This Brussel Sprout Recipe With Bacon Is A Game Changer

Tired of pushing sad, mushy Brussels sprouts around your plate? Let’s be honest, for years this humble vegetable has had a bad reputation. Too often, it’s boiled or steamed into a bitter, waterlogged state that brings back unpleasant childhood memories. If you’re one of the many who think they hate Brussels sprouts, I’m here to tell you that you’ve probably just been eating them wrong.

The truth is, Brussels sprouts are meant to be crispy, caramelized, nutty, and savory. They have the potential to be the most requested side dish on your table, a dish so good it converts even the most adamant skeptics. The secret isn’t some complicated culinary technique or a laundry list of fancy ingredients. It’s much simpler, and it involves two of the best things in the culinary world: high heat and smoky, savory bacon.

After testing dozens of methods, we’ve perfected the simple technique that converts even the biggest sprout skeptics. This is the recipe our family begs for at every holiday gathering. By combining the power of roasting with the irresistible flavor of bacon, you can unlock the true, delicious potential of this vegetable. Get ready to completely change your mind about Brussels sprouts forever.

Tired of Boring, Mushy Sprouts? Here’s the Secret to Making Them Irresistible

The secret to game-changing Brussels sprouts with bacon is high-heat roasting. This method caramelizes the sprouts’ natural sugars, creating a tender inside and a perfectly crispy exterior, while the bacon renders its savory fat, infusing every bite with smoky, salty flavor. Forget boiling or steaming; roasting at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) is the non-negotiable first step to transforming them from a polarizing vegetable into a crave-worthy side dish.

This simple technique guarantees you’ll never have a mushy sprout again. The dry heat of the oven works to draw out moisture, allowing the outer leaves to become addictively crispy, almost like tiny potato chips. The rendered bacon fat not only prevents them from drying out but also coats them in a layer of savory goodness that perfectly complements their natural nutty sweetness. This one simple change in cooking method is the true game-changer that will make you fall in love with Brussels sprouts.

The Ultimate Crispy Brussel Sprout Recipe With Bacon (4 Delicious Ways)

Our top variations for brussels sprouts with bacon include: 1. Classic Crispy Roasted, 2. Sweet & Tangy Balsamic Glazed, 3. Savory & Sweet Maple Bacon, and 4. Quick & Crispy Air Fryer. We’ve broken down the four most popular and foolproof methods, complete with pro-tips to ensure your success, whether you’re using an oven or an air fryer. Each recipe starts with the same core principle of achieving that perfect crispy texture, then builds on it with delicious, crowd-pleasing flavors. Choose your favorite or try them all!

1. The Foundational: Classic Crispy Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

The best way to achieve maximum crispiness is to roast halved Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon together on a sheet pan in a hot oven. This classic, reliable method allows the bacon fat to render and coat the sprouts, creating deeply caramelized edges and a perfectly tender interior.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 5 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Spread the chopped bacon onto a large, rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 5-7 minutes until it just begins to crisp.
  4. Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Add the Brussels sprout mixture to the pan, tossing everything together with the partially cooked bacon and rendered fat.
  5. Spread the mixture back into a single, even layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  6. Roast for another 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender, deeply browned, and crispy on the edges and the bacon is fully cooked and crisp. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For extra crispy leaves, make sure the Brussels sprouts are completely dry before tossing them with oil. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

Pin this classic recipe for your next holiday dinner!

2. The Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet & Tangy Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

To make this elevated version, toss the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon with a simple balsamic glaze during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. This timing is crucial to create a thick, sticky, and perfectly caramelized glaze without burning the sugars in the vinegar.

• Ingredients:
  • Follow all ingredients from the Classic Crispy recipe.
  • For the Glaze: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• Instructions:
  1. Follow steps 1-5 of the Classic Crispy Oven-Roasted recipe.
  2. While the sprouts and bacon are roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small bowl.
  3. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle the balsamic mixture evenly over the sprouts and bacon.
  4. Toss everything to coat well.
  5. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the glaze is thick, sticky, and caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Lesson Learned: Don’t add the balsamic glaze at the beginning of the roasting process. The sugars will burn before the sprouts are fully cooked. Adding it in the last few minutes creates the perfect sticky glaze.

