Okay, let’s talk about a dish that has become an absolute weeknight savior in my kitchen: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Seriously, if you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, you haven’t tried them roasted to perfection with salty, crispy little bits of bacon scattered all over. It’s the kind of side dish that makes everyone, and I mean *everyone*, ask for seconds. I remember the first time I made this for a family dinner; my picky nephew, who usually avoids anything green like the plague, was practically licking the pan clean! That’s when I knew this simple combo of veggies and bacon was a pure winner.
Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver! It’s the easiest way to get something delicious and relatively healthy on the table when you’re running on empty.
- Super Quick Prep: You can get these little green gems and crispy bacon bits into the oven in about 10 minutes flat. Perfect for those nights when you’re rushing but still want something *really* good.
- That Flavor Combo Though: Roasting totally transforms the Brussels sprouts, taking away any harshness, and then you’ve got the salty, smoky punch from the bacon. It’s just *chef’s kiss*.
- Total Crowd-Pleaser: I’m telling you, even the folks who usually push their greens around their plate can’t resist these. The bacon is like a VIP pass to veggie town!
- Goes with Everything: Honestly, this side dish is a chameleon. It pairs perfectly with a hearty steak, a simple roasted chicken, or even just a backyard BBQ burger.
- Easy Peasy Cleanup: The best part? It’s pretty much a one-pan wonder! Everything cooks together, so you’re not left with a mountain of dishes.
- Crispy Perfection Guaranteed: Roasting is the secret to getting those sprouts beautifully tender inside and delightfully caramelized and crispy outside. Adding bacon just takes it over the top.
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Alright, gathering your goodies for this recipe is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and then cut in half lengthwise. Make sure they look nice and plump!
- 4 slices of your favorite bacon, chopped up into little bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil. Whatever you normally use is perfect.
- Salt, just to taste. You can always add more later!
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste. A little crack of pepper really wakes things up.
Equipment You’ll Need for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
You really don’t need much fancy stuff for this recipe, which is another reason I love it! Just a few basics will do the trick:
- A good-sized mixing bowl – big enough to toss everything around without making a mess.
- A sturdy baking sheet – make sure it’s large enough to spread the sprouts out in a single layer.
- A sharp knife and a cutting board for prepping your sprouts and bacon.
- Measuring spoons for the olive oil.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Alrighty, friend, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s way easier than you think. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a stellar side dish in no time! For extra crispy sprouts, check out my tips on getting them perfectly crisp.
Preheating and Preparing the Vegetables
First things first, let’s get that oven all warmed up and ready for action. Crank it up to 400°F (that’s 200°C). While it’s heating, grab your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts. Toss them into your big mixing bowl and give them a good drizzle of olive oil. Now, season ’em up with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss everything together really well so each little sprout half is nicely coated. This oil and seasoning is your base for awesome flavor!
Adding the Bacon and Roasting
Now for the best part! Spread those seasoned Brussels sprouts out on your trusty baking sheet. Don’t crowd them – give them some breathing room so they can get nice and crispy. Just scatter your chopped-up bacon bits evenly all over the top of the sprouts. Pop that sheet into your preheated oven and let them roast for about 20-25 minutes. It’s a good idea to give them a gentle stir about halfway through. You’re looking for sprouts that are tender on the inside, maybe a little bit browned and caramelized on the edges, and bacon that’s perfectly crispy. Oh, and while they’re roasting, your kitchen is going to smell *amazing*! If you’re aiming for that ultimate crispy bite, you might also want to peek at my crispy Parmesan Brussels sprouts for inspiration on achieving peak crunchiness.
Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Getting these Brussels sprouts with bacon just right is all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years. First off, pick your sprouts wisely! You want ones that are firm and on the smaller side – they tend to be sweeter and don’t get as mushy. And for heaven’s sake, trim those tough ends and give them a good halving so they cook evenly. Trust me, that single layer on the baking sheet is key; if they’re piled up, they’ll steam instead of roast, and nobody wants sad, steamed sprouts. Also, don’t be shy with the bacon; a little bit more never hurt anyone, and it really just elevates the whole dish from good to unforgettable. Keep an eye on them towards the end, because bacon can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a flash!
Variations and Additions to Your Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
One of the things I adore about this Brussels sprouts with bacon dish is how totally customizable it is! You can really make it your own. If you’re feeling fancy, try tossing in some thinly sliced red onion or maybe some diced apples along with the sprouts. They add a lovely sweetness and a bit of zing. For an extra flavor boost, a sprinkle of garlic powder before roasting is always a winner. And after it comes out of the oven? A little drizzle of balsamic glaze is divine, or check out how folks pair fruits and nuts in other awesome salads for inspiration!
Serving Suggestions for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This Brussels sprouts with bacon dish is so versatile, it’s like the perfect plus-one for almost any meal! It’s fantastic alongside classic comfort foods, maybe some juicy grilled chicken or pork chops. Seriously, it’s a great addition to any classic American dinner. They also pair beautifully with heartier fare, like a good steak or even some of those yummy diner-style meals if you’re going for that vibe. It just rounds out the plate perfectly!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover Brussels sprouts with bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is to pop them back onto a baking sheet in a moderate oven (around 350°F) for a few minutes. This helps re-crisp everything up beautifully, so they’re almost as good as when they were fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions about Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often wonder about this killer Brussels sprouts and bacon combo.
Can I make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon without bacon?
Absolutely! While bacon adds that irresistible salty crunch, you can still make these delicious. For a vegetarian option, try adding some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
How do I prevent my Brussels sprouts from being bitter?
Make sure you’re trimming off any really tough outer leaves and that your roasting temperature is hot enough! Sometimes, smaller sprouts are a bit sweeter. Also, don’t overcook them; they get bitter if they get mushy.
What’s the best way to cut Brussels sprouts for roasting?
The key is even cooking! Trim off the tough stem ends, and then slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This way, the cut side gets nice and caramelized in the oven, and they all cook at about the same rate. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info here is an estimate, because how you make it and what kind of bacon you use can change things up! This is generally what you’re looking at per serving:
- Calories: About 250
- Fat: Around 18g (with 6g being saturated)
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 15g (with 5g being fiber)
- Protein: About 10g
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
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.
- Scatter the chopped bacon over the Brussels sprouts.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is crispy, stirring halfway through.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting.
- You can add minced garlic to the Brussels sprouts before roasting for more taste.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, bacon, roasted vegetables, side dish, easy recipe