Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and an optional Balsamic Glaze are an impressive and flavourful side dish that is easy to prepare. These oven roasted brussels sprouts are baked to perfection – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and are low carb, Whole30 and Paleo friendly.

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Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful Side Dish

Have unpleasant childhood memories of soggy, bitter Brussels sprouts? It’s time to rewrite that narrative! This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a culinary game-changer, designed to transform even the most staunch sprout skeptics into avid fans. When roasted to perfection, these often-misunderstood green gems shed their notorious reputation, emerging from the oven with an irresistible crunch, a tender, sweet interior, and a delightful nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with savory, smoky bacon.

Beyond their incredible taste and texture, these oven-roasted Brussels sprouts are surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a single baking sheet, you can effortlessly create a side dish that tastes gourmet. The beauty of this recipe lies in its “set it and forget it” nature; in less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a visually appealing and utterly delicious accompaniment ready to grace your table. What’s more, this dish is a fantastic choice for a variety of dietary preferences: it’s naturally low carb, perfectly compatible with Whole30 and Paleo diets, and entirely dairy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free. Prepare to discover your new favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts!

The Culinary Magic of Oven Roasting Brussels Sprouts

The secret to truly exceptional Brussels sprouts lies in the power of oven roasting. Unlike boiling or steaming, which can often result in mushy textures and a strong, sulfurous aroma, roasting employs high, dry heat to work its magic. This process induces the Maillard reaction – a chemical process that browns the outer leaves, creating an incredible depth of flavor and a coveted crispy texture. As the sprouts caramelize, their natural sugars intensify, transforming any potential bitterness into a pleasant sweetness.

By simply tossing the Brussels sprouts with a good quality olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of freshly ground pepper, you facilitate this flavorful transformation. The high heat encourages the delicate outer leaves to become addictively crisp and slightly charred, while the interior remains wonderfully tender. The addition of diced bacon introduces a rich, smoky, and salty counterpoint that enhances every bite, contributing both flavor and an additional layer of crispiness. This hands-off cooking method not only yields superior results in taste and texture but also minimizes cleanup, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Enhance your main course by pairing these delightful roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon with a classic Roast Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary for a complete and satisfying meal.

A Healthy Choice: Understanding the Dietary Benefits

This Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a highly nutritious and adaptable option for various dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for any meal, from a casual family dinner to a festive gathering.

Low Carb: Brussels sprouts are an incredibly low-carbohydrate vegetable. This makes the dish an ideal side for individuals following ketogenic, Atkins, or other low-carb eating plans, helping them stay on track without sacrificing flavor.
Whole30 & Paleo Friendly: For those adhering to the strict guidelines of the Whole30 or Paleo diets, this recipe is a perfect fit. It is free from grains, legumes, dairy, added sugars, and processed ingredients, relying instead on wholesome, natural foods like fresh vegetables and quality bacon.
Gluten-Free: With no gluten-containing ingredients, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, providing a safe and delicious option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-Free: This dish contains absolutely no dairy products, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Sugar-Free: Beyond the minimal natural sugars present in the Brussels sprouts themselves, no additional sugars are used in this recipe, aligning with a healthier, sugar-conscious diet.

Beyond these specific dietary compatibilities, Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in essential vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin K, as well as crucial dietary fiber. This fiber supports digestive health and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. When combined with the protein and healthy fats from the bacon, this side dish offers a well-rounded, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying component to any meal.

Expert Tips: How to Select the Freshest Brussels Sprouts

The journey to perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts begins at the market. Choosing the freshest and highest quality sprouts is paramount. If you’re not accustomed to buying or cooking this cruciferous vegetable, knowing what to look for can be a challenge. Here are some expert tips to guide you in selecting the best Brussels sprouts at your grocery store or local farmer’s market:

