brussels sprouts bacon recipe
Okay, confession time. I used to be one of *those* people who thought Brussels sprouts were just… meh. You know, those bitter, often mushy little green things that showed up on holiday plates looking sad and neglected? Yeah, those. But then, something magical happened. A simple tweak, a little bit of bacon magic, and suddenly, my entire perception of Brussels sprouts was flipped upside down. This What are some good brussels sprouts bacon recipes? isn’t just a dish; it’s a revelation. It’s the one side dish that disappeared from my table faster than you can say “seconds, please!” every single time I make it. It’s so good, it’s actually the reason my kids now willingly eat their vegetables without a fuss. If you’ve ever felt hesitant about sprouts, or if you just need a crowd-pleasing side that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, you’re in for a real treat. Think of it as the little green vegetable that could, all dressed up in its savory, crispy bacon finest.
What are Brussels sprouts with Bacon?
What exactly are we talking about here?What are some good brussels sprouts bacon recipes? is all about taking those humble Brussels sprouts and giving them a seriously delicious makeover. We’re talking about roasting them until they’re tender on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside, then tossing them with perfectly cooked, salty bacon bits. It’s that simple, really. The name itself is pretty straightforward, but the magic is in the execution. It’s not just boiled sprouts dumped on a plate with some bacon sprinkled on top. Oh no, we’re aiming for something far more sophisticated, yet still wonderfully comforting. Think of it as the ultimate upgrade for a classic combination, where the natural sweetness of the roasted sprouts is amplified, and the savory, smoky crunch of the bacon is the perfect counterpoint. It’s basically a hug in vegetable form, and honestly, who wouldn’t want that?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this brussels sprouts bacon recipe has become an absolute staple in my kitchen, and I just know you’re going to fall in love with it too. First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. When you roast Brussels sprouts properly, they lose that sometimes-bitter edge and develop this incredible, almost nutty sweetness. Then, you add the crispy, salty bacon… honestly, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. The combination of the slightly sweet, tender sprouts and the savory, crunchy bacon is something that just keeps you coming back for more. What I love most about this is its utter simplicity. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It’s truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a healthy-ish side dish that everyone will actually eat. And speaking of healthy-ish, it’s surprisingly cost-effective too! Brussels sprouts are usually pretty budget-friendly, and a little bit of bacon goes a long way. Plus, the versatility is amazing. You can easily adapt it to your liking. If you’re looking for other delicious ways to enjoy your greens, you might also love my roasted broccoli with garlic recipe or my maple-glazed carrots – they’re all winners in my book! But this brussels sprouts bacon recipe holds a special place because it’s consistently a huge hit, proving that even the most “unpopular” vegetables can be transformed into something truly spectacular.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Quick Overview
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward. We’re essentially roasting halved Brussels sprouts until they’re tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, then tossing them with rendered bacon and a hint of something to tie it all together. The key is high heat for roasting and good-quality bacon. It’s a process that takes just about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for when you need a fantastic side dish in a hurry. You’ll end up with beautifully browned, flavorful sprouts that are anything but boring. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts:
1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Bacon:
6-8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small shallot, finely minced (optional, but oh-so-good!)
For the Flavor Boost:
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or pure maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, get your oven roaring! Preheat it to a nice, hot 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a large baking sheet. You don’t need to grease it since the bacon will render its own fat, but if you want extra insurance against sticking, a light spray of cooking oil is fine. Make sure you’ve got enough space on your baking sheet for the sprouts so they can roast and get crispy, rather than steam. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispy vegetables, so if your sprouts are packed too tightly, they’ll end up soggy, and nobody wants that!
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Now, let’s talk sprouts. Give them a good rinse under cold water and then pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy sprouts. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Trim off the tough bottom part of the stem and discard any yellow or wilted outer leaves. Then, cut each sprout in half lengthwise. If you have any really large ones, you can quarter them so they cook more evenly with the smaller ones. Toss the halved sprouts in a large bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re all evenly coated – you want every single sprout to get that lovely olive oil hug before hitting the heat.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Shallot
This is where the magic really starts to happen. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your chopped bacon pieces. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the bacon bits from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Don’t drain all that glorious bacon fat from the pan! Leave about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet. If you’re using the shallot (and I highly recommend it!), add the minced shallot to the remaining bacon fat in the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Roast the Sprouts
Arrange the oiled and seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down whenever possible. This helps them get a nice sear and caramelization. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender when pierced with a fork, with some nice browned and crispy edges. The exact time will depend on your oven and the size of your sprouts, so keep an eye on them. You want them tender but not mushy!
