Oh, roasted vegetables! There’s just something magical that happens when you crank up the oven, isn’t there? That caramelization, that depth of flavor – it just transforms humble veggies into stars. And when you take perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts and toss them with crispy, salty bacon? Pure heaven! This recipe for Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon is honestly a game-changer for weeknight dinners or impressing guests when you don’t have a ton of time. I remember back when I used to think Brussels sprouts were just… well, bleh. Then someone showed me the roasting trick, and that, combined with a little bit of smoky bacon magic, completely changed my mind. Trust me, this one is a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
You’re going to adore this recipe, for real!
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, toss and roast! It’s one of those recipes I whip up when I need a fantastic side dish in a pinch.
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: That savory crunch from the bacon with the slightly sweet, tender Brussels sprouts? It’s a match made in foodie heaven.
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: Roasting them right, so they get those lovely browned bits without being mushy. Bacon just makes everything better, right?
- Impresses Everyone: Whether it’s a casual Tuesday dinner or a holiday feast, this dish always gets rave reviews. People can’t believe how simple it is!
- Versatile Side Dish: It goes with practically anything – steak, chicken, pork, even fish. It’s my go-to when I need something green, but *exciting*.
Ingredients for Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Okay, so to make this magic happen, you don’t need a whole lot. And honestly, the less fuss, the better! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly!)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped up into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (just enough to get them nicely coated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (you can always add more later!)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best if you have it!)
Essential Equipment for Roasting Brussels Sprouts
You’ll find that you don’t need a whole lot of fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just a few trusty kitchen companions will do the trick:
Baking Sheet: A good-sized one so you can spread the sprouts out evenly. You don’t want them piled up! If you have two, even better.
Large Bowl: For tossing those sprouts with the olive oil and seasonings without making a mess everywhere.
Skillet: A frying pan to get that bacon nice and crispy.
Knife and Cutting Board: For trimming and halving those sprouts and chopping your bacon.
Tongs or Spoon: For stirring everything around and tasting!
Step-by-Step Guide to Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon is seriously straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic side dish in no time. Careful, things can get a little hot in the kitchen!
Preheating and Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your Brussels sprouts. Give them a quick trim – just snip off the little tough end – and then slice them in half lengthwise. Toss them into a big bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good swirl so each sprout is nicely coated. Don’t crowd them later on the baking sheet – we want them to get all lovely and brown, not steamed! If you want extra crispy sprouts, make sure they’re nice and dry before you toss them with the oil. It makes a bigger difference than you’d think, kind of like when roasting cauliflower!
Roasting to Perfection
Now, spread those oiled sprouts in a single layer on your baking sheet. I always like to use two sheets if my sprouts are looking a bit cozy, just to guarantee maximum crispiness. Pop them into the hot oven and let them roast for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender when you poke them and have these beautiful little browned edges. That’s where all the amazing flavor is!
Crisping the Bacon
While your sprouts are doing their thing in the oven, let’s tackle the bacon. Chop up your bacon slices into little pieces – about half an inch or so works great. Throw them into a skillet over medium heat. Let them sizzle away until they’re nice and crispy. Seriously, the smell alone is enough to make your stomach rumble! Once they’re perfectly crisp, drain them on some paper towels. This helps get rid of some of that extra grease, making them even crunchier.
Combining and Serving
Okay, the grand finale! When your Brussels sprouts are roasted and glorious, take them out of the oven. Now, grab that crispy bacon you just cooked up and sprinkle it all over the hot sprouts. Give them a gentle toss with your tongs to mix everything together. And that’s it! Serve these beauties up right away while they’re warm. The contrast between the tender-crisp sprouts and the crunchy bacon is just out of this world!
Tips for the Best Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Alright, let’s talk about taking these already-awesome Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon from great to absolutely spectacular. It’s all about a few little tricks that really make a difference, trust me!
