory bacon flavor: Crispy bacon adds richness and texture.
- Perfect for holidays: A delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
- Naturally low in carbohydrates: No flour or breadcrumbs are needed.
- Customizable: Add maple syrup, Parmesan, garlic, or balsamic glaze.
- Great for weeknight dinners: Ready in approximately 35 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Brussels Sprouts
Choose fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green. Remove damaged outer leaves and cut larger sprouts in half.
Bacon
Use regular or thick-cut bacon. Chop it into small pieces so it cooks evenly and distributes its flavor throughout the dish.
Olive Oil
A small amount of olive oil helps the Brussels sprouts brown and roast evenly.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic adds savory flavor. Garlic powder can be used as an alternative.
Seasonings
Salt and black pepper provide a simple seasoning base. Adjust the salt depending on how salty the bacon is.
Optional Ingredients
For additional flavor, try Parmesan cheese, maple syrup, balsamic glaze, or red pepper flakes.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any damaged outer leaves.
Cut the sprouts in half. If some are very large, cut them into quarters so they cook evenly.
Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Dry Brussels sprouts roast more effectively and develop better browning.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon
Cut the bacon into small pieces.
You can add the raw bacon directly to the baking sheet with the Brussels sprouts, or cook it partially in a skillet first for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Season the Brussels Sprouts
Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and a small amount of salt. Toss until the sprouts are evenly coated.
Be careful not to add too much salt because the bacon may already be salty.
Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the Brussels sprouts across the baking sheet in a single layer.
Place them cut-side down where possible for better browning. Add the chopped bacon evenly around the sprouts.
Avoid overcrowding the pan, as too much food in one layer can cause steaming instead of roasting.
Step 6: Roast
Roast for approximately 25–30 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
The Brussels sprouts should be tender inside, golden brown around the edges, and the bacon should be cooked and crisp.
If the bacon needs additional crisping, roast for a few extra minutes while monitoring carefully.
Step 7: Add Optional Finishing Touches
Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
For extra flavor, add one of the following:
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
- A small amount of maple syrup
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Toss gently and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Dry the Brussels sprouts thoroughly before roasting.
- Cut sprouts into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Place the cut sides against the baking sheet.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use enough oil to lightly coat the sprouts without making them greasy.
- Adjust the salt based on the bacon’s saltiness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Watch carefully near the end of cooking to prevent over-browning.
Easy Variations
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Add 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup during the final few minutes of roasting for a lightly sweet finish.
Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Toss the roasted sprouts with grated Parmesan and additional minced garlic.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished dish just before serving.
Spicy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Combine a little honey with Dijon mustard and drizzle over the roasted vegetables.
Lemon Herb Brussels Sprouts
Finish with fresh lemon juice, parsley, and a small amount of dried Italian seasoning.
How to Store
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, although the texture may soften after thawing.
For best results, reheat leftovers in an oven, air fryer, or skillet instead of the microwave.
How to Reheat
Oven
Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, or until warmed through.
Air Fryer
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3–6 minutes, checking frequently.
Skillet
Warm over medium heat until heated through and lightly crisped.
What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
This side dish pairs well with:
- Roasted chicken
- Baked turkey breast
- Grilled steak
- Pork tenderloin
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Baked salmon
- Holiday stuffing
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I boil Brussels sprouts before roasting?
No. Fresh Brussels sprouts can be roasted directly in the oven. Boiling is not necessary and may add excess moisture.
Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?
Overcrowding, excess moisture, or insufficient oven heat can prevent crisping. Dry the sprouts well and arrange them in a single layer.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but frozen Brussels sprouts usually contain more moisture and may not become as crispy. Roast them directly from frozen and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Yes. Simply omit the bacon and add a little extra olive oil, smoked paprika, or roasted nuts for additional flavor.
Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and season just before roasting.
Is thick-cut bacon suitable for this recipe?
Yes. Thick-cut bacon works well, but it may require additional cooking time to become crisp.
Recipe Card
Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts
- 6 ounces bacon, chopped
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze, Parmesan cheese, or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
- Pat the sprouts dry and place them in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt. Toss well.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Distribute the chopped bacon around the sprouts.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Continue roasting until the sprouts are tender and golden and the bacon is crisp.
- Add optional Parmesan, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze.
- Serve warm.
Recipe Notes: Bacon varies in saltiness and thickness. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, and monitor the baking sheet closely during the final minutes of roasting.