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Once the Brussels sprouts are beautifully roasted and tender-crisp, carefully remove them from the oven. Transfer the roasted sprouts to the skillet with the softened shallots (if using) and the remaining bacon fat. Toss everything together to coat the sprouts. Now, add the crispy bacon bits back into the skillet. If you’re using the balsamic glaze or maple syrup for that extra touch of sweet and tangy goodness, drizzle it over the sprouts and bacon now. Toss everything gently to combine. The heat from the sprouts will warm everything through beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Give everything a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a little more salt or pepper, depending on how salty your bacon was. Serve this delicious brussels sprouts bacon recipe immediately while it’s hot and crispy. The aroma alone will have everyone heading to the table!
What to Serve It With
Honestly, this brussels sprouts bacon recipe is so good, it’s practically a meal on its own, but it also plays incredibly well with so many other dishes. For a classic breakfast, I love serving it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and some crusty toast. The savory notes of the sprouts and bacon are just the perfect wake-up call. For a more elegant brunch spread, imagine this alongside some smoked salmon, mini quiches, or even a decadent French toast casserole. It adds a pop of color and a much-needed savory element to balance out sweeter brunch items. As a side dish for dinner, it’s an absolute winner. It’s fantastic with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or even a hearty lentil loaf for a vegetarian main. The richness of the meat is perfectly complemented by the slightly bitter, slightly sweet sprouts and the salty bacon. And for those moments when you just want something comforting and delicious? It’s amazing as a cozy snack on its own, maybe with a side of my homemade tomato soup. My family also loves it when I serve it alongside baked salmon – the flavors are just divine together.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
I’ve made this brussels sprouts bacon recipe more times than I can count, and through trial and error, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference in getting them just right. First, the sprout prep is super important. Make sure they are completely dry after washing. I’ve learned that any residual moisture leads to steaming instead of roasting, and nobody wants soggy sprouts. Also, trimming the stem end cleanly helps them cook more evenly. For mixing advice, always toss the sprouts with oil and seasoning in a separate bowl before spreading them on the baking sheet. This ensures every single sprout gets coated, leading to consistent browning and flavor. Avoid the temptation to overcook the bacon; you want it crispy, not burnt, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sprouts. If you’re feeling adventurous with swirl customization (though this recipe doesn’t really have a swirl, I’m thinking about variations!), you could drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze or maple syrup right at the end for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. For ingredient swaps, if you’re not a fan of shallots, garlic cloves, minced finely, work just as well. You can also experiment with different types of bacon – a smoked bacon will give a deeper flavor. When it comes to baking tips, make sure your oven is truly preheated. A hot oven is key to getting those crispy edges. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give the sprouts room to breathe so the hot air can circulate. If your sprouts are cooking unevenly, you can give the baking sheet a shake halfway through. And for glaze variations, if you don’t have balsamic glaze, a good quality pure maple syrup is a fantastic substitute for that touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Sometimes I’ll even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny bit of heat!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this brussels sprouts bacon recipe is that it’s pretty forgiving when it comes to leftovers. If you happen to have any (which is rare in my house!), storing them is simple. For room temperature storage, it’s best to let them cool completely before covering them. I usually let them sit on the counter for about an hour. Once cooled, I’ll transfer them to an airtight container. They’re generally best eaten within a couple of hours at room temp. For refrigerator storage, this is where they’ll keep best. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. The sprouts might lose a little bit of their crispiness over time, but they’ll still be delicious. If you want to keep them even longer, freezer instructions are also an option. Make sure they are completely cooled, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. For glaze timing advice, I always add any balsamic glaze or maple syrup *after* cooking and just before serving or storing. If you add it too early, it can sometimes make the sprouts a bit too sticky or overly sweet once reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to brussels sprouts bacon recipe! It’s the dish that converted me from a Brussels sprout skeptic to a full-blown fan, and I truly hope it does the same for you. It’s proof that with a little bit of heat, some savory goodness from bacon, and a whole lot of love, even the most unassuming vegetables can become the star of the show. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s always a hit. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my other easy vegetable side dishes like my honey-roasted parsnips or my garlic parmesan asparagus. They’re all designed to be fuss-free and incredibly tasty. I can’t wait for you to try this one and experience the magic for yourself. Please, let me know in the comments below how it turns out for you, what variations you tried, or any funny stories about convincing your family to eat their sprouts! Your feedback truly makes my day. Happy cooking, and I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine!
Best Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large brussels sprouts washed, halved, ends cut off
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400˚F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Combine the Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl; toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the contents of the mixing bowl on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the brussel sprouts for 30 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove your brussel sprouts with bacon from the oven and taste for salt and pepper. Adjust to taste and serve.
