Brussels sprouts are a classic vegetable side dish that, when cooked right, becomes crispy, caramelized, and full of flavor. Adding bacon to Brussels sprouts elevates them to a new level, combining the sprouts’ natural earthiness with the savory, smoky taste of crispy bacon. This recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any meal that needs a bit of indulgence. Roasting the Brussels sprouts with bacon allows them to achieve a golden-brown exterior with a tender inside, making them both delicious and satisfying. Easy to prepare, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that even those hesitant about Brussels sprouts will love. Let’s dive into the details and discover how this side dish can bring a flavorful, savory twist to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for a hint of garlic flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
- Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Slice them in half for even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Place the Brussels sprouts and bacon pieces on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using). Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Roast in the Oven:
- Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in an even layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded to allow for even roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Add Balsamic (Optional):
- If you’re adding balsamic vinegar, drizzle it over the Brussels sprouts and bacon during the last 5 minutes of roasting. This will add a slight caramelized sweetness.
- Serve:
- Once the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and the bacon is crispy, remove them from the oven. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy hot, garnished with extra pepper if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- Choosing the Right Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, green Brussels sprouts without yellowing or blemishes. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter, while larger ones have a slightly stronger flavor.
- Crispy Bacon Tips: Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier, crispier texture. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, cook the bacon separately on the stovetop, then sprinkle it over the Brussels sprouts before serving.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer with some space between them on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of roasting, resulting in less crispy Brussels sprouts.
- Adding Sweetness: A touch of honey or maple syrup can add a sweet contrast to the smoky bacon, enhancing the flavors. Add it during the last few minutes of roasting for a caramelized effect.
- Experiment with Additional Ingredients: For more flavor, try adding sliced shallots, a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice, or grated Parmesan during the last few minutes of roasting.
Nutritional Benefits:
Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re particularly rich in vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, and vitamin C, which supports the immune system. The fiber in Brussels sprouts promotes digestive health, while antioxidants help fight inflammation. Bacon, while indulgent, provides protein and flavor. This dish offers a balance between nutrient-dense Brussels sprouts and flavorful bacon, making it a satisfying side dish. Roasting the sprouts enhances their nutritional value by preserving their vitamins while bringing out their natural sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and Flavorful: With minimal ingredients, this recipe brings out the best in Brussels sprouts, making them crisp, savory, and delicious.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters may be won over by the addition of bacon, which adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish.
- Versatile Side Dish: This dish complements a wide range of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes, and is perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality side dish that requires minimal effort.
- Customizable: Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, or honey for an extra touch of sweetness, or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a rich, umami boost.
Dietary Information:
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/2 cup
- Calories: ~180 per serving (depending on the amount of bacon and olive oil used)
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
This recipe can be adjusted for various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, as long as all ingredients are checked for cross-contamination.
- Dairy-Free: This dish is naturally dairy-free.
- Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Brussels sprouts are a low-carb vegetable, making this dish suitable for keto diets if portioned carefully.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the bacon with a plant-based bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian-friendly side.
Why This Recipe Works:
The combination of Brussels sprouts and bacon is a match made in culinary heaven. Roasting Brussels sprouts enhances their natural sweetness, transforming their earthy bitterness into a mild, caramelized flavor. The bacon not only adds a savory, smoky taste but also infuses the Brussels sprouts with rendered bacon fat, which contributes to a crispy exterior. Cooking the Brussels sprouts and bacon together ensures that each bite is rich, flavorful, and balanced, with the crispy bacon pieces adding texture. The optional balsamic vinegar provides acidity and sweetness, rounding out the flavors and making this dish irresistibly tasty. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each component to shine, creating a side dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Conclusion:
Brussels sprouts with bacon are a side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With crispy bacon and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, this dish is sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or a casual dinner. The combination of smoky, savory bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts brings out the best in both ingredients, making it a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. From the health benefits of Brussels sprouts to the irresistible flavor that bacon brings, this recipe has everything you need for a memorable, satisfying side dish. Serve it up hot, and watch as even the most skeptical diners come back for seconds. Enjoy your crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon, and make it a new family favorite!
Prep and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutePrint
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A Perfectly Savory and Satisfying Side Dish
- Total Time: 40mins
Description
Brussels sprouts are a classic vegetable side dish that, when cooked right, becomes crispy, caramelized, and full of flavor. Adding bacon to Brussels sprouts elevates them to a new level, combining the sprouts’ natural earthiness with the savory, smoky taste of crispy bacon. This recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any meal that needs a bit of indulgence. Roasting the Brussels sprouts with bacon allows them to achieve a golden-brown exterior with a tender inside, making them both delicious and satisfying. Easy to prepare, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that even those hesitant about Brussels sprouts will love. Let’s dive into the details and discover how this side dish can bring a flavorful, savory twist to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for a hint of garlic flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
- Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Slice them in half for even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Place the Brussels sprouts and bacon pieces on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using). Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Roast in the Oven:
- Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in an even layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded to allow for even roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Add Balsamic (Optional):
- If you’re adding balsamic vinegar, drizzle it over the Brussels sprouts and bacon during the last 5 minutes of roasting. This will add a slight caramelized sweetness.
- Serve:
- Once the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and the bacon is crispy, remove them from the oven. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy hot, garnished with extra pepper if desired.
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 30mins