Love this flavor combo? Save it to your ‘Weeknight Dinners’ board!

3. The Comfort Food Favorite: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

For this comforting combination, toss the Brussels sprouts with pure maple syrup before roasting and then sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese immediately after they come out of the oven. The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully in the high heat, and the residual heat melts the Parmesan just enough to create a savory, cheesy coating.

• Ingredients:
  • Follow all ingredients from the Classic Crispy recipe.
  • Add: 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In your large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the 2 tbsp of maple syrup and toss again to coat everything evenly.
  3. Spread the chopped bacon on the sheet pan and top with the maple-coated Brussels sprout mixture. Toss to combine on the pan.
  4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until sprouts are tender and caramelized and bacon is crispy.
  5. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss gently one last time and serve hot.

Pro-Tip: Use real, pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The authentic flavor makes a world of difference and caramelizes beautifully without being overly sweet.

The perfect sweet & savory side! Pin this for later!

4. The Quick & Easy Method: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

The fastest way to get exceptionally crispy results is to cook the Brussels sprouts and bacon together in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C). The circulating hot air makes the sprouts incredibly crispy on the outside in a fraction of the time it takes in an oven.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chopped bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until it starts to get crispy.
  4. Add the seasoned Brussels sprouts to the basket with the bacon. Toss to combine with the rendered bacon fat.
  5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and very crispy and the bacon is fully cooked.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary. Giving the sprouts space is the key to getting that signature air-fried crisp on all sides.

Need a fast side dish? Pin this air fryer hack!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

• High Heat is Your Friend: Always roast or air fry at 400°F (200°C) or close to it. High heat is essential for caramelization and crispiness, preventing a soggy, steamed texture.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread the sprouts in a single, even layer with space between them. Overcrowding will steam the sprouts instead of roasting them. Use two pans if necessary.
• Dry Sprouts Get Crispy: Pat your Brussels sprouts completely dry after washing them. Water creates steam, which is the enemy of a crispy finish.
• Cut Face Down for a Better Sear: Place halved Brussels sprouts cut-side-down on the baking sheet. This maximizes contact with the hot pan, creating a deep, flavorful sear.
• Add Glazes at the End: For glazes with sugar (balsamic, maple, honey), add them in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning before the sprouts are tender.

People Also Ask About brussel sprout recipes with bacon

Do you cook bacon before adding to Brussels sprouts?

For best results, partially cook the bacon for 5-7 minutes before adding the Brussels sprouts. This allows some of the fat to render, which then coats the sprouts for extra flavor. It also ensures the bacon and sprouts finish cooking at the same time, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon and tender sprouts.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook Brussels sprouts?

Gordon Ramsay often pan-sears his Brussels sprouts for a deep char. A popular method involves blanching them first, then searing them in a hot pan with bacon lardons (or pancetta). He finishes them with flavorings like chestnuts, lemon zest, or a touch of vinegar for acidity to cut through the richness.

What are good seasonings to put on Brussels sprouts?

Excellent choices include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes for heat. Beyond salt and pepper, Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with a wide range of seasonings. Sweet elements like balsamic glaze, maple syrup, or brown sugar complement their earthy flavor, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty finish.

How do you get crispy Brussels sprouts instead of soggy?

The key to crispy Brussels sprouts is high heat (400°F/200°C), ensuring they are completely dry, and not overcrowding the pan. Tossing them in enough oil ensures the outer leaves fry and crisp up in the oven. Placing them cut-side down also helps create a deep, caramelized crust.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the ultimate guide to crispy, delicious Brussels sprouts, this humble vegetable can finally be the star of your dinner table. From the classic oven-roasted method to sweet and savory variations, there’s a recipe here to convert any skeptic and delight every guest. The combination of caramelized sprouts and smoky bacon is truly a game-changer.

Which version are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below