Prioritize Vibrant Green Color: Always opt for Brussels sprouts that boast a bright, lively green color. Avoid any heads that appear dull, faded, yellowed, or have noticeable brown spots, as these are clear indicators of age or declining freshness.
Check for Firmness: Gently squeeze individual sprouts. They should feel very firm and solid to the touch. If they are soft, spongy, or yield easily to pressure, they are likely past their prime and will not roast as well.
Examine the Leaves: The outer leaves should be tightly compacted and hugging the core of the sprout. Loose, floppy, or wilting outer leaves suggest that the sprouts are old and will likely have a less desirable texture and flavor profile.
Avoid Blemishes and Damage: Carefully inspect the sprouts for any signs of holes, black spots, mold, or physical damage. These blemishes can indicate pest damage or spoilage, which will negatively impact both the taste and safety of your dish.
Opt for Smaller Sprouts for Sweetness: As a general rule, smaller Brussels sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender than their larger counterparts. Larger sprouts often develop a more intense, sometimes slightly bitter, cabbage-like flavor. For the best sweet and nutty roasted results, aim for small to medium-sized heads.
Seek Uniform Size: Whenever possible, select sprouts that are similar in size. This seemingly minor detail is important for even cooking. Sprouts of varying sizes will cook at different rates, potentially leading to some being burnt while others remain undercooked.
Consider Sprouts on the Stalk: At farmer’s markets, you might encounter Brussels sprouts sold still attached to their stalk. While there isn’t a significant difference in taste or quality compared to loose sprouts, those on the stalk tend to maintain their freshness for a longer period. If you plan to use them within a few days, either option is fine. If you want to extend their shelf life, buying them on the stalk is a great strategy.

Optimal Storage Techniques for Maximum Freshness

Once you’ve carefully selected your beautiful, fresh Brussels sprouts, proper storage is the next critical step to ensure they retain their crispness, flavor, and nutritional value until you’re ready to cook them. Following these simple guidelines will help you maximize their shelf life and guarantee the best possible results when roasted:

Refrigerate in the Crisper Drawer: For loose Brussels sprouts, the ideal storage location is the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Place them in a loosely sealed plastic bag or an airtight container. This environment helps to maintain the right level of humidity, preventing them from drying out too quickly while also allowing some air circulation.
Prioritize Prompt Use: While Brussels sprouts can last for a week or even slightly longer under ideal conditions, they are at their peak sweetness and tenderness when used within a few days of purchase. Their flavor can become more pungent and slightly more bitter as they age, so for the best culinary experience, aim to cook them within 3 to 7 days.
Storing Sprouts on the Stalk: If you were fortunate enough to find Brussels sprouts still on their stalk, it’s best to keep them attached until you are just about to prepare them. Keeping the sprouts on the stalk significantly extends their freshness. You can store the entire stalk in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, or for even longer freshness, place the cut end of the stalk in a glass or vase of fresh water, much like you would with a bouquet of flowers. Simply snap or cut off the individual sprouts as needed. Remember to change the water every day or two if storing in water.

By adhering to these storage recommendations, you’ll ensure that your Brussels sprouts remain fresh, firm, and ready to transform into a delightfully crispy side dish whenever you are.

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for Roasting: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Proper preparation is the cornerstone of achieving perfectly crispy and irresistibly delicious roasted Brussels sprouts. Each step, though simple, plays a crucial role in ensuring that every sprout has the best opportunity to caramelize beautifully in the oven. Follow this detailed guide for flawless results:

1. Rinse and Thoroughly Dry Your Sprouts

Begin by placing your Brussels sprouts in a colander and rinsing them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt, debris, or residual pesticides. Once clean, the absolute most critical step for achieving crispiness follows: drying them completely. Any excess moisture on the sprouts will cause them to steam rather than roast in the hot oven, which will prevent them from developing that desirable browned, crispy exterior. You can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to meticulously pat each sprout dry. For a quicker and more efficient method, a salad spinner works wonders to remove all surface water. Do not skip this drying step – it is paramount for the ultimate crispy texture!

2. Trim the Stem and Remove Any Outer Blemished Leaves

Next, take each individual Brussels sprout and carefully trim a small portion (about a quarter-inch) off the very end of its stem. This woody end is typically tough and unpalatable. After trimming, peel off and discard any outer leaves that appear yellowed, bruised, blemished, or loose. These older or damaged leaves can contribute to bitterness and will not crisp up as nicely as the fresh, vibrant green inner leaves. Your goal is to reveal the firm, healthy interior of the sprout.

3. Halve the Sprouts for Optimal Cooking and Texture

The final step in preparation is to slice each trimmed Brussels sprout in half lengthwise, cutting directly through the stem. Halving the sprouts exposes more of their internal surface area to the heat of the oven, which is essential for maximizing caramelization and achieving superior crispiness. This also helps the sprouts to cook more evenly throughout. As you cut, you might notice some of the tender green outer leaves detaching and falling off – do not discard these! These loose leaves are particularly fantastic when roasted, transforming into deliciously crunchy crisps that add wonderful texture and flavor to your finished dish. Be sure to gather them up and include them on your baking tray for roasting.

Crafting Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The Main Event

With your Brussels sprouts perfectly prepared, it’s time to bring this sensational side dish to life! This straightforward, one-pan method promises maximum flavor with minimal fuss, ensuring every bite is a delight.

Preheat Your Oven to the Right Temperature: Begin by preheating your oven to a hot 220°C (425°F). A high temperature is absolutely essential for achieving that desirable crispy, caramelized exterior on the Brussels sprouts and perfectly rendered, crisp bacon, all without overcooking the inside.
Combine Ingredients and Season Generously: On a large baking tray, combine your uniformly halved Brussels sprouts and the diced bacon. Drizzle them generously with a good quality olive oil – this not only aids in crisping but also prevents sticking. Season the mixture with a hearty pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss and Spread Evenly for Optimal Results: Use your hands or a large spoon to thoroughly mix the sprouts, bacon, olive oil, and seasonings. Ensure every piece is well coated. Once mixed, spread the entire mixture out into a single, even layer on the baking tray. It is crucial that the sprouts and bacon are not overlapping too much; overcrowding the pan will cause the ingredients to steam rather than roast, preventing them from achieving that desired crispy texture. If you’re preparing a larger batch, consider using two separate baking trays to ensure ample space between pieces.
Roast to Golden Perfection: Place the baking tray in your preheated oven and roast for a total of 25-30 minutes. Approximately halfway through the cooking time (around 12-15 minutes), remove the tray from the oven and give the sprouts and bacon a good stir or flip them with a spatula. This ensures even browning and crisping on all sides. Continue roasting until the Brussels sprouts are tender on the inside, beautifully crispy, and slightly charred around the edges, and the bacon is perfectly rendered and crisp.
Serve Immediately for Best Enjoyment: Once they emerge from the oven, serve your Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon immediately while they are at their peak crispness and warmth. They are wonderfully delicious as is, but for an extra layer of sophisticated flavor and a gourmet touch, consider drizzling them with a homemade balsamic glaze (details on how to make this below).

The Optional (But Highly Recommended) Balsamic Glaze

While Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are undoubtedly delightful on their own, the addition of a homemade balsamic glaze introduces an exquisite layer of flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level. This sweet and tangy reduction beautifully complements the savory bacon and the earthy, roasted sprouts, creating a harmonious flavor profile. It’s particularly impressive when entertaining guests, adding a sophisticated and gourmet touch that requires minimal effort to prepare.

How to Make a Simple Balsamic Glaze from Scratch:

Gather Your Ingredient: All you need is high-quality balsamic vinegar. For a generous amount of glaze, start with 2 cups. Choose a good quality vinegar for the best flavor.
Begin the Reduction Process: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring the vinegar to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Simmer and Stir: Once it reaches a gentle boil, immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a steady simmer. Let it continue to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the vinegar from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The goal is to reduce the volume of the vinegar by about half, allowing it to thicken into a syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This process typically takes approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on the heat level and the surface area of your saucepan. Keep a close eye on it during the final minutes, as it can thicken very quickly and burn easily.
Cool and Serve: Once the glaze has reached your desired consistency (it should be thick enough to coat a spoon, but still pourable), remove the saucepan from the heat. The glaze will continue to thicken further as it cools. You have a couple of serving options: you can either drizzle the warm balsamic glaze immediately over your hot, roasted Brussels sprouts as they come out of the oven, or you can pour it into a decorative serving bottle or small pitcher and allow your guests to add it themselves.

This homemade balsamic glaze is far superior in flavor and freshness to most store-bought alternatives and is incredibly easy to make. Any leftover balsamic glaze can be stored in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ready to enhance salads, other roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even cheese platters.

Essential Tips for Perfectly Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

To guarantee that every batch of your Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon achieves that sought-after texture and incredible flavor, keep these fundamental tips in mind. They are the cornerstone of success for this simple yet elegant side dish:

Mindful Selection: Always begin with small, firm, and vibrantly green Brussels sprouts. Smaller sprouts are inherently sweeter and more tender, while firmness is a direct indicator of freshness, which translates to better flavor and texture.
Freshness Matters: For the most delightful flavor, strive to cook your Brussels sprouts within a few days of purchasing them. Younger sprouts are sweeter and less prone to bitterness; their flavor can intensify and become slightly more bitter with prolonged storage.
The Golden Rule of Dryness: This tip is paramount for crispiness. After rinsing your Brussels sprouts, ensure they are thoroughly and completely dry. Use paper towels or, for maximum efficiency, a salad spinner. Any residual moisture on the sprouts will turn into steam in the hot oven, effectively steaming them rather than allowing them to roast and crisp up.
Proper Preparation is Key: Always trim the tough, woody ends from the Brussels sprouts and halve them lengthwise. Halving significantly increases the surface area exposed to the direct heat of the oven, which is crucial for superior caramelization and achieving that desirable crisp texture. Remember, those loose outer leaves that fall off are a bonus – they’ll roast up wonderfully crispy!
Avoid Overcrowding Your Pan: This is a common mistake that leads to soggy sprouts. Arrange the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer on your baking sheet, ensuring there’s ample space between each piece. If the pan is too crowded, the vegetables will release moisture and steam each other, preventing proper browning and crisping. If necessary, divide the ingredients between two baking sheets to give them room to breathe.
Embrace High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature (around 220°C / 425°F) is vital. High heat promotes rapid browning and caramelization on the exterior, creating a crispy crust while ensuring the interior becomes tender relatively quickly, preventing overcooking.
Turn for Evenness: Don’t forget to flip or stir the Brussels sprouts and bacon halfway through the roasting process. This ensures that all sides are exposed to the direct heat, leading to uniform browning, crisping, and charring across the entire batch.

More Scrumptious Side Dish Inspiration

If you loved these Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, you might be looking for more delicious side dishes to complement your favorite meals. Here are some other fantastic and easy-to-make options that are sure to impress:

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Rosemary
Roasted Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Sautéed Cabbage
Sweet Potato Wedges
Roasted Dutch Carrots with Feta
Or explore our full collection of Side Dish Recipes

Recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just 5 ingredients and a single pan. Oven-roasted to perfection, they boast a wonderfully crispy exterior and a tender interior, making them an unforgettable side dish.

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

500 g / 1 lbs Brussels Sprouts, rinsed, trimmed & halved
3 rashers Bacon, diced
2 tablespoon Olive Oil
Salt + Pepper, to taste

Optional

2 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze, or more to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 220C / 425F.
Place brussels sprouts and bacon on a baking tray, drizzle olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper. Mix well together with your hands, then spread out to ensure the sprouts aren’t overlapping.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning half way, until tender on the inside and crisp and charred on the outside.
Serve as is or with balsamic glaze drizzled on top.

Notes

Cooking Tips

Buy sprouts that are small, firm and green.
Cook them within a few days after buying – they are sweeter this way.
Dry your brussels sprouts thoroughly before roasting to make them crispier.
Trim the stem off the brussels sprouts and halve before roasting.
Don’t overlap the brussels sprouts – this causes them to steam rather than roast.

Nutrition

Nutrition information provided by a nutrition calculator and is based on one serve.

Nutrition Information

Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 95
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 7mg
Sodium: 72mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 1g

Cuisine: Western | Category: Side Dishes

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