If you have been craving a dinner side full of bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and a touch of savory goodness, then you’re in for a treat with Bacon Brussels Sprouts. This dish combines the crispy, smoky crunch of bacon with tender yet perfectly crisp Brussels sprouts to elevate your meal to a whole new level. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts fan or hesitant to try them, this recipe will win you over with its irresistible texture and mouthwatering aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Flavor Combination: The smoky richness of bacon pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts for a balanced and addictive taste.
- Crisp and Tender Texture: Roasting brings out caramelization creating crispy edges while keeping the sprouts tender inside.
- Simple and Quick: This recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect Dinner Side: Whether you’re serving chicken, steak, or a vegetarian main, Bacon Brussels Sprouts complement any plate wonderfully.
- Impressive Yet Easy: You’ll look like a kitchen pro with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity and letting the ingredients shine. Each component has a purpose: from the tender bitterness of Brussels sprouts to the smoky, crispy bacon that surrounds them, creating a harmony of flavor and crunch.
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, medium-sized sprouts work best; trim and halve for even cooking.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for the crispiest texture and the richest flavor infusion.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps with roasting and enhances caramelization.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Garlic (optional): Adds a warm, fragrant note to elevate the taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat if you like your dish with a kick.
Variations for Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Feel free to customize this dish to suit your mood, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry. It’s an easy recipe to tweak and make your own.
- Maple Glaze: Add a drizzle of pure maple syrup before roasting for a sweet and savory twist.
- Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for an extra layer of richness.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a plant-based alternative.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest or juice brightens the whole dish and balances the bacon’s fattiness.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary complements the roasted flavors beautifully when added before baking.
How to Make Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Start by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trimming the ends and removing any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure quick, even roasting.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp but not burnt. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving a bit of the rendered bacon fat to add flavor to the Brussels sprouts.
Step 3: Toss Brussels Sprouts with Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optionally minced garlic or red pepper flakes. Toss well so every piece is lightly coated.
Step 4: Roast Until Crispy
Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle the reserved bacon fat over them before roasting in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, toss them around for even browning.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Once the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized, mix back in the cooked bacon pieces. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately while warm and crunchy.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Choose uniform sprouts: Picking Brussels sprouts of similar size helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spread them out on the baking sheet so they crisp up instead of steam.
- Use thick-cut bacon: It holds up better during cooking and provides a delightful texture contrast.
- Reserve bacon fat: Using bacon drippings instead of only olive oil adds an irresistible smoky flavor.
- Roast at high heat: Temperature around 400°F ensures the sprouts get nicely browned and crispy.
How to Serve Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Garnishes
Try topping your Bacon Brussels Sprouts with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch and presentation flair.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. It also complements hearty vegetarian mains like quinoa bowls or creamy risotto.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table for a cozy feel or layer them over creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The sprouts retain their flavor well but may soften.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze Bacon Brussels Sprouts because the texture can become mushy upon thawing. Fresh preparation yields the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat to regain some crispiness or pop them briefly under the broiler, watching closely to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts produce the best texture and flavor, frozen can be used if thawed and patted dry first; however, the crispiness may be reduced.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon?
Yes! Try smoked tempeh, coconut bacon, or use smoked paprika and olive oil to give the Brussels sprouts that savory depth without meat.
How do I make sure my Brussels sprouts aren’t bitter?
Choosing fresh sprouts, trimming inner leaves, and roasting them at a high temperature caramelizes their sugars, which helps decrease bitterness.
What sides pair well with Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, or simply a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just ensure your bacon doesn’t have any hidden gluten-containing additives.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Bacon Brussels Sprouts for dinner, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delectable side dish. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for bringing a bit of excitement to your everyday meals. Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to impress yourself and everyone at the table with this mouthwatering recipe.