First off, that dryness thing I mentioned? It’s a biggie! Make sure your sprouts are super dry after you wash and halve them. Pat them down with a paper towel – seriously, get them as dry as you can. When they’re dry, they’ll crisp up way better in the oven instead of steaming. Nobody wants soggy sprouts, right?
And please, please, please don’t overcrowd the pan. If you cram too many sprouts onto one baking sheet, they’ll steam instead of roast. I’d rather use two pans than have them all huddled together. It’s worth the extra dish!
Want to jazz them up even more? After they come out of the oven and you toss them with the bacon, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over everything. It adds this fantastic sweet tang that just sings with the smoky bacon. Or, you could try tossing in some toasted slivered almonds or pecans right at the end for an extra nutty crunch! For a different vibe, sometimes I’ll toss them with a spoonful of something zesty, almost like a quick chimichurri sauce, just before serving. It’s all about playing around and finding what you love!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Now, I love this recipe just the way it is, but I know sometimes you need to swap things out or get a little creative! If bacon isn’t your jam, or maybe you just ran out, no worries! You can totally chop up some pancetta or even turkey bacon. For a vegetarian twist, you can skip the meat altogether and just roast the sprouts with extra olive oil and perhaps a pinch of smoked paprika for that smoky vibe. And if you want to add a little something extra sweet, try drizzling a tablespoon of maple syrup or that balsamic glaze I mentioned over them right at the end. Toasted pecans or walnuts are also amazing tossed in for an extra crunch!
Serving Suggestions for Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon are so versatile, they seriously go with *everything*! They’re fantastic alongside a hearty weeknight meal like my Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole, or they make a brilliant side for a classic roast chicken. If you’re leaning towards something a little more adventurous, they pair surprisingly well with something like a tangy Sweet and Sour Chicken. Honestly, they just add that perfect pop of green and smoky flavor to any plate!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your delicious Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re usually good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, try spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet and popping them back into a hot oven (around 375°F or 190°C) for a few minutes. This helps them regain some of their lovely crispiness. A quick sauté in a skillet also works wonders!
Frequently Asked Questions About Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Got questions about these little green gems? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You totally can prep some parts ahead! You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts a day or two in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can even cook the bacon a day ahead. However, for the best crispy results, I really recommend roasting the sprouts and tossing everything together right before serving. Nobody wants soggy sprouts, right?
What if I don’t like bacon, or want a vegetarian option?
No problem at all! These are still amazing without bacon. Try tossing the sprouts with a little extra olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika before roasting – it gives that smoky flavor without the meat. You could also toss in some toasted chopped walnuts or pecans right at the end for a nice crunch. Or for a really fancy touch, a drizzle of balsamic glaze is always a winner!
How can I make Brussels sprouts less bitter?
Great question! Bitterness in sprouts can be a bummer. Roasting them at a high temperature, like 400°F (200°C), really helps caramelize them and brings out their natural sweetness. Also, make sure they’re fresh and that you trim off all that tough, woody end part. Sometimes, a little touch of sweetness, like a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or that balsamic glaze I mentioned, can balance out any lingering bitterness beautifully!
Do I really need to use olive oil?
You sure do! While you can get away with other oils, olive oil really helps crisp up the Brussels sprouts beautifully and adds a lovely subtle flavor. It’s a classic pairing for a reason! If you don’t have olive oil, a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil would work, but olive oil is definitely my go-to for this specific recipe.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind, these numbers are just an estimate, as all kitchens and ingredient brands can be a little different! This information is based on a standard serving size of about 1 cup.
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: Approx. 250
Total Fat: Approx. 20g (with about 6g being saturated)
Sodium: Around 400mg
Total Carbohydrates: About 15g (including 5g of fiber)
Protein: Roughly 10g
Print
Flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with savory bacon bits for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and toss them with the cooked bacon.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of balsamic glaze after roasting.
- Ensure your Brussels sprouts are dry before tossing with oil for crispier results.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: roasted brussels sprouts, bacon, side dish, easy recipe, vegetable side