There’s something utterly delightful about the way Brussels sprouts can transform into a show-stopping side dish, especially during the festive season. Picture this: you’re welcomed by the inviting aroma of crispy bacon intertwining with those earthy, roasted sprouts, creating a scent that beckons everyone to the table. I discovered this magical combination during a holiday gathering where I wanted to impress but keep it simple. As I tossed the sprouts with smoky bacon and garlic, little did I know that I was about to uncover the secret to a dish that would become a cherished tradition.
This Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe not only elevates your holiday meals but also adds a satisfying crunch that even the staunchest veggie skeptics will love. With just a few ingredients, you get an explosion of flavors that marries comfort food with elegance—perfect for cozy Christmas dinners or lively potlucks. Join me on this culinary journey as we explore how to make these Brussels sprouts the star of your festive table!
Why are Bacon Brussels Sprouts a must-try?
Simplicity at its Best: This recipe combines just a few ingredients for a flawless dish that’s easy to prepare, letting you focus on enjoying the holiday festivities.
Irresistible Crunch: Crispy bacon adds a savory texture that perfectly complements the tender roasted sprouts, making them a delight with every bite.
Flavorful Fusion: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts while the smoky notes of bacon create a rich, inviting flavor.
Versatile Pairing: Serve them as a standalone side or alongside roasted meats, making it an adaptable dish for any holiday gathering.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even the pickiest eaters are won over by this dish, transforming your holiday meal into a memorable feast everyone will love!
Bacon Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
• Get ready to create a holiday masterpiece!
For the Main Dish
- Brussels Sprouts – These little greens are the star, providing that earthy crunch and absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Bacon – Adds a savory, crispy element that takes your Brussels sprouts to the next level and enhances the overall dish.
- Garlic – This aromatic addition elevates the dish with its rich flavor, pairing beautifully with the bacon.
- Olive Oil – Helps achieve a golden-brown roast and adds a touch of healthy fats to balance the flavors.
For Garnish
- Parmesan Cheese – Offers a salty, cheesy topping that beautifully complements the bacon and sprouts.
- Black Pepper – A sprinkle of this seasoning adds just the right amount of heat and enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
Optional Add-ins
- Balsamic Glaze – Drizzle before serving for a touch of sweetness and acidity that livens up this holiday side.
- Chopped Herbs (like parsley or thyme) – These can brighten the dish and add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
These Bacon Brussels Sprouts are sure to impress anyone at your festive gathering, making them a must-try for your holiday table!
How to Make Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Prep the Sprouts: Begin by trimming the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slicing them in half. This ensures they cook evenly, absorbing all the rich flavors.
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
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Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic to the bacon drippings and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Careful not to burn it!
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Toss and Season: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, tossing them in the bacon drippings. Season with salt and pepper, making sure they are evenly coated.
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Roast to Perfection: Transfer the sprouts to a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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Combine and Garnish: Once out of the oven, crumble the crispy bacon over the roasted Brussels sprouts and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Brussels Sprouts are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead to help save time on busy holiday days! You can prep the Brussels sprouts by trimming and halving them up to 24 hours in advance—just refrigerate them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The bacon can be cooked and crumbled up to 3 days beforehand, allowing you to quickly toss it in right after roasting. When you’re ready to serve, simply roast the prepped sprouts with garlic in the drippings, pop them in the oven, and sprinkle with bacon and Parmesan just before serving. This way, you’ll have flavorful, crispy veggies ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
Elevate your holiday dining experience with complementary dishes that enhance the rich flavors of crispy bacon and tender sprouts.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they create a luscious base, soaking up all the savory goodness from the Brussels sprouts.
- Roasted Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, this protein acts as a perfect centerpiece, balancing the rich side of your meal.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a refreshing tartness that contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon, creating a harmonious flavor blend.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their sweet profile brings out the earthy notes in Brussels sprouts while providing a delightful crunch.
- Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, it offers a nutritious counterpoint with fresh veggies and herbs, keeping the meal balanced.
- Chardonnay: A chilled glass enhances the dining experience, as its crisp notes complement both the sautéed and roasted flavors.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: For dessert, this rich and spiced option provides a comforting sweetness that wraps up your festive feast beautifully.
Expert Tips for Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Trim Carefully: Ensure you trim off the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellowed leaves. This prevents bitterness during cooking and enhances the overall flavor.
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Crispy Bacon Trick: Cook bacon over medium heat to allow the fat to render out slowly. This ensures crispy bits that add fantastic flavor to your Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, so maintain space for that irresistible crispness.
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Season Well: Before roasting, season the Brussels sprouts generously. It’s a common mistake to under-season, so taste and adjust, especially when using bacon drippings for flavor.
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Serve Fresh: These Bacon Brussels Sprouts are best served immediately after roasting to retain their crispy texture. If necessary, reheat briefly in the oven before serving, avoiding sogginess.
Bacon Brussels Sprouts Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Brussels sprouts and make this dish your own! Let these delicious adaptations inspire you.
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Maple-Glazed: Drizzle maple syrup over the sprouts before roasting for a sweet and savory flavor combination that dances on your palate.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sprouts and richness of the bacon.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts while elevating the dish with aromatic goodness.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts or almonds during the last few minutes of roasting for an added crunchy texture and nuttiness that’s delightful.
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Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses like crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
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Balsamic Burst: Try swapping out the balsamic glaze for a citrus vinaigrette after roasting to brighten up the dish and add a refreshing zing.
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Cranberry Addition: Stir in dried cranberries just before serving for a sweet and tart contrast that adds a pop of color and flavor to your festive spread.
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Veggie Variations: Add colorful bell peppers or chopped onions to the roasting pan for an extra layer of flavor and to increase the vegetable goodness.
How to Store and Freeze Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Fridge: Store leftover Bacon Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their flavor and crispiness.
Freezer: If you want to freeze, place cooled sprouts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, helping restore their original crispness.
Extra Tip: Remember that while freezing can preserve the flavors, the crispy texture of the bacon may not completely return after freezing, but they’ll still taste delicious!
Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose fresh Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for ones that are firm and tightly closed with a vibrant green color. Avoid any that have dark spots or yellowing leaves, as these are signs of overripeness. If you can, choose smaller sprouts—they’re often sweeter and more tender.
How should I store leftover Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
I recommend storing your leftover Bacon Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing the container to maintain their crispiness and flavor.
Can I freeze Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
Yes, you can! To freeze them, allow your cooked Brussels sprouts to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore some of their crispy texture.
What if my Brussels sprouts taste bitter?
If your Brussels sprouts taste bitter, it could be due to not trimming them properly or using older sprouts. Be sure to trim off any yellow or dried-out leaves, and always select fresh Brussels sprouts. You can also try roasting them with a bit of honey or balsamic glaze, which will balance the bitterness with sweetness.
Are Bacon Brussels Sprouts suitable for vegetarians?
While this recipe includes bacon, you can definitely make it vegetarian-friendly! Simply omit the bacon and substitute it with tempeh bacon or sauté the sprouts in olive oil and garlic instead. They’ll still be delicious and full of flavor!
What toppings pair well with Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
The options are endless! You can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish, add chopped nuts like pecans for extra crunch, or drizzle a little balsamic glaze before serving for a sweet and tangy contrast. The more the merrier—experiment with your favorite toppings!
Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Irresistibly Crispy Holiday Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by trimming the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slicing them in half.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic to the bacon drippings and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet, tossing them in the bacon drippings. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the sprouts to a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Once out of the oven, crumble the crispy bacon over the roasted Brussels sprouts